3M Post Its
Mrs. Meyer’s Third Grade Newsletter March 2017
Language Arts
We are midway through Charlotte’s Web– a story filled with rich vocabulary as well as themes of friendship, survival and loyalty. These themes will be examined in depth as we move through this novel, paying close attention to character traits and story elements.
Third grade was responsible for running an All School Dr. Seuss buddy read on March 2nd. It was a sight to behold to see all of 3M buddying up with their eighth grade buddies to share favorite Dr. Seuss stories. Thank you for sending in books. Tokick off our Dr. Seuss celebration, we analyzed his biography and created a flap book for our Readers’ Notebooks with several pertinent facts gleaned from the passage. The small font and large amount of information in the bio was challenging, and I was very pleased with how the students navigated this text. We know that we ‘attack’ nonfiction by reading it several times, and looking at the questions (if there are any) first.
Social Studies
In a few weeks, we will move back into Social Studies with a study of Jamestown. More to follow on this wonderfully integrated unit after we complete chapters 9 and 10 in Science.
Science
We are just about completed with the first half of our study of matter.These budding scientists rotated through six hands- on centers involving mass and volume using pan balances and triple beam scales. We are becoming more comfortable with the metric system as we use the terms gram, kilograms and centimeters. Be sure to continue this exploration at home by pointing out and discussing standard units of measure when you shop and cook.
We will soon be moving onto chemical and physical changes (chapter 10). Many hands on labs are planned for the upcoming weeks. Be on the lookout soon for an at- home kitchen lab (involving Jello).
Math e
In a few short weeks, we will be finished with the first (and largest) volume of our math series, and will move into Volume 2, starting off with fractions. This will be a new concept for many and we will do several hands on activities for reinforcement. You can spark discussion at home every time you cut up an apple into equal parts or divide a baggie of pretzels equally between siblings. Food prep naturally lends itself to discussion of fractions, so break out the plastic measuring cups for your kids and invite them into the kitchen to help! They already know how to get down to eye level when measuring liquids from our recent science labs.:)
Pop quizzes in multiplication facts will continue. Our next quizzes will be on sevens, eights and nines. Several students need help and support at home memorizing their multiplication facts 0-12. Just chanting the multiples in the car at a red light is helpful (For ex: multiples of 3 are 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21, 24, 27, 30, 33, 36). We are making up little stories in the classroom for trouble facts(facts we have trouble memorizing). Getting creative will help your child builds his multiplication confidence.
Your child can always access our text book online. There are activities, games, videos, review pages and even the homework if your child fails to bring it home! The web site is: connected.mcgraw-hill.com.Your child’s user name is: first initial, last name22. The password is: onlinemath22. This is a great resource for your child.
Religion
We are taking a step away from our religion text to focus on the preparation of our hearts for Lent. We are delving deeply into Jesus’ parables and will be collaborating in small groups to dramatizeseveral of them. We have recently analyzed The Sower and the Seed and The Prodigal Son. You will see parable packets going home throughout Lent for your child to complete. This is a great springboard for discussion about the real meaning behind each of these parables.
Third grade was responsible for running the All School Meeting last week, and we were extremely proud of them as they read aloud a Lenten reflection and sang The Prayer of Saint Francis. Every third grader handled the microphone to speak in front of the entire school and spoke slowly, clearly and with expression. Way to go third grade!
Odds and Ends
Thank you for the many Valentine cards and treats. I was touched by all my ‘valentines’.
Thank you for sending in $7.00 (cash) to cover the costsof a St. Patrick’s breakfast and hard bound blank books for our young authors.
Grandparents to Lunch is on Friday, March17th. Our lunch time on that day is 11:15am. Grandparents should meet their third grader in the lobby at lunchtime. Their grandchild will escort them into the lunchroom. If your child is not bringing lunch from home or buying pizza that day, please let him/her know that morning so our lunch count is accurate. If grandparents are buying pizza that day, let your child know that as well.
Class Trip permission slips went home last week. They are due with payment by March 10th. Our class trip to Waterloo Village is on May 12th.
Terra Nova testing takes place the week of April 3th. Test practice will take place the week before. Please refrain from pulling your child from school (unless they are sick) on those days.
Our Mothers’ Day Tea will be held on Thursday, May 11th at 1:15pm. This is an afternoon NOT TO BE MISSED for all moms!!
As always, please contact me with questions and concerns.
Spring is just around the corner!!