March is almost here! March 2-6

ISTEP ISTEP ISTEP ISTEP
The second round of ISTEP Testing begins next week. This round of testing covers the applied skills portion of the Spring Test. The applied skills section focuses on written responses. We will be doing some ISTEP practice activities this week. Please try to not schedule any appointments during the day for your child.

We will alter our schedule next week due to ISTEP testing. We will not begin a new story but instead we will be practicing the play from this week. We'd like to have a performance next Friday afternoon at 3:00, we'd love to see you there!

Spelling
We will not have a spelling list or spelling pages next week either.

Endangered Animal Projects

Your child will choose one activity to complete at home for his/her endangered animal project. They will take the "check" sheet home so that you can see what was chosen. Please talk it over and if you/they decide to change their choice that is not a problem.
The endangered animal project is a large portion of their overall science grade this term.

What's Happening February 2-6?

We are still collecting items for the Brown Bonanza through Thursday. You can donate to the third grade "Sports Fans" basket OR individually wrapped goodies for the junk food walk or 2- liter drinks for the ring toss.
Have you ever been to a Brown Bonanza? They are a lot of fun, please come out, bring the whole family and enjoy a great evening.

Math:
We will be multiplying 0-5 facts. We are using many strategies to learn multiplication. One way is by listening to Multiplication rock (you should hear us singing along). We are using flash cards, drawing arrays, and using pictures to help us as well. Timed tests begin this week so ask your child where he or she is at.

Grammar:
Using adjectives to modify nouns.

Writing:
We are working on mini-lessons to stay focused on one topic, keep logical order and using time-order words, and using interesting words to keep our readers reading!

Reading:
Our story this week is Coyote Places the Stars and we will finish up Inferring this week.

Social Studies:
Our class has been conducting some research on a famous African American. We will be putting together an ABC book about them soon.

Spelling:
As you noticed with the spelling pages this week, your child will be practicing their spelling words in cursive. Does this mean they have to write them in cursive for the test? No, they don't but they can if they wish (and as long as I can read it). After spring break, they will be required to write in cursive for different assignments, spelling tests being one of them. You can use SpellingCity.com to practice the spelling words from home. Log on to Moodle and the link can be found there.

THIRD GRADE NEEDS YOUR HELP!

The Brown Bonanza is quickly approaching (Feb. 6th) and we are in need of some donations. Each grade level is putting together a themed basket to auction during the event. The 3rd grade theme is "Sports Fans". You can help by sending in items for the basket that relate to sports. With your help we can have the best basket to auction!!
Thanks from all the third grade teachers:)

Spelling: Because this is a short week, students took the pretest today and were given their spelling pages. They are due back on Thursday and the final test will be Friday. We will return to our normal schedule next week. The list is on Spelling City for practice.

Social Studies: We will be focusing on Martin Luther King, Jr. activities this week. We'll be looking and making timelines and activities that stress dealing with conflicts with words instead of force.

Math: We are continuing to work on telling time. We will finish up the chapter with a quiz on Friday.

Reading: We are coming to the end of the inferrencing unit and will finish it soon. Students listened to the new story (Sayings We Share) for the week today.

Top Readers

Drum roll please....yes, we do this in class as well:) Our top readers for the month of December are as follows: Jack with 531 minutes, Sam with 481 minutes, and Nick with 398 minutes. Great job guys! Our total reading minutes (at home) was 4,216. Quite a bit lower that the previous months but not unexpected with holidays and travel.

Check out our "Cooperative Snowpeople". Your child worked with a group to create these beauties. A lot of creativity went into them. If you are in the building, you should come see them up close. One is named Mr. Mike and has a tie and a briefcase. Another one is a lady with a purse and a head full of leaves for hair.