Working Hard!
A mind boggling, but true fact is that we are more than halfway through the school year! Your
children are humming along, working very hard, and turning out some wonderful writing, reports,
reading responses, and creative art projects. The cursive is shaky, but will steadily improve. I am
sure that you are enjoying reviewing their work. February means Valentine’s Day, observing the
Presidents’ birthdays, winter vacation, and unfortunately a short school month.
On the 100th day of school, Feb. 2nd, we will be assisting our kindergarten buddies in their
count of 100 items. We will also be measuring our legs and arms to see if we are a square or a
rectangle. What are you?
The Oak life skill for February is teamwork. The goals include; working to earn the respect of
others, setting a good example for peers, willing to take the first step, doing our part to help other
students succeed.
Curriculum
Math - Multiplication and division will continue to be our focus this month. Daily games,
manipulatives, timed tests, written work, and drills are just a few of the ways we will learn and
master these facts. Division with remainders will be introduced with a “raisin” lesson. We will also
continue our weekly problem solving and will constantly review 4-digit subtraction. Please continue
using flash cards or making up your own games at home to reinforce the “facts”. Geometry and
fractions are next.
Social Studies - Study of the local Ohlone Indians will start this month. In April we will have a visit
from the Youth Science Institute which will give us hands on experience with the Ohlone Culture. We
are really looking forward to this unit.
Science - The students used mirrors and flashlights to experience the reflection of light and
changing its direction of travel. They were introduced to the idea of light absorption and used gels to
create colored-light environments. In Feb. students will sort a variety of materials based on state:
solid, liquid, and gas and learn the concept of mass - the stuff of the world - and how to measure
mass by weighing. They will also learn the conventions associated with measuring fluid volume.
Mac Lab - Last month we surfed the web using Google as a starting point. The third graders were all
able to find information about their Famous Americans and were excited about where it led them.
We also did a Time for Kids scavenger hunt, typed up some poems (diamontes), and practiced
keyboarding. Coming up is “painting” our version of Van Gogh’s “Starry Night” and writing a creative
story about our kindergarten buddy’s animal painting.
Reading/Language Arts- We are back in our third grade reader which is an anthology of literature.
This month we will be focusing on different strategies including how to evaluate a story, asking
questions that will help increase our understanding of the selection, summarizing the important
ideas, and rereading to clarify.
Valentines’ Day - Because of the district and state nutrition policy, candy may not be included with
the students’ valentines. We will have a party with treats provided by the room parents.
99 Days of School - Now is a good time to replace some of the supplies in your third grader’s desk.
Most need new glue sticks, pencils, markers, and erasers.
Classroom Web Site - I have added many new photos and games on the links page. Check it out!
Wanted; 2009 calendars for mat, misc. stuff to decorate Valentines’ bags, and a shoe box for every
student for their Ohlone diorama