October 23, 2015

Dear Third Grade Families,

            We have had fun getting to know each other this school year. Students are getting used to new routines and learning to work together.  Here’s some information about what your child is learning in third grade this month.

Third grade writers are publishing and illustrating a favorite personal narrative this month.  Personal narratives are true stories about our lives and experiences.  Third graders have worked on writing with a storyteller’s voice by describing actions, using dialogue, and describing images and feelings.  We have started to learn about writing in paragraph form, and students are learning to punctuate dialogue with commas and quotation marks.  Students are excited to read their published work to you at the November Parent/Student/Teacher Conference. 

It’s time to sign up for the November Parent/Student/Teacher Conference.  The information about how to sign up through Pick-A-Time is attached to this notice.  If you are having difficulty with the Pick-A-Time site, please call Rose Dattilio at 652-7400, and she’ll be happy to help you to sign up for a conference time.  I’m looking forward to meeting with you to share about your child’s progress this year!

Third grade mathematicians are learning about multiplication.  They are learning to skip count and see equal groups within pictures, and solve story problems.  We have studied multiplication with ratio tables, arrays, and pictures. 

An important part of third grade math is mastering subtraction facts with numbers up to 20.  Please encourage your child to practice the subtraction facts at www.xtramath.org. Each practice session takes as little as five minutes.  Your child may also practice math facts by playing some of the math games listed on the homework log each week or by using a deck of subtraction flashcards.  Keep a deck of subtraction cards in the family room and practice during television commercials. Practice facts in the car on the way to do errands or while waiting in line at the grocery store.  Practicing facts for a few minutes each day will make math work easier for your child at school. 

Third grade scientists have learned about plant and animal adaptations.  Students read nonfiction texts, worked on learning activities, and conducted investigations to learn that plants and animals have physical and behavioral variations that allow them to adapt and survive in the habitat they live in.  Ask your child to tell you about the bird beak investigation. 

            We are in need of soft tissues for cold season, large zip lock bags, and cleaning wipes.  If you have a box at home, we would appreciate donations. 

            Please call or email me if you have any questions about the information in this news notice.  Have a great week!

                                                                                                Sincerely,

Keelin M. Simpson

kmcgrath@sbschools.net

652-7415