Don't take it literally! Fun with IDIOMS this week...

One of our 3rd grade standards is learning different types of figurative language, which include idioms. Each week, we have a new "Idiom of the Week", and the kids love them! They find them interesting, and can't wait to learn a new one. Since this past week of school was such a short one (With MLK holiday and planning day), I decided it was high time the kids had a little fun with these idioms! We read It's Raining Cats and Dogs; A Collection of Irresistible Idioms by Will Moss.

The students were then able to pick 2 idioms to illustrate the literal meaning, as well as write what the idiom is really trying to say. Some of the illustrations were hilarious! Such a fun activity! I'm including a few of them below for your enjoyment! Way to go guys! I think we're definitely "on the ball" with idioms! :)

FCAT is fast approaching!

Now that we are back to school from winter break, it is GAME ON for FCAT preparation and review. Over the next few months, we will be hitting the 3rd grade Benchmarks hard to make sure we have mastered each one before the FCAT test after Spring Break in March.

Be looking for information coming home regarding an FCAT night sometime in February. On that night, the 3rd grade team will go in depth discussing the FCAT and the things that will be tested, as well as answering any questions. The students will have a chance to go into the computer lab this night and browse the FCAT Explorer website with their individual usernames and passwords.

Most of my students have had a chance to peruse FCAT Explorer during reader's workshop within our classroom. I sent home usernames and passwords with the students in the fall, however many of you have requested them again. To sign on to the site, you will need the following username and password:

Username: Last name + First initial
Password: 16 + First 4 letters of last name + numerical birth month and day (mmdd)

For a student names John Smith whose birthday is January 5-
Username: Smithj
Password: 16smit0105

Please let me know if you are still experiencing problems!

Happy 2012!

I wanted to take a moment and wish everyone a VERY Happy 2012!! I can't believe we are almost halfway through the school year! Looking forward to a wonderful second semester of 3rd grade. Some of my resolutions this year are to spend more time with my small groups everyday, start a new behavior points system in our classroom, cater more to each child's specific needs, and to learn how to cook without burning everything! :) What are your resolutions?