What's going on in Mrs. Prairie's room?

by Heather Prairie

Welcome to the third grade! My name is Heather Prairie. This is my sixth year in 3rd grade at Chebanse Elementary. I previously taught four years in 2nd and 3rd grade in St. Anne. I grew up in Chebanse and decided to return home due to my own growing family. My husband and I reside in Clifton with our three daughters.

I received my bachelor's degree from Olivet Nazarene University. I have also received a Master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Nova Southeastern University in Florida, and a Master's degree in Educational Leadership with a Type 75 endorsement from St. Francis University.

Math:

We are working on our geometry chapter. The students have really enjoyed this chapter. We have made solid figures out of paper, then marshmallows and toothpicks. Next week, we will work on area and perimeter. We have also started working on the different formats of questions for the ISAT test in March. I like for them to be familiar with the test before they take it. This helps to ease their worries.

Reading: Our Walking Reading program is going really well. The 3rd grade team is very happy with the great discussions and work the students are completing. The students were separated into four groups based on the results of their reading AIMSweb benchmarking test. This allows each teacher to differentiate the reading curriculum to tailor it to each group's needs. We will be doing the AIMSweb benchmarking again next week. This will help us to make adjustments to the students' learning if needed.

Language Arts:

They are also proofreading in our Daily Oral Language lessons once a week. We continue to work on expository writing. This week, we began sample ISAT writing. The students will have to complete written Reading Responses and Math Extended Responses. Each one calls for written explanations of their work.

Character Education:

Our focus this month is caring.

Second Step:

This program is used to teach how to appropriately handle conflict in our daily lives. We get to act out various scenes and then discuss them. We have begun this program and the students have really enjoyed the role-playing aspect.

Play:

We began our SECRET play last week! The students are soooo excited!

If you ever have any questions, comments, or concerns......please do not hesitate to contact me. I will do my best to answer your questions or offer help.

The best way to reach me is by sending a note with your child, or sending an e-mail at hprairie@cusd4.org.