Tuesday, August 27, 2013

Great Start to a New School Year!

It has been a busy week in 3rd grade. We have completed 6 days of school and we're starting to settle into a routine. Here's an update about what we've been working on:

Reading: 
We are currently doing an author study of Kevin Henkes. We've read "Chrysanthemum" and "Chester's Way." We'll end our study by reading "Owen" and comparing our favorite books by Kevin Henkes.

Writing:
We've been writing a LOT! We've learned how to write journal entries. Each time we read a book by Kevin Henkes we write about what we would do if we were characters in the story.

Spelling:
Our first spelling unit is School words. Your child has a spelling list taped inside their Planners. They should be practicing spelling words every evening. Our pretest will be on Thursday. If they score 100% they won't have to take the test on Friday. If not, that's okay! They'll have a second chance on Friday. :)

Math:
We have been reviewing addition and subtraction facts. This week we began working on reading and writing numbers and place value. Your child should be able to read and write numbers and recognize place value up to the thousands place.

Social Studies:
On Friday we learned about internet and computer safety with a training from Net Smartz and BrainPop Jr.

Science:
We completed our first experiment of the school year on Monday. We learned a new word - cohesion. Ask your child what it means - they should be able to tell you all about it! :) We experimented with cohesion when we figured out how many drops of water will fit on a penny. This Friday we will do our second experiment and try to make a paperclip float on water!

Here are our little scientists, hard at work!