Well, I have to admit, I'm not sad to say goodbye to March. I am happy that the last few days have been warmer and that some of the snow is melting and we are beginning to see some grass, although maybe it's just mud! We have had a few busy weeks since last I wrote. First thanks to all who came to our Maine Animal Museum this past Wednesday! It was awesome and the students loved presenting their slideshows and showing everyone how they made their dioramas.(pictures on the picture tab on my website). The students also got a chance to view everyone's diorama and give comments on them earlier in the week. Our next unit will be on Early Maine and Native Americans. We will be studying what colonists did way back when and how the Native Americans used many of Maine's natural resources to survive.
In math our Unit 8 in fractions is going well. We will be finishing it up by next week and will take the Unit 8 math test on Wednesday, March 31st. We have tried to make it fun, by using erasers and apples etc. to talk about parts of wholes. Our next unit will be all about multi digit multiplication. Speaking of which, I was very impressed by the students 50 fact multiplication tests. I saw such vast improvement in just a week and a half. So whatever they are doing at home, keep it up! Studying those facts will be a huge benefit to them as we delve into the next unit.
In writing as I mentioned we finished up our non fiction books. We learned about the three branches of Maine government and also talked about and created some postage stamps of famous Maine people. Check them out on the wall in the hallway as you come to your child's conference. We also started working on persuasive writing this past week and we will continue with that over the next few days. After that we will be tackling a Maine Animal Mystery!
In reading we will study mysteries before attempting to write one. I'm planning on having students work in mystery book clubs as the weeks progress. It should be a fun way to learn about this genre!
As always please let me know if you have any questions or concerns. I am looking forward to seeing you and your child, either Thurs. evening 4/2 or Friday 4/3 for your child's student led conference. We will be getting our portfolios ready over the next few days and doing some goal setting for our final trimester. If you'd like to come a few minutes early prior to your conference I will have your child's portfolio in the hall for you to peruse before we meet.
A couple of important dates to remember:
Friday, April 3-Student led conferences-NO SCHOOL
April 20-24-April Vacation-NO SCHOOL
Thurs. April 30-MAINE NIGHT CONCERT-6 pm in the gym. You will hear some great songs about Maine from the entire third grade and see some beautiful artwork.
I think that's it for now! Have a great weekend!
Tracy
In math our Unit 8 in fractions is going well. We will be finishing it up by next week and will take the Unit 8 math test on Wednesday, March 31st. We have tried to make it fun, by using erasers and apples etc. to talk about parts of wholes. Our next unit will be all about multi digit multiplication. Speaking of which, I was very impressed by the students 50 fact multiplication tests. I saw such vast improvement in just a week and a half. So whatever they are doing at home, keep it up! Studying those facts will be a huge benefit to them as we delve into the next unit.
In writing as I mentioned we finished up our non fiction books. We learned about the three branches of Maine government and also talked about and created some postage stamps of famous Maine people. Check them out on the wall in the hallway as you come to your child's conference. We also started working on persuasive writing this past week and we will continue with that over the next few days. After that we will be tackling a Maine Animal Mystery!
In reading we will study mysteries before attempting to write one. I'm planning on having students work in mystery book clubs as the weeks progress. It should be a fun way to learn about this genre!
As always please let me know if you have any questions or concerns. I am looking forward to seeing you and your child, either Thurs. evening 4/2 or Friday 4/3 for your child's student led conference. We will be getting our portfolios ready over the next few days and doing some goal setting for our final trimester. If you'd like to come a few minutes early prior to your conference I will have your child's portfolio in the hall for you to peruse before we meet.
A couple of important dates to remember:
Friday, April 3-Student led conferences-NO SCHOOL
April 20-24-April Vacation-NO SCHOOL
Thurs. April 30-MAINE NIGHT CONCERT-6 pm in the gym. You will hear some great songs about Maine from the entire third grade and see some beautiful artwork.
I think that's it for now! Have a great weekend!
Tracy