Oct. 13, 2015 Newsletter

Reading:

Being able to recount or retell stories by picking out the most important details helps to determine the central message or moral of a story. Your students have been reading and listening to several fables, legends and stories. We have been working on finding the important details and the overall lesson. The class learned how to identify suffixes and their meanings. Students saw how suffixes change the meaning of root words. We will be learning how to determine the meaning of unknown and multiple meaning words. Strategy groups are meeting to read chapter books and discuss/reinforce strategies for reading comprehension. Students are using sticky notes for “stop and jots”. Doing this is good practice for reflection about what they read. It could also be something they do at home after reading a few pages or a chapter.

Language/Writing:

Most students are working on their second personal narrative. I have conferenced with many students and encouraged them to work on various aspects of their writing. Mostly students need to zoom in on powerful moments and be descriptive. We are working on getting away from list like writing and really focusing on feelings and using our senses. Using more powerful vocabulary also makes writing more interesting. I keep reminding the students that students who read voraciously are better writers because they tend to model what they read. We have also been working on learning about pronouns and the nouns they replace. We will be learning about using linking verbs and commas this week.

Math: We have begun our unit on multiplication. We are learning how division is the inverse operation of multiplication. Students have learned strategies for multiplication and division. We will begin taking 2 minute timed multiplication quizzes this Friday. I will try to give the quizzes Tuesdays and Thursdays. Students will be given 2 minutes to complete 20/22 problems accurately. We will start with a mixed 0’s and 1’s Friday. There is a great link on my website called Multiplication Magician. Students can pick the facts they are working on and it times them for practice. They must practice at home to be successful. Here is the order that the timed quizzes will be given: 0’s-1’s, 2’s,10’s, 5’s, 4’s, 8’s, 3’s, 6’s, 9’s, 7’s, 11’s, and 12’s. They must pass one before moving to the next. We will keep a chart in the classroom. In December we will have an ice cream party to celebrate their hard work. For tests passed, they earn tickets that can be used for their bowl, napkin, spoon, scoops and toppings.

Science: The scientist have been having fun with Ms. Croy learning about the 3 different types of joints and comparing mammal bones.

Field Trip permission forms and money are due for the Science Fun for Everyone in house field trip. Please send in as soon as possible or pay online.

Important Dates:

Oct. 14 - Picture Day

Oct. 14 - Ms. Argent 3rd Grade Explorers Meeting 4:30

Oct. 16 - Early Release 1:15

Oct. 17 - Community Service Project 9AM-12PM (See Ms. Brinchek’s website)

Oct. 21 - Science Fun for Everyone Skin and Bones

Oct. 23 - End of 1st Quarter

Oct. 26 - No School/Teacher Workday/Conferences

Oct. 30 - Report cards go home

Oct. 30 - Fall Fundraiser envelopes are due