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I enjoyed visiting with you at back to school night. I wish we had more time. Your children really,
really enjoyed your positive notes. If the information in the packet that you took home does not answer
all your questions please let me know.
We did a science, math, writing, and cooking activity with the fruit that you sent in. Mrs. Berchem
and Mrs. Permutt helped us chop and peel. The best part was eating it. There was plenty for seconds,
thirds, fourths...... Pictures will be in our scrapbook.
Our new kindergarten buddies are very cute and your third graders were very kind and mature with
them. It will be a pleasure watching this group throughout the year. Come in to view the pictures of
our buddies, all the terrific art, and our “Flat Stanley” bulletin board if you can.
Curriculum
Math - We have completed the first twenty lessons in the book. Coming up is rounding to the nearest
thousand, estimating sums, 4 digit addition and subtraction and conjecture/verify problem solving.
Social Studies - We have been using globes, maps and the social studies text for this interesting
geography unit. We will continue this with a quiz on the seven continents and the four oceans and
local Los Altos geography. In addition, Columbus will be a large part of our October social studies.
Science - We have sprouted and observed popcorn, sunflower seeds, bean, and peas. Currently we are
testing out hydroponics (growing with water instead of dirt). The crayfish have arrived for the next
hands on investigation!
Journal Writing - It is a daily activity that the children seem to like to do and share. I certainly enjoy
reading these creative insights and stories. Some of the students have been eager to share their
journals with the class.
Reading/Language Arts - We have finished the first unit in the third grade reader and will be starting
another literature book, Shoeshine Girl. Poetry, sentence structure, and creative writing have been the
emphasis of our writing for the last month.
Spelling - One common mistake being made over and over in our spelling tests is the use of the words
to and too. Perhaps this quote from an online source will help teach this concept: "People seldom mix
'two' up with the other two; it obviously belongs with words that also begin with TW, like 'twice' and
'twenty' that involve the number 2. But the other two are confused all the time. Just remember that the
only meanings of 'too' are 'also' (I want some ice cream, too. Note also the use of the comma to offset
'too' in this sentence.) and 'in excess' (Your walkman is playing too loudly). Note that extra O. It should
remind you that this word has to do with adding more on to something. 'To' is the proper spelling for all
the other uses.
The Friday spelling quiz should come home on Mondays, corrected and stapled to the new
spelling list. Please have your student make a note of the “no excuse words” they missed and continue
to practice them. They will be responsible for these words from now on
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