3rd & 4th Grade Updates
Week of September 19
What are we doing?
We are keeping busy this week with lots of new activities and some continuation from last week. Check out what we are learning this week below! As always, if you have any questions or need additional information please contact me directly.
Have a wonderful week!
Mrs. Nolting
Third grade started work Monday on the first of our Daily Five activities -- Reading with Someone Else. We will work over the next five class days to introduce what these activities look like, what the expectations are, and how to be successful. My goal with these activities is to better address individual student needs and also allow students more opportunities to work at their own pace. Fourth grade will be introduced to the first of their activities, Word Work, Tuesday.
Third grade's first spelling test is this Friday. If the spelling list has been misplaced, email me for an electronic copy. Fourth grade will begin reading Una escuela magnÃfica starting on Tuesday and will receive their new spelling and vocabulary words.
In grammar, third grade is working on gustar-like verbs (saying I like something or don't like something) while fourth grade is working on singular, plural and gender/number agreement after a review of nouns.
Math
All of our math groups continue to work on whole numbers -- saying them correctly, writing them in standard form (forma normal) , expressing them in expanded form (forma desarrollada), adding and subtracting them, and place value (valor posicional). My math group will have their quiz on Chapter 1 this Wednesday.
Be sure to keep practicing basic arithmetic at home--we are looking to increase accuracy and speed! Flash cards are a great tool and can be made or purchased at the Dollar Tree.
Social Studies
Third grade is hard at work on latitude and we will be focusing more on longitude this week and next. Students should know that the Equator is at 0 degrees and it separates the world into the Northern and Southern Hemisphere (hemisferio norte, hemisferio sur).
Fourth grade worked on cardinal and intermediate directions last week. Those who weren't able to correctly label all of those points on the compass rose will be requizzed this week. We will be looking at reasons for exploration tomorrow and working on our Exploradores flip book.
Science
After reviewing the five senses and the scientific method, this week we are beginning first science unit of the year: Soils, Rocks and Landforms (Suelos, rocas y accidentes geográficos). Third grade started their first investigation on different kinds of soils Monday, learning about various components that our samples might have. Fourth grade will be completing the same experiment Tuesday. In a couple of weeks, students will be asked to bring some soil from your house to examine as well.
Specialists
We are excited to welcome our new PE teacher, Mr. Scott, joining us on Tuesday! We are also fortunate to have Lisa Hepfer, who has graciously volunteered her Friday afternoons, to come and teach art in grades 1-4! Now our classes have a specialist every day of the week.
Mass
Our third and fourth graders are hard at work on mass music and are truly a beautiful choir to listen to! Fourth grade will be hosting our school's first Spanish mass of the year on Thursday, October 13. If your child is selected to read at mass, please practice with them (even just let them read it to you if you don't speak Spanish). I will be working with the readers over the next few weeks in preparation for mass.
Problem solving and working together
Practicing cardinal directions and getting a little exercise in the process
Safety is #1
Important Dates & Reminders
- Thursday, September 22, 6:00-7:30 - Back to School Night. Mrs. Silva and I will be speaking together in my classroom.
- Wednesday, October 5 - Picture Day
- Friday, October 7 - No School for students. Archdiocesan Professional Development
- Keep selling chocolate! If you sell your first box and need another, please contact the office.