Mrs. Sandlin's Owl-Stars

CogAT and IOWA Testing Begins

 

 

Hi everyone!

We had a very busy (but short) week learning about arrays, playing fun multiplication games, and even making arrays using Cheez-its! Everyone is doing well in their understanding of multiplication, repeated addition, arrays, and drawing groups. We will begin taking multiplication "fluency" quizzes beginning October 3rd. These quizzes are different than the timed tests you may have taken in third grade. Instead of the timer counting down, the timer counts up. This helps to reduce the anxiety many students feel and allows them to use the strategies we learn in class to solve problems they haven't memorized yet. We will also go in a more "logical" order. After taking the 1s, students will then take the 2s, 5s, 3s, 4s, 6s, 9s, 7s, 8s. This is to build on student successes and encourage the students to use strategies to solve problems. For example, some students will realize that the 4s are the 2s doubled. Or that you can double the 3s and get the 6s! Pretty neat, huh? 

Also, this week begins the CogAT and IOWA assessments. These tests are taken in third grade to determine student strengths and weaknesses, in addition to possible Gifted (Target) eligibility. Make sure to get a good night's sleep and a healthy breakfast before coming to school Tuesday-Friday. 

Have a great week!

Mrs. Sandlin

Happy Labor Day Weekend!

Hi all!

I hope you are enjoying a restful day off! We took a trip to Rock City in Tennessee--it was a blast! Not only do you get to see amazing rock formations, but you can buy various minerals and fossils at the gift shop! You can also practice map skills as you stand at the top of "Lover's Leap" and view seven states in the distance! Lastly, we took a trip in the Fairytale Caverns to see our favorite fairy tale scenes under black light. It was really a sight to see--and it hit so many third grade standards!

I hope you all enjoy your time off and I can't wait to see you back in class on Tuesday!

-Mrs. Sandlin