September 8th - 12th, 2014

Dear Families,

We have had a good time learning about 4 different types of energy this week. You could ask about the video we saw during Science. One of the students said, "I think everyone in the world should see this video!" I guess it was a hit! :)We have also been working really hard with multiples of 10 and 5. Please work with your child on multiplying every day objects by 10 and 5, as well as discussing when it would be practical to use these multiples. The sooner they master these concepts, the better for them! I have personally enjoyed reading their personal narratives and small moment writings. You can look forward to seeing some of these coming home in Tuesday folders over the next couple of weeks. They are precious! 

On a silly note, here is a joke for the week: What do you call a fish with no eyes? The answer is at the bottom of the blog entry. :)


WRITING
This week, students will continue learning about Personal Narratives. Through a series of mini-lessons and picture books, students will focus on how to write a variety of different leads to hook their readers. Students will apply their new knowledge of leads to their own personal narratives pieces. 

Again this week, students will be assigned vocabulary homework that needs to be completed at home and turned in by Friday. All 8 words must be defined and used correctly in a sentence (with at least 7 words). On Friday, students will be assessed for their ability to spell 5 of the words correctly, choose their matching definition, and use 2 of the words in a complete sentence.

READING
In class, students will be reading Destiny’s Gift and answering comprehension questions related to this story. They will also be assigned a smaller text that correlates to the style, theme, and content of Destiny’s Gift to complete a second comprehension activity. Students will learn that much of the 3rd grade reading curriculum centers around understanding a text and responding in various ways and answering in complete sentences. 

Again this week, students will be assigned an additional comprehension activity that needs to be complete at home and will be due on Thursday. In addition to answering each question, students are expected to find the page number in which the answer can be found in the text. 

MATH
Our focus this week in math will shift to place value and rounding.  Students will be reviewing three digit numbers and how to correctly identify the standard, expanded, and word form of a given number.  Students will also be learning how estimating can help us solve problems quickly.  Students will be identifying situations in the real world in which estimating would be helpful, as well as practicing various strategies to help estimate.

SCIENCE
Our study of science will continue with forms of energy. Students will continue to identify various forms of energy through hand-on lessons and observations. Students will be assessed on their knowledge of energy on Friday. 

DISMISSAL
Dismissal expectations have changed this year, but we think the process will run continue to run smoother over time. If there is a change in your child's daily transportation plan, please email me or write it in their planner.

Answer: fsh   Get it... no "i"s? :)

Have a great weekend!
Tammy Leyva