Weekly Update

Good afternoon!

I hope all of you have enjoyed the snowy surprise this weekend! This week in class we will be continuing to study geometric figures in math. This unit is difficult because almost all of the vocabulary words are brand new for students. So far, we have learned about types of lines and angles, plane figures, and the 6 different types of triangles. This week we will continue to review these concepts and also discuss quadrilaterals. We will be using the iPad cart and taking pictures of real-life examples we see around school to help make the vocabulary seem more concrete. The math notebook has everything that they need to know for the test that is scheduled for Monday, February 11th. If you are looking for additional information or resources, please access the math textbook online (by going onto the Moodle) and looking over chapter 19. I will also be posting websites and games on Edmodo that might be useful if your child needs more review. 

This week we also will be taking a test Friday, February 8th in science over the three states of matter. We will be completing two different projects and experiments as well as a study guide that will come home by Wednesday. Please check the planner and binder for further information. If you have any questions, please just e-mail or call me! 

Here is a look at other things we are studying this week:

• Reading: fact and opinion, asking questions and using prior knowledge
• Writing: prompt writing/constructed response short answer questions
• Spelling: each group will have a spelling test within the next week 

It's already time for the Valentine's Day Party!

Kim Swenson will be organizing the Valentine's Day party. Please read her message below:

Hi everyone, It's time for another party! We will be celebrating our Valentine's Day party on Thursday, Feb. 14th at 2:00. Please let me know if you can help out the day of the party, have an idea for a craft or fun game, or can just donate treats or prizes for gift bags. Thanks, Kim Swenson kdeeswenson@sbcglobal.net

Lastly, this is a challenging time of year for students in third grade. Not only are we likely to have more indoor recess than we would like, but the curriculum moves very quickly. We begin preparing for the Missouri Assessment Program test that is taken in April. This test will involve 4 sessions of Communication Arts, and as mentioned at Curriculum Night, one of the sessions involves writing a story to a prompt using the writing process (pre-writing, drafting, revising/editing, publishing). The test also involves 3 sessions of Math. Since third graders have never taken this type of test before, we are going to be working hard on how to respond to test questions, using strategies to remain calm and focused,  and continue learning the remainder of the curriculum for this school year. You can help support your child by practicing the math facts, reinforcing good work habits, and by helping them edit the writing assignment that will come home again next week. 

This was a lot of information! Please let me know if you have questions! Have a great weekend!