Mrs. Harris' Class News
January 2016
Welcome Back!
Welcome back! I hope everyone had a wonderful, relaxing break. I enjoyed spending time with family, catching up on naps, AND potty training my two year old! The teaching never stops. It was a whirlwind of a break and I am excited to get back to the grind and see all of our students this week.
Upon students' return to school, we will be wasting no time getting right back into instruction. New reading groups will be starting tomorrow and benchmarks in reading and math will take place next Thursday and Friday. Prior to winter break, third grade finished our nonfiction unit. Moving forward, we will be moving back into fictional text with a focus on genres. We will start January with a brief poetry unit and follow that with a folktale unit. This includes fairy tales, tall tales, legends, myths and fables.
In history, students will begin learning about the ancient civilization of Mali, which was located in western Africa. Following Mali, students will be learning about diversity.
January's math units include money, time, and measurement. These are all skills that can be easily practiced at home. Did you know that due to the digital age many kids can't use an analog clock correctly? Working with your child at home telling time to the minute using an analog clock can help them be successful with this skill! Even a few minutes a night can be beneficial.
Reminders
* Report Cards will be coming home with students on Monday. After reviewing, please sign and return the envelope.
Upcoming Dates
January 6: Classes resume
January 8: Fox Summit
January 11: Report Cards go home
January 14: Reading Benchmark / Date Night with Dads
January 15: Math Benchmark
A Personal Note
It is my plan to work until Spring Break and then take my maternity leave for the remainder of the year. The good news is that most of the new instruction will have been completed by this time and the rest of the year will be intensive review. I do not yet know who my longterm sub will be, but you can rest assured I will be working very closely with her (or him) to ensure our kids get the best instruction possible. I may not be there physically, but I will most certainly still be involved.
Please let me know if you have any questions. I truly appreciate your understanding!