Reading

Third Graders were excited to dive into a new reading unit: nonfiction reading all about bugs! This unit focuses on how to read for information, how to understand words based on their context, and how to determine the main idea of the text based on key details. All the while learning new and interesting facts about bugs! The essential question that students are guided to answer after each chapter is, “How are bugs essential to the survival of life on Earth?” After each reading, students discuss with partners and in small groups how the article relates back to that question. Ask your student why bugs are so important.

Science

Have you ever wondered how thermometers work? This week, Third Graders got to learn how… and build their own! Using hot, cold, and room temperature water, students investigated how temperature causes water to expand or contract and how that changes the level of the fluid in thermometers. Students loved watching the water rise and fall with the change of temperature!

Math Games

Once a week, students are thrilled to participate in Math Games. While this may sound like just a fun time with friends, it is in fact a great learning experience. During these games, students are building their automaticity with math facts in a situation that encourages speed and recall. A favorite game in our classroom is “Name that Number”, and can actually be played with a regular deck of cards (minus the face cards). Using five face up cards, students have to add and/or subtract to reach their “target” number. For example, if the target number was ten, a student could do 5+6-1=10. Try playing this with your student at home!

Important Dates:

• Tuesday, October 31st          Halloween, 11:30 Dismissal
• Wednesday, November 8th  Picture Day
• Monday, November 13th      Conferences, 11:30 Dismissal
• Tuesday, November 14th      Conferences, 11:30 Dismissal
• Wednesday, October 15th    Make up Picture Day
• Monday, November 20th      Harvest Feast, 11:30 Dismissal
• Tuesday, November 21st      Thanksgiving Break, No School
• Monday, November 27th      School Resumes

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