Week 3

Reading: This week the students learned about using context clues to understand the meaning of an unknown word.  The 3rd graders worked in pairs and came up with a made-up word and definition.  They then wrote a sentence that had context clues so the class could determine the meaning of their word.  The 4th graders read a paragraph containing an unknown word. They then had to use context clues to find the meaning of the word.  They had to write what clues helped them figure out the meaning of the word.

Spelling: The students (just 3rd graders) received their first spelling list.  They are high frequency words this time.  Remember that when testing the students have to write the entire sentence.  They will be graded on having a capital, spelling all spelling words correctly (and using the correct form of the word) and having the correct punctuation. Their first test will be on Thursday September 28th. 

Writing: We continued through the writing process for our Oreo writing. The students voted that they liked Apple Pie Oreos better than Birthday Cake Oreos (I did not agree!!)

Grammar:  This week we worked on changing singular nouns into plural nouns.  We made a notetaker with all the rules.  The students took an assessment on Thursday.  They all did a great job on the assessment!

Projects: We finished up with our simple machines rotations. The students then went on a simple machines scavenger hunt around the school.  

Don't forget to send your student with 2 snacks each day.  During our afternoon snack time I have had several students tell me they are hungry but they do not have a snack.  Sometimes I have something I can give them, but usually I don't have anything. 

Week #2

We had another great week!! 

Third graders had to take the MAP test this week.  They did a good job of staying focused and trying their best!  I was very proud of them.

Reading: We worked on identifying different parts of the plot stucture in different picture books.  We also talked about using format matters when answering (restating the question, answering in a complete sentence and talking loud enought for all to hear)

Writing:  We finished taking our snapshot assessments.  The students then had an Oreo taste test that we will use to start our opinion writing on Monday.  

Grammar: We finished up with nouns and pronouns.  The students then made a notetaker to help them with the rules for changing singlar nouns into plural nouns.

Projects:  We continued learning about he different simple machines.

If your child is going to be absent from school please notify the front office by 9:00 am. 423-5437.  
Please remember that if anyone comes to check your child out of school who is not on the emergency card they will not be released to them.  You can update that list by going to Infinite Campus Parent Portal. 

1st Week

Monday is picture day!Your child has their order form in their binder.  


We had a great first week!! If you haven't turned in all of your paperwork, please send it in with your child ASAP.  Also, please remember to turn in your family scrapbook page.  The kids love looking at eachother's pages and sharing our book with their family. 

Reading: This week we are working on Read to Self and building stamina. The goal is to work up to 20 minutes.  We will be there in no time!  We also worked on Plot Structure.  We focused on exposition.  

Writing:  I want to know where the students are with their writing.  This week they wrote an opinion writing and they started a narative.  We will finish the narative writing on Monday.

Grammar: In order to review nouns, the students were each given a kind of noun (person, place, thing or idea).  They were not told why they were given their card just that they had to figure out who was in their group. It took a few minutes but once someone figured it out it was fun to watch them work together to get everyone into the correct group.  The groups then each made a noun poster.

Projects: This week we focused on Tribes and our Tribes agreements. We did some fun activities to help us build a strong classroom community.

Misc.  The students will all need headphones this year. If you could please send in a pair of headphones in a ziplock bag with your child's name on it that would be great. There is no hurry just as soon as it is convienent for you.