ANNOUNCEMENT!

There has been a change. There is NO field trip this week! A note was sent home today! Please check your son/daughter's communication folder. 

'Twas The Week Before Christmas!

Social Studies:
There will be a unit test on Ancient Rome on Thursday! Students should be bringing home study guides, textbooks, and vocabulary cards to study each night. Study guides are due on Thursday for extra credit points added to their test. Don't wait until the last minute to study! 

Reading & Spelling:
This week we do not have a whole group story. Instead, we are reviewing Quarter 2 skills and working on our writing! There is no homework for reading or writing this week (no literacy packet and no spelling)! There will NOT be a Reading Test or a Spelling Test this Friday. For extra practice, students should just read if they have free time. Students may work on their Reader's Notebook if they wish.

Math:
There is no homework for math this week (no math packet)! Students may practice flash cards or log on to IXL for extra practice. Our focus this week is just reviewing Quarter 2 skills (money, multiplication, and division). 

REMINDERS & IMPORTANT NOTES

**Our classroom party will take place on Friday at 2:25 p.m. If you signed up to bring something, please send it in no later than 9:00 a.m. on Friday. :-) We hope to see you there if you plan to attend! 

**Newsletters went home today!

**There will be no 3rd grade field trip this week! 

Reading This Week - Dec. 7-11

This week we are continuing to work on Author’s Purpose. We are extending our knowledge of PIE (persuade, inform, and entertain) and taking it a step further to see why the author is writing a given piece of text. Are they explaining how to make a gingerbread house? Are they describing how chocolate chip cookies taste? Are they teaching us the steps to send an e-mail? Are they entertaining us with a story about an elf? This week, it is our job to find out! For this reason, we will not have a whole group story this week. Instead, we will be looking at different kinds of text.

In grammar, we are also still learning about root words and affixes. Last week, we focused on common prefixes that come at the beginning of a root word to change the meaning. This week, we are focusing on suffixes that come at the end of a word to change the meaning, while also reviewing prefixes. Students will also be reinforcing this skill through their spelling word list this week (you can find this week’s list under the spelling tab)!

Tentative testing schedule:

Thursday – Grammar Quiz (Root words & affixes, spiral review of Q1 & Q2 concepts).

Friday – Reading Test (Author’s Purpose) and Spelling Test (Groups 1 and 2) 

Math News

We are starting a brand new unit this week --- MONEY$$$$! 

We will continue to work on multiplication and division. Students should be practicing their flash cards nightly! Students may practice IXL at home! 

Reading This Week!

November 30 - December 4!

This week we do not have a reading story. Instead, we are learning about Author’s Purpose (understanding the author’s reason for writing). We like to think about PIE to help us remember the different purposes J. PIE stands for P (persuade), I (inform), and E (entertain). Each day we will be looking at a variety of texts and focusing on the different purposes. Looking for clues in the text can help us determine the author’s purpose.

In grammar, we are learning about root words and affixes (prefixes and suffixes).. Students are learning that prefixes come at the beginning of a root word to change the meaning, while suffixes come at the end of a root word. We will be learning about a few affixes each day. Students will also be reinforcing this skill through their spelling word list this week!

For homework, students have a literacy packet due Friday and nightly spelling choices (Spelling Test on Friday!). 

This Week!

We only have school Monday and Tuesday this week! Since we have such as short week, there are no math and literacy packets this week. There is also no spelling. I've encouraged students to practice multiplication flash cards and read for 20 minutes each night (and discuss with you what he/she has read). 

Monday - Grammar Test, Newsletter coming home

Tuesday - Multiplication Test, Cycles Science Test, Study Guide due

Wednesday - Thanksgiving Break 
Thursday - Thanksgiving Break 
Friday - Thanksgiving Break

Reminders:

Students should still be looking up at the moon and completing their projects. Projects are due December 4th. Progress Reports will go out the week we return to school (December 2nd). 

I hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving! I wish you all safe travels as you go to spend time with your families. Enjoy the holiday! 

Science Vocabulary

Science vocabulary for our Cycles Unit can be found on the Science & Social Studies Page. Please review these words for our upcoming test next Tuesday!

This Week At A Glance: Nov 16-20

Monday - Newsletter and HW Packets come home! Don't forget to look at the moon for your moon project!

Tuesday -  Author's Day

Wednesday -  Makeup Picture Day 

Thursday - K-3 Reading Counts Party! Thursday folders coming home with important papers & students' graded material. 

Friday - Homework Packets are due! Reading Test (Functional Texts) & Spelling Test (Comparative List) today!

Weekend - study for upcoming tests!
 

Upcoming News: 

We only have school on Monday and Tuesday. We are off of school for the rest of the week for the Thanksgiving Holiday. 
 
Just FYI there will be a Grammar Quiz in reading class on Monday. This quiz will touch on parts of speech (nouns, verbs, adjectives) and dictionary skills. A Science Test will be next Tuesday on our Cycles Unit. The moon project is not due until December 4th. There will also be a Math Test on Tuesday.  

 

Reading: Nov. 16 - 20

This week we’re doing a little “real-world” reading. This week, we do not have a story; instead, we are looking at Functional Texts and examples of those that we see in our everyday lives. These texts can present information to us in new ways and take on various forms such as menus, recipes, instruction manuals, forms/applications, invitations, directions, flyers, etc. Each day we are going to be looking at a variety of functional Texts and answering comprehension questions. Since there is no story for the week, students do not have any vocabulary words.

In spelling, students are working on a Comparative Word List (-er, -est). In grammar, we are taking a look at verbs and adjectives while also reviewing what we already know about nouns.

Science Videos

This week we began our science unit on Cycles! We've been discussing the difference between rotation and revolution. We're trying not to get dizzy as we see the Earth is rotating on its axis as it also revolves around the sun -- that's a lot of moving! :-)

We're learning about day and night as well as the four seasons. I hope the moon project is going well and that you're seeing a difference in the moon phases as you observe the night sky! 

Here are a few great videos that explain what we've been learning in class so far!

Earth's rotation and revolution: 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l64YwNl1wr0 

The four seasons and the sun: 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b25g4nZTHvM 

Bill Nye the Science Guy - Seasons: 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KUU7IyfR34o 

This Week At A Glance: Nov. 9 - 13

Monday - Packets & Project coming home today

Wednesday - NO SCHOOL (Veteran's Day) 

Thursday - Thursday Folders

Friday - Jump! Reading Test; Spelling Test; Math Quiz on Multiplication 


** Check out the Reading and Spelling Pages for this week's materials! **

Here's a link for the Journeys textbook if you'd like to read and study the story a home:

https://www-k6.thinkcentral.com/content/hsp/reading/journeys/na/gr3/ese_9780547360270_/volume1/launch.html#

Phases of the Moon Project!

Today, students will be coming home with a Phases of the Moon Project. This will count as a project grade and is due December 4^th. Students will be asked to draw a picture of what the moon looks like a couple different nights throughout each week. Students will not know everything about the phases of the moon just yet, seeing as we will begin our science unit on cycles today.  However, we wanted them to start the project so they will begin to see a difference in the night sky. Students may begin their drawings for now and then go back later to label the phases. 

Multiplication Flash Cards!

At the end of last week, students started making multiplication flash cards. These flash cards should be kept in your child’s Take Home folder on the “Return to School” side. Each time the students learn a new fact, flash cards will be added to the bag. Students should practice these cards at home and bring these cards back and forth to school each day. 

This Week At A Glance

Mon. - Return report cards & Thursday folders signed!
Tues. - NO SCHOOL (teacher workday) 
Wed. 
Thurs. - Thursday folders, homework packets due Friday, study!
Fri. - Spelling Test; Nonfiction Reading Test, Sci. Method Quiz

Friday Fun & A Big Thank You!

We had such a fun day on Friday! We got to watch and walk in the Fall Costume Parade! We also watched "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown" while we enjoyed lots of yummy treats! 

We want to thank all the parents for joining us and supplying us with all of our delicious treats! We can't wait until our next celebration! 

Reading For This Week - Nov. 2 - 6

November 2 - 6 

This week we are reading a book entitled, Giant Pumpkins, by Gabrielle Fimbres. We are focusing on interacting with nonfiction texts and recognizing nonfiction text features. We will have a reading test on this story on Friday, November 6th (comprehension and vocabulary). 

Giant Pumpkins Vocabulary 

Nutrients	Substances that living things need to live, stay healthy, and grow (noun)
Compost	A mixture of rotting plants, manure, and other materials that is added to soil to make it richer (noun)
Record	A measurement of an event or achievement that has never been exceeded (noun)
Pollinate	To put pollen in a flower in order to fertilize it (verb)
Compete	To do something for the purpose of winning (verb)
Hobby	An activity done for fun and relaxation (noun)
Pumpkin	A large orange fruit with thick flesh (noun)
Prune	To cut off some branches or vines of a plant to direct its growth (verb)
Weigh	To measure how heavy someone or something is by using a scale (verb)

As students read nonfiction text, they should be looking out for and recognizing text features such as:

Photographs	Captions	Glossary
Index	Table of Contents	Charts/Tables
Maps	Illustrations	Diagrams
Bold Print	Italics Print	Fact Boxes/Sidebars

**Our spelling words for this week can be found under the Spelling Lists tab located on the right-hand side. 

Spirit Week & Picture Day

Remember this is our Red Ribbon Week at PES for bullying and drug prevention! The themes for this spirit week are: 

Monday - Team Day 
Tuesday - Camo Day
Wednesday - Picture Day 
Thursday - Superhero Day 
Friday - School Colors Day 

Thanks for your cooperation! 

New Unit - Scientific Method!

Today, we started a brand new unit. After a few units in social studies, we are now switching over to Science! Our first science unit will be on the Scientific Method. I've posted vocabulary words and scientific method steps under our Science Vocabulary page. Please visit that page to check them out! Students came home today with vocab cards we made in class. Once we understand the process, we'll be ready to dive into some awesome experiments! :-) 

Reminder

We have moved the Ancient Greece test to Wednesday (instead of Tuesday). Please use your book, study guide, vocabulary cards and Greece packet to study for the test. Study guides will be due on Wednesday. 

Remember we have our Addition & Subtraction Unit Test on Friday. 

As usual, there will be a Spelling test on Friday. Our words for this week are posted under Spelling Lists. There will also be a Reading Test this week on Friday on our nonfiction story, Summer Olympics Legends!

Homework this week:

Literacy Packet due Friday (Oct. 2)!
Math Packet due Friday (Oct. 2)!

Nightly spelling homework is due each day (pick from your choice menu). 

We don't have a reading story this week, we are simply working on skills such as character traits, sequencing and synonyms and antonyms. 

There will still be a test on Friday. It will be skill-based rather than story-based. 

(Reading Class Only) -- Try out RAZ-kids if you have time using my username: lcatlett1

Upcoming Tests on Friday!

Just a reminder that we have a Math Test on Friday (place value, rounding, ordering & comparing). 

We also have a Reading Test (Anansi & the Talking Watermelon) and Spelling Test (Homophones) on Friday. 

Please remember to study!

Back-to-School Night!

Just a reminder that Back-to-School Night begins at 6:30 p.m. this evening! Dinner is offered from 5:30 - 6:30 for $5 per person. Sessions begin at 6:30. You may visit the Book Fair and the PTA membership table. I hope to see you all there! 

Homework for the week

Literacy and Math Packets are due on Friday!

Spelling should be completed on Mon., Tues., Wed., & Thurs. night. The Spelling Test will be on Friday! (Spelling words can be found under the "Spelling Lists" tab on the right). 

There will be a Math Test on Friday (SOL 3.1)! 

There will be a Reading Test on Friday for the story, Anansi and the Talking Watermelon. Students have their own copy of the story and should use this to study. 

Reminder!

Don't forget we have a Grammar Test and Rounding Quiz tomorrow (Wednesday, Sept. 16th) ! Students may turn in a signed grammar test study guide to earn extra credit. The grammar test will include contractions, homophones, compound words, and alphabetical order to the first letter. Our rounding quiz will include rounding to the nearest tens, hundreds, and thousands place. 

Social Studies Vocabulary: Community/Citizenship

In social studies, we are currently learning about our community and what it means to be a good citizen. Here are a few vocabulary words you should know for an upcoming unit vocabulary quiz!

Rules	A statement that tells people what they must or must not do
Election	A time set aside for voting
Common good	The good of everyone
Ballot	A list of choices in an election
Cooperate	To work together
Jury	A group of people who decide if a person broke the law
Consequence	Something that happens because of what you did
Volunteer	Someone who works without getting paid
Responsibility	A duty, or something you do because it is important

Reading: A Fine, Fine School

We have been reading the story, A Fine, Fine School, in class. We will have a test on this story on Tuesday, September 1st (comprehension and vocabulary). As we read, we have been working on comprehension skills starting with predicting and questioning. We will also discuss story elements (character, setting, plot, problem, resolution) during this Quarter. 

You can study and read the story online by using the link provided below. 

https://www-k6.thinkcentral.com/content/hsp/reading/journeys/na/gr3/ese_9780547360270_/volume1/launch.html#

Classroom Reveal!

Here's a sneak peek into our colorful owl-filled classroom. I can't wait for you to check out our fabulous classroom library that I've been busy filling up with books! 

Welcome Back!

Welcome back to PES. You're officially a third grader! I am so excited you are here. I can't wait to get to know you. This year we are going to grow together as thinkers and learners, and of course, have some fun!

Remember to stop by Open House on Thursday, August 20th from 1 pm to 3 pm. There, you'll be able to meet with me and check out our awesome owl-filled classroom! :) 

Geometry Vocabulary

New vocabulary is posted under the Math Page for our current geometry unit!

Explorers Unit Vocabulary

Important vocabulary words went home with students today, Monday, March 9th. Check under the Social Studies tab on the right to find the vocabulary. 

Keep in mind students should be bringing their Social Studies books and packets to and from school every night! Explorer projects are due March 13th!

Explorers Project

This week, we will begin our Explorers Unit in Social Studies. For their Explorers Project, students will become an expert on one of the Explorers in our unit. Students will create a poster to represent their explorer as well as write a five-sentence paragraph explaining the significance of their explorer. At the end of our unit, each student will present their posters and paragraphs to the class. We hope that this will be a fun way to learn about our explorers!

Requirements for the Project:

1. Students must pick one of the following explorers for their project: Christopher Columbus, Juan Ponce de Leon, Christopher Newport, or Jacques Cartier.

2. Students must create a creative and colorful poster to represent their explorer. The poster should include the following: 
                       - The country that sponsored the explorer
                       - Where the explorer traveled 
                       - The reasons and motivations for the explorer's travel 
                       - Birth date and death of the explorer 
                       - Interesting facts and pictures about the explorer 

3. Students must write a paragraph (minimum of 5 sentences) about their explorer that they will read to the class with their posters. 

Students may also dress as their explorer if they choose, but this is not required. 

Due Date: Friday, March 13th, 2015

 

Reading Log

Changes to Reading Homework

For the time being, we have switched from a weekly literacy packet to a nightly reading log. Third graders will be required to read for 25 minutes each night and then record their reading on the log. Students need to fill out the book, author, the pages read, and the amount of time they read. Students should write a summary, in their own words, about what they read about. Summaries should not just be sentences from the book. Additionally, students are always more than welcome to read more than 25 minutes. Parents are asked to sign for students to get credit so we can be sure students are completing the nightly reading requirements. Please do not sign the log if you not seen your child complete the reading. Each morning, I will be checking the reading logs. If a student did not complete his/her log, they will be expected to go to work room to complete the reading and the summary.

The goal of this assignment is for students to make reading at home a nightly habit, as well as increase their reading fluency and reading for enjoyment. The more we read, the better we read. Students are welcome to read books, magazine articles, newspaper articles, graphic novels, recipes, textbooks, etc. 

Parents are encouraged to get involved in the nightly reading. You can do this by listening to your child read, asking questions about what your child is reading, and helping your child pick out "good fit" books. Below you can find some questions to ask your child after he/she has read for the night. If your child is reading a chapter book, please encourage him/her to stick with it to the end. If your child is in need of reading materials to complete the log, just let me know! 

Parent Questions: 

- What can you tell me about what you just read? 

(This information should be included in your child's summary) 

- Retell the story 

(use a 5 finger retell - characters, setting, beginning, middle, end, problem and solution)

- Who are the most important characters in the story? Describe them. 

- How did a character change in the story?

- What is the setting of the story? 

- What is the problem in the story? How was the problem solved?

- Did you learn any new words? What do they mean?

- Is your book fiction or nonfiction? How do you know?

- Tell me some facts about __________ (the topic about your book). 

Parents, if you have any questions about the nightly reading and this homework change, please feel free to let me know!

 

Ancient Mali Study Guide

Study guides for Ancient Mali went home today! Study guides are due a week from today on the day of the test. The test will take place on Tuesday, February 17. If students complete the study guide and hand it in on the assigned due date, they will receive extra credit points.

Homework: Week of February 9 - 13

Math and literacy Packets due Friday! 
 
Spelling:
Monday - 3x each & sort 
Tuesday - ABC order & sort
Wednesday - 10 sentences 
Thursday - study for test 
Friday - none 

On Friday, students will have to return Thursday folders and hand in homework packets. There will be a Spelling Test on Friday. 

February 9 - 13

A peek at our week: 

*3^rd and 4^th grade social sponsored by the SCA will take place afterschool on Thursday, February 12^th.  Permission slip forms went home last week in Thursday folders. The cost to attend is $1.00.  

*Third grade will be having a holiday party on Friday, February 13^th at 2:15 p.m. to celebrate Valentine’s Day.

*Remember that there will be No School on February 16^th and that February 27^th will be an Early Dismissal.

*We are now in the third quarter so students should be fully aware of third grade routines. Students should be coming to school prepared with all materials (textbooks, agenda, communication folder, spelling journal, etc.). Students are familiar with homework routines and should be completing their homework and studying nightly. Parents, if your student is not completing homework, please check your child’s agenda or my website for the week’s homework assignments.

Important Dates

2/11/15 Reading Counts Celebration (50+ points)
2/12/15 SCA Social 
2/13/15 Holiday Party at 2:15 p.m.
2/16/15 No School - Holiday 
2/27/15 Early Dismissal

 

	Days	REMINDERS
Monday	Day 5 Double specials	Math Quiz Multiplication Timed test
Tuesday	Day 6 Chorus,  Crazy 8’s SCA meeting
Wednesday	Day 7 PERC
Thursday	Day 8 SCA social	Thursday folders TEI Thursday
Friday	Day 1 Valentine Party	Math & Literacy Packets due Spelling Test Class Party