We are enjoying a great year of discovery in our awesome Third Grade Classroom! Each day finds us exploring many new ideas and concepts in every academic area.
In Language Arts, we are reading a variety of genres, including informational text and poetry, as well as responding to other types of fictional text in literature circles. Our writing will take us into some of these same areas. We will be learning about making inferences in Fiction and Non-Fiction as well as how to write a good Summary of what we have read. We recently began our Non-Fiction Journal and will be using it frequently to respond to a variety of non-fiction topics, including our areas of focus in Science and Social Studies. Students will be earning their Reading Detective Ranks by using good detective skills in their reading.
In Math, we have completed linear measurement, area and perimeter. We continue to work on mastering our multiplication facts and using mental strategies to learn them. We will be studying time and fractions in the coming weeks. We will relate these concepts to the real world and develop strategies for solving problems in these areas. Please take every opportunity to help your child memorize his or her multiplication facts. They can take Math Magician tests at home on the facts through the 10's and bring a signed note or certificate from you stating that they scored 95 or better in order to mark our multiplication chart.
In Science, we made a stellar trip through the galaxy to learn all about the Sun and the Planets. We are becoming experts on the Earth and the Forces that Change and Shape the Land. Ask your student about our latest discoveries and activities! Our wonderful 3rd grade scientists also were awarded 1st place among the class projects in the Science Fair. We investigated where the coldest water source in our school building could be found. They made very well thought out predictions and carried out a very sound investigation. After all of that testing, we discovered that the fountain in our very own classroom was the coldest of those tested!
In Social Studies, we will be learning about the contributions of a number of Black Americans who have made positive differences to our society. We will also be focusing on the previous presidents of our country in honor of Presidents' Day. Geography and Maps will be the focus of our next unit of study.
We have had a wonderful beginning to 2010. Continue to help your child build stamina in reading by making sure they are reading at least 20 minutes every night. This will help them prepare for the length of our standardized TAKS test. Questioning them about what they have read also helps them reflect and form deeper understandings of their reading.
As always, don't hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns you have. The joy of teaching your child is truly a privilege.