Third Grade News
October 2015
September was a fantastic month for us as we were able to get started on lots of
new and exciting units here at school. The students are adjusting well to daily routines
and procedures, and I am especially proud of them for working well together as a team.
If you have any questions about the information I have here, please ask your child to
help you first. They can add details to my shorter descriptions of activities etc.
Sign up for E-Alerts!!!
This is key to receiving the most up-to-date information from our classroom
website! Go to our website for the link to sign up. Feel free to contact me
at any time if you have questions, comments or concerns.
Mark Your Calendars
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Thursday, 10/29: “Think Pink” Day 
Thursday, 10/29: Picture Make Up Day
Friday, 10/30: Halloween Parade and Party, 1:45-3:30 PM
Tuesday, 11/3: No School for Students
Friday, 11/13: October Bobcat Pride Breakfast
Friday, 11/13: Movie Night, 7:00 PM
Tuesday, 11/17: Scholastic Book Fair in Library, 1:00
Wednesday, 11/18: Parent Visitation (3rd grade), *Time TBD
Monday, 11/23: Full Day of School for Students, PM Conferences
Tuesday, 11/24: No School for Students, Conferences all day
Wednesday, 11/25 – Friday 11/27: Holiday, No school for Students
Curriculum Corner
In Reading Workshop, we are continuing to build our reading lives with lots of
reading. We began reading series books in a character study unit. This unit will teach
us to read with inference and interpretation, develop text-based theories about
characters and support those theories with evidence from the text. From now on, each
time we begin to read, we slip into our character's shoes and read ourselves awake to
the feelings and emotions of our characters.
In Writer’s Workshop, we are getting ready to wrap up our unit called Writing
True Stories. In this unit, the students have been working hard to write their first
personal narrative. These personal narratives are a “seed” of a story. Instead of telling
the whole “watermelon” story, students choose a smaller “seed” moment from the bigger
picture. They focused on zooming in on these seed ideas; adding dialogue, setting,
character thoughts, feelings and actions; writing a catchy lead; and making the reader
feel as if they were a part of the story. We plan to publish these in the next few weeks
and look forward to sharing them with you on Parent Visitation Day.
In Social Studies, we learned about the 50 states. The students had a great time
listening to funny stories to help them remember where each state is located. Ask your
child to share a few of the stories that they learned, starting with Mr. Iowa. We also
measured distance on a map using a map scale ruler. We learned about four landmarks
throughout the U.S. and measured the approximate distance from Media to each. Most
recently, we have been learning about the physical geography, climate and natural
resources of four cities/towns in the US. The students have selected one and will make
a travel brochure to advertise the area. They will research the physical geography,
climate and natural resources of their area, which will be included in their brochure.
In Math, we wrapped up our second unit of study. During this topic, students
learned about multiplication patterns with factors of 0, 1, 2, 5, 9, and 10. Students then
applied their knowledge of these patterns to a variety of problems, and in the process,
have gained automaticity in several basic multiplication facts.
Tools for Success (aka “Oral Math”) started last week!!! Please encourage your
child to practice at their level at home nightly.
Veterans Day Project
Your child recently brought home a STAR in their take home folder. At
Indian Lane, we have traditionally honored and recognized the Veterans in our
lives by decorating stars and hanging them on the glass block wall outside of the
office. If you have someone you would like to recognize, please have your child
add the veteran’s name/s to the star. The star can be decorated, cut out and
returned to school.
Reading – Logs and Expectations
Keep your child reading long & strong for 30+ minutes at home every
night. They MUST be logging their reading at home EVERY night, as well. This
needs to become a habit!!! I reviewed many reading logs and we need parent
support to make sure that students are logging and getting in the essential
reading that growing readers must have. Thank you in advance for your support!
Reading Tip!
Children feel confident and competent when they read books that are “just
right.” But how do you find a “just right” book if you don’t know the level? Have
your child read the back and front cover, and the first few pages of the book. If
there are more than five words on a page that he or she cannot pronounce or
understand in context, the book may be too challenging. Be supportive about
finding a more perfect fit. Choosing the right book will help your child feel
successful as a reader.
Fall Conferences
Fall Conferences will be held on Monday, November 23rd and Tuesday,
November 24th. I look forward to meeting with you to discuss your child. Be on
the lookout as the Time to Sign Up link will soon be active via the Indian Lane
website. I will send out an e-alert when that happens.
As always, please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or
concerns. Thanks for your continued support. 