Wednesday, September 18, 2013

Place Value - Working with Number Basics

Place value is an important concept that allow students to learn the value of numbers and how to say them.  In third grade, students are expected to read and write numbers from 0 - 999,999.  The bigger the numbers, the bigger the problems can be.  They can also be more confusing.  Here are some quick lessons to show you what we have learned with place value.

Place Value
  • Do the place value chant with your child (ones, tens, huuuuuuuuundreds, comma thousands, ten thousands, hundred thousands).  Just start with "ones" and your child should do the rest.  Knowing the correct place values is an important skill in helping your child understand and read numbers.

Finding the Value of Digits (will be important when working with expanded form)
  • Finding the value of digits in numbers can be difficult.  Follow this strategy:

  • There are 5 different ways to write numbers.  Work with your child on ALL the different ways to write them.  Start in word form, and change it to standard.  Start with expanded form and change it to standard, or vise versa.  Make sure your child understands all the different ways to represent numbers and how to work between them.

 
Reading Numbers
  • Reading numbers is a hard concepts that can easily confuse students.  Follow these steps in "karate chopping" and "chunking" numbers that will make reading numbers as easy as 1,2,3!
 
I hope these tutorials will help you when you are working on your child's homework.  Next time I will offer tips on Comparing and Ordering numbers as well as Rounding numbers to the nearest 10 and 100.
 
Until next time!
 
Ms. Valdez

Wednesday, September 11, 2013

The Importance of Tuesday Folders and Classroom Binders

It is hard to believe that we are already into the end of the 3rd week of school.  If this is any indication of what this new school year holds for us, we are in for a fast paced ride.

As you have noticed, your child will bring home a "Tuesday Folder" every Tuesday of the week.  This folder contains school news, community/school event notices, graded work and other paperwork that you need to see.  Make sure to check your child's Tuesday Folder EVERY TUESDAY and have them return it on Wednesday.  Keep all paperwork and graded work at home, unless your child has a failing grade below a 70 (69 or below in classroom assignments).  If your child has any graded classroom work that is below a 70, they may do the corrections and turn it in for a higher passing grade (70-75).  I can only do this for classroom assignments/daily work.  Unfortunately, our quizzes and tests can not be redone but it is encouraged that you review them with your child at home.

You may have also seen your child's classroom binder.  This binder travels with your child between my math/science/social studies class and Ms. Parker's reading.  We keep incomplete work, work in progress and homework in this folder.  At times, graded work will go home in the binder for corrections.  Please look out for it.

Inside the binder is also the monthly behavior calendar for your child.  If your child has a wonderful day without incident, the day in the calendar will be left blank.  If there are problems in the classroom, we will mark the calendar for you to read.  Please make sure to check your child's behavior calendar daily and initial it showing you have seen it.

Thank you again for stopping by and keeping up with this blog.  I know with your involvement, you child will make great strides this year. 

Until next time.....

Ms. Valdez

Wednesday, September 4, 2013

Math Homework for the week of Sept. 2 -6

Some of the students have told me that you have asked if we had math homework this week.  The answer to that is no.  There is still homework for Ms. Parker's reading/language arts class but not for math.  Your child WILL have math homework next week. 

Don't forget to check your child's binder everyday for behavior, homework and graded papers.

Until next time....

Ms. Valdez

Tuesday, September 3, 2013

1st Week of School = SUCCESS!!!!

Hello parents and students...

We got off to a great start this brand new school year.  The kiddos are learning routines, making new friends, and are already working hard.

This blog will serve as a major form of communication between parents and I.  Please make sure to check it as much as possible.  I will post important news about homework, school work, classroom activities and more. 

Follow me on twitter.  My user name is @msvaldez3rd.  I will tweet important information.

I have also set up a REMIND101 account.  This account will allow me to text parents.  Just text @cef21 to(409) 359-5391 to sign up. 

I look forward to communicating with everyone this year.  If you have any questions, please feel free to email me.  My contact information is:

Michelle Valdez
mvaldez@hitchcockisd.org
@msvaldez3rd (Twitter)

Have a wonderful evening!

Ms. Valdez