Ms. Back, 3 rd Grade
Dear Parents and Students,
February 22, 2016
JOHNSON SCHOOL
Happy Monday! I hope you had a nice weekend.
We are working on the questioning stage and location of information
stage in the research process. Students have begun asking questions about their
chosen topic to focus their research. Students will write several questions about their
topic and then choose four. The fourth question will be used just in case students are
unable to find enough information to answer one of their other questions. Then students
will pick the three questions they are most interested in and have the most information
to develop strong body paragraphs for their informational writing. Please remember, as
this process continues, your child may need your help finding additional sources
outside of school. Therefore, it would be beneficial to take your child to the public
library to look for other good-fit books/articles to support their research. Many
14 In
parents have already helped their children find resources—thank you so much.
addition to books, students have become familiar with the school LLC webpage, library
catalog, and online book resources to do research at home. I will send home a paper with
this information. Please let me know if you need help accessing these sites. Finally,
y
please help students remember to bring their books/sources to school so we can work on
the research projects in class. Much of our work will be completed in class. However,
some work may need to be completed at home.
Assessments went home last week for one-step word problems and
graphs. Students will have the opportunity to reassess if they did not receive an I.
Continue to work on reading and math fact fluency.
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 explanatory/informational text by researching facts and details from
nonfiction sources to support my writing.
I can identify fractions as part of a whole and on a number line, partition fractions,
and identify equivalent fractions.
I can write and solve multiplication and division equations using the numbers 0-10,
multiples of 10, and different strategies and properties.
I can describe the three branches of government using the legislative, judicial, and
executive branches.
 RESPECT
 RESPONSIBILITY
 KINDNESS
HOMEWORK: DUE ON FRIDAY
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Reading/math log due on Friday, 2/26/16.
PARENTS, PLEASE SIGN BOTH SIDES.
Fractions due on Friday, 2/26/16.
Multiplication fact at-home practice paper due on
Friday, 2/26/16.
Bring just-right good-fit books to class daily for
independent reading time.
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BRING YOUR RESEARCH BOOKS TO SCHOOL SO YOU
CAN WORK ON RESEARCH IN CLASS.
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, 2/26/16.
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Fraction assessments 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.
My research topic: __________________________________________
My questions to guide my research:
1)
2)
3)
4)
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