Ms. Back, 3 rd Grade
Dear Parents and Students,
February 8 , 201 6
Happy Monday! I hope you had a nice weekend.
On Friday, even though we do not have an official Valentine’s Day party,
students will have the opportunity to exchange Valentines with their classmates.
This is not required. However, if students choose to pass out Valentines, please
make sure students have one for each of their classmates. Please see the other
side of the newsletter for a copy of the class list.
In class, we have been working with information text to compare and
contrast, to find and explain important information related to a topic, and to
connect information. This week we are going to begin the research process for
informational writing. This week we will discuss and choose our topic. Next week
will discuss different steps in the research process, and use the writing process to
explain the information we learned. Much of our work will be completed14
in class.
However, some work may need to be completed at home. Once students have
decided on their topic, which will be chosen this week, we will begin to research
various
y sources. Then, if you have the opportunity, it would be beneficial to take
your child to the public library to look for additional good-fit books/articles to
support their research projects. As this process continues, I will send home more
information regarding progress.
Continue to work on reading and math fact fluency. Also continue to work
on one-step word problems. Students will continue to be assessed on these concepts
throughout the trimester which ends in in early March.
Please continue to check and sign the planner daily, and please let me
know if you have any questions. Have a great week!
Sincerely,
Ms. Back
mback@cusd200.org
630-393-1787
Learning Targets:
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I can identify the main/key idea and supporting details using fiction and nonfiction
text.
I can compare and contrast setting, plot, and theme in literature.
I can make inferences using my own ideas and evidence from the text.
I can compare and contrast nonfiction to nonfiction and nonfiction to fiction text.
I can ask and answer implicit and explicit questions using fiction and nonfiction text.
I can read independently and practice reading strategies using just-right good-fit
books.
I can define meanings of words using context clues in fiction and nonfiction text.
I can identify my point of view and compare it to the narrator, character, or author
using my own ideas and evidence in fiction or nonfiction text.
I can write an informational paper using facts and details and nonfiction text to
support my writing.
I can identify and write using comparative and superlative adjective and adverbs.
I can identify and write dialogue using proper capitalization, punctuation, and
quotation marks.
I can write and solve multiplication and division equations using the numbers 0-10,
multiples of 10, and different strategies and properties.
I can solve one-step word problems using addition, subtraction, multiplication, and
division.
I can find and interpret data using pictographs, bar graphs, and line plots.
I can describe the three branches of government using the legislative, judicial, and
executive branches.
JOHNSON SCHOOL
 RESPECT
 RESPONSIBILITY
 KINDNESS
HOMEWORK: DUE ON FRIDAY
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Reading/math log due on Friday, 2/12/16.
PARENTS, PLEASE SIGN BOTH SIDES.
Review and grahs due on Friday, 2/12/16.
Multiplication fact at-home practice paper due on
Friday, 2/12/16.
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Bring just-right good-fit books to class daily for
independent reading time.
ASSESSMENTS:
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Formative assessments (based on in-class work,
participation, and discussion) occur daily.
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Multiplication fact posttest is on Friday, 2/12/16.
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Summative assessment on pictographs, bar graphs,
and line plots coming soon.
Review Skills for Reading/Math Log:
READING LOG (PARENTS, PLEASE SIGN):
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Read books of your choice thinking carefully about
fluency and comprehension.
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Practice this week’s fluency passage. Read it as many
times as possible to improve fluency and reach fluency
goal.
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READING LOG GOAL: Read at least 20 minutes 4 times a
week.
MATH LOG (PARENTS, PLEASE SIGN):
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Math homework should be included on math log.
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Also, practice math facts and other math concepts
using weekly fact practice test, math homework, flash
cards, XtraMath, paper and pencil, computer games,
math games/ activities, etc.
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MATH LOG GOAL: Practice at least 15 minutes 4 times a
week.
Things to think about when choosing a research topic:
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Am I interested in the topic?
Can I ask good questions that can be answered with facts and information?
Can I find at least two different nonfiction sources on this topic?
Have I researched this topic before? Pick a topic you have NOT researched in the past.