The Ritenour Review
2015 - 2016 Third Grade Weekly News
Happy Birthday, Vishakha!
Websites to Use at Home
Math Sites:
- khanacademy.org
- xtramath.org
- Scootpad: go to zcs.k12.in.us -> login using username: first-last and password is lunch code -> click on scootpad icon
**We will add to this list in the coming weeks.
This Past Week
In reading, we worked on reading actively and not passively. We practice identifying when an author wants us to envision our stories or to list important details. It is important to understand as a reader of anything - fiction or informational - that we should respect the author's flow. It allows us to process the information in deeper ways. We are also carrying this concept into our own writing and allowing our readers to process our information the same way.
In math, we worked with elapsed time and exploring mass this week. We looked at the length of daylight for the months of August and September and we calculated how long the sun was shining each day. This was a wonderful way to practice our skills for elapsed time. Plus, we noticed some pretty neat patterns in our year - a concept we will build on in fourth grade.
In writing, we worked on creating strong beginnings, or open doors, for our readers. We also watch a Pixar short film to see how movies, books and writing are similar! They all have captivating beginnings, exciting climaxes and thoughtful closings.
In science, we have bean exploring been seeds and their life cycle. We assessed on Friday; however, a few need a bit more time on Monday. Those assessments will go home Wednesday of this week.
Coming Up Next Week:
Next week, we are looking for normal - or at least a bit more routine.
Specifically in each subject we will be getting into the following:
- Math: We will review Monday and Tuesday and test Wednesday. Thursday and Friday will be for reflecting on our test and making goals to move forward.
- Reading: We will work on checking our comprehension of our stories. Retelling is a huge skill to tackle this first quarter.
- Science: We will continue to watch our seed experiments; however, we will add a new life to our life cycle study - crayfish! I cannot wait to connect our understanding of living organisms and life cycles to our newest friends. I am sure your child will have some fun stories to share soon.
Next Week's Mentor Sentence
The first drops plop down big, making dust dance all around us.
~Come On, Rain!
*We will work the concept of vivid verbs - again. It is such a key lesson for writing to show and not tell.
Words List for Next Week: Irregular Verbs
This week, we will connect into that conversation and look at those irregular verbs for past tense situations.
Our sort this week will have both the present tense form and the past tense form:
- come -> came
- have -> had
- make -> made
- sit -> sat
- give -> gave
- get -> got
- tell -> told
- find -> found
- take -> took
- think -> thought
- say -> said
- go -> went
- let** This is our oddball for the week. It will not change for past or present form.
Upcoming Dates
September 18 - 1st & 3rd Grade Vision Screening
September 19 - Unit 1 Math Test
September 26 - Jog-A-Thon
October 3rd (afternoon) & 4th (afternoon/evening) - Student Conferences/E-Day
October 9th - Picture Re-Take Day
October 10th - PTO Meeting 6:00pm w/ Dedication of Shade Structure
October 15th-19th - Fall Break
October 24th - Blood Drive 3:00-7:00pm Cafe
Jog-A-Thon
Check your child's folder for information about this important day at Boone Meadow.
Jog-a-Thon will take place on Wednesday, September 26th. The money raised helps PTO to purchase electronic devices, outdoor equipment, provide teacher grants for classroom projects and experiences, fund activities such as our talent show, carnival, and numerous other experiences.
Volunteer opportunities are available!