Powerful Persuasion

       We have begun writing persuasive essays in class. Students have learned about the basic format of a persuasive essay. We spent  a few days brainstorming meaningful topics at home, school, and in the world. Students then used a graphic organizer to write their thesis/claim and develop at least 3 STRONG reasons. ("Because I said" so was not an option.)

Next, they were to think of supportive detail for each reason. These could be life examples, details, or experiences they have had or witnessed others going through.  We are also talking about addressing the counterargument that our audience would most likely reply with. Students  had to embed transions for each new paragraph as well as throughout their reason paragraphs. Not only this, but they wrote engaging introductions and will be working on their conclusion in the next few days.

Below is an online tutorial that allows students to practice writing a persuasive essay.

Write My Own Persuasive Essay

New Structures

In Writer's Workshop we have begun informational writing. This week students have been busy taking notes and listing all they know about their topic. One topic we discussed in class this week was text structure. Students learned there are many ways to organize information. We discussed several types of structures and the signal words to look for that let us know which structure it is.

Problem/Solution
Cause/Effect
Chronological
Sequence
Pros/Cons
Compare/Contrast

Next, students tried an example of each structure and added it into their report. Knowing how to identify text structure is also a standard for reading. Below are a few practice quizzes for identifying text structure. Enjoy and keep practicing!

What is the Structure?
Practice 2
Hoop Shooting Game
Who Wants to be a Millionaire?
 
*When you play any of these games, write the word BANANA in your planner so Ms. Evanko knows you have been practicing your skills to earn a special treat!

Science and Social Studies Books Online

I know many of you have had some issues getting on the websites for the science and social studies books.  I hope that having the direct link will help!

Science and Social Studies eBooks

 Follow the links below to access the sites. Keep stretching your brain and be a learner for life!

Science eBooks

Social Studies eBooks

Science:

Username:  scienceguestSS

Password:  grade3

Social Studies:

username: ssguest3

password: grade3

The Carnival is Coming!

 The annual Chets Creek Carnival will be Friday,  October 23rd. It will be from 6-9 starting with trick-or-treating in the hallways at 6. Teachers will be passing out candy and we love seeing familiar faces. Each classroom also runs a booth for games or food. Our class will be working the "Ring Toss'. We need parents to help operate the booth throughout the night. Shifts can be in 30 minute increments.  If you would be willing to work a 30 minute or an hours shift, please write a note in your child's planner so we can sign you up.

 We look forward to seeing you at the carnival!

Enjoy Scholastic Books!

If you are looking to add some new books to your child's library at home, look no farther! You can order Scholastic Books all year  long online in the convenience of your own home. No more trips to the bookstore. They are shipped right to me and students LOVE when it is book delivery day.  Not only this, but when you online the class gets coupons for free books as well. Your order is not only helping your child's reading life, but the students in our class. 

All you need to do is go online to Scholastic Books and enter our class code: GLLBL. Then, begin shopping! I get a notification an order has been placed and send it off for you.  Please consider this great opportunity to expose children to the books and topics they are interested in reading about. You can preorder the new Diary of a Wimpy Kid book right now until October 19th and receive it on its release date of Nov. 3rd.

Happy shopping and reading!

Reflex Math

Reflex Math

September 2, 2015

Dear Parents and Guardians,

ExploreLearning Reflex is an online, game-based program that helps students build fast and effortless recall of math facts.

Research has shown that quick recall of math facts is critical for future success in mathematics. More advanced mathematical processes often require students to know a lot of math facts. So, it’s important to master these basic facts before tackling more challenging problems.

Your child can access Reflex from home with these simple instructions.  There is also a label inside your child's planner. 

1.    Using an Internet connected computer with Flash Player 10.1 (or higher) installed, type in this web address: http://www.reflexmath.com

2.    Click on the Launch button in the upper right corner

3.    Enter the teacher’s username (CorbettCircus)

4.    Click on our class name.

5.    Click on your child’s name

6.    Enter your child’s password

Reflex is structured to provide a short daily assessment of student progress, then coaching on new facts, and finally fact practice in the games. There are five games that students can choose from, and they can play as many as they want each day.

Because Reflex includes fun games, a student’s brother or sister might want to give it a try.  It is important that other children not use this account. Reflex continually monitors student progress and adapts to each student’s individual needs.  Because of this adaptivity, having multiple children use the same account will have a negative impact on your child’s progress.   You can sign up for a free 14-day trial at http://www.reflexmath.com for up to 5 other children to try Reflex.

If you have any questions about Reflex, you may contact ExploreLearning directly, via email at support@explorelearning.com or by phone at 866-882-4141(press option 4 for Support).

Thank you,

Mrs. Corbett

Elements of a Story

Today we reviewed the 5 elements of a story: Plot, characters, conflict, theme,  and setting. Students dissected a short story and identified each element. Then, we used a giant inflatable dice that each each element, plus main idea, was written on to practice.  It is vital for students to know the 5 elements when writing and be able to identify them in the books they are reading.  Ask you child to identify each element in the book they are reading from each night!

Here is a great video we sang to learn the 5 elements. WARNING!!!! It is quite catchy and will get stuck in your head all day! :)