Third Grade Weekly News
Week of January 7th
Dates to Remember
- Monday, January 7th:
- Tuesday, January 8th: Murphy Book Exchange; PTA Play Parent Meeting 6pm
- Wednesday, January 9th: Chevalier Book Exchange
- Thursday, January 10th: Broomall Book Exchange; Play Rehearsal 4pm
- Friday, January 11th: Pritts Book Exchange; Reading and Math Homework Due
Don't Forget Your Coat!
Homework
FREE ACCESS TO OVER 3,600 CAPSTONE EBOOKS UNTIL JANUARY 15
Keep your child engaged and reading throughout the winter break by accessing over 3,600 free e-books online! Go to www.mycapstonelibrary.com and sign in with Capstone Interactive.
Log in using:
username: capstonewinter
password: lovetoread
There's also a free iPad app called Capstone Interactive that allows for offline reading when WiFi is unavailable - https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/capstone-interactive/id858534837?mt=8
Reading Homework for students:
On Mondays, students will glue their weekly assignment into their Reading Homework Booklet. Students should view and listen to the book online. Students will then answer the questions in their booklet by writing in complete sentences. Students should show understanding of the book and correct sentence mechanics (spelling, punctuation, capitalization). Homework is due on Fridays.
Language Arts
Reading:
We are excited to share with students that this week we will begin novel studies! As we introduce extended literature, students will engage in novel read alouds, as well as explore novels during reading group. Students will ask and answer questions to demonstrate understanding of their novel, referring explicitly to the text as the basis of the answers. Students will determine the central message, lesson, moral or theme of the novel and explain how it is conveyed through key details and character traits. We will spend time describing the characters in their novel (e.g., their traits, motivations, or feelings) and explain how these traits contribute to the sequence of events. Students will determine the point of view of the text.
Novels allow students to practice independent reading as well as engage in discussion and debate. We want our classrooms to be abuzz with conversations and debates about character traits, theme and point of view. We want to hear students supporting their claims using evidence and ideas from the text.
Novels are extremely engaging. They allow students to engage in the turn of events and get to know the characters and their traits. This allows students to participate in deep thinking about reading comprehension strategies.
Here are few benefits to teaching novels in third grade…..
Building background and world exposure
Authentic vocabulary building
Communication and dialogue skills
Development of social skills
Engagement and excitement for learning
Writing:
During writing, students have been guided through informative essay writing and taught paragraph structure, elaborating on facts, etc.. Now they will apply these lessons and skills as they take more ownership and write independently. We will also work on adding text features.
Math
This week, we will continue Unit 6 in math. Students will explore telling time to the nearest minute. One way you can practice this at home is to ask students to tell time using an analog clock. You can also ask them other ways to say the time (i.e. 2:30 is half past two or 1:17 is 17 minutes past 1 o'clock).
Students will also use a number line to explain elapsed time. See picture below for an example of how a number line can be used for elapsed time. Solving problems involving elapsed time provides students with opportunities to see how long an activity lasts.
Later in the week, students will use different types of measurement involving mass and volume (i.e. grams, liters, etc.) to solve problems. See picture below for different measurement vocabulary words.
Click here for an overview of the unit and ideas to try at home!
Social Studies/Science
This week, students will continue our new science unit called Forces and Interactions. The driving question for this unit is: How do forces, motion, and magnetism help us perform real life tasks?.
This week students will explore how the amount of force affects how fast a toy car can move. They will discover a weaker force will result in a slower car and a stronger force will result in a faster car.
Later in the week, they will explore the concept of balanced and unbalanced forces using a tug-of-war simulation.
Quarterly Expectations
Important News
LOST AND FOUND
The Lost and Found at Whittier is running over with items from students. Please take time to ask your child to look for items that you think have been lost. You may also stop by the school cafeteria to check for missing items as well.
PTA
Please take a moment and become a member of the PTA. Your membership entitles you to discounts in and around Frederick County. More importantly, your membership says that you are in support of our school. We would love to have you join us. Our next PTA meeting is Monday, January 14th @ 6:30pm. ALL ARE WELCOME!
Upcoming PTA Events:
January 14 - PTA Meeting - 6:30 pm
Skate Whittier Fundraiser: Skate Frederick on Rt 26
Saturday, February 2nd
2pm-5pm: Open Skate. If you can't make it the entire time, that's fine! Cost is $10 per person and $5 is donated back to Whittier Elementary!
Monday, February 25th
6:30pm-7:30pm: Media Center
*Feel free to stay after and help count box tops if you are able!
BOX TOPS WILL BE DUE FEBRUARY 22ND!
PTA membership is always appreciated in order to support your children and the PTA’s mission. Volunteering is not required! Sign up at WhittierElementaryPTA.com and follow us on Facebook to keep up to date on all events!
Check out the PTA website! http://whittierelementarypta.com
Follow the PTA on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/WhittierPTAFrederick/
Email them! WhittierPTAFrederick@gmail.com
WE ARE MONSTERS- PTA PLAY
The play committee is hosting their required parent meeting on Tuesday January 8th @ 6:30 pm.
You will be receiving a packet about the play, practice schedule. Your child will receive a Golden Ticket with their part listed. If you haven't completed the online registration or made payment to the PTA, your child will not get their assignment until both pieces are completed.
Please bring your calendar and be prepared to sign up for your 2 required volunteer slots as well as volunteering on one of the two play evenings.
With everyone's support, the play is going to be fantastic!
WINTER SESSION OF CHESS, CODING, AND ROBOTICS CLUB
We wish you joy filled break with your loved ones. See you next year!
Please let us know if you have any questions.
Amy Broomall
240-236-3160
Jaime Chevalier
240-236-3158
Robin Murphy
240-236-3156
Megan Pritts
240-236-3154