Third Grade News

Dear Third Grade Families,

We have been lucky to have such beautiful, sunny days this month!  Students have enjoyed playing outside with their classmates.  Here’s some information about what’s happening in third grade.

Third graders are finishing up beginning of the year assessments related to language arts and math.  Students have been reading and writing about books with Mrs. Buley as part of the Developmental Reading Assessment.  Third graders completed the 3rd Grade Baseline math assessment with Mrs. Simpson.  Some of the assessments have involved paper and pencil; while other assessments have been taken using Chromebook computers.  Students have been working hard and trying their best!

Third grade mathematicians are working hard on subtraction facts and problem solving.  We are learning to solve the basic subtraction facts (0-0 = 0 through 20 - 20 = 0) quickly by using efficient strategies.  Ask your child to tell you about the names of the different types of facts on the attached “Subtraction Table.” Please read the attached Bridges Mathematics family resource letter.  It describes some of the math concepts that your child has learned about during their study of addition and subtraction this month.  

In literacy, students are learning how to “build a reading life”, setting goals for themselves as readers, and learning to select books that are “just right”.  We have focused upon the story elements of beginning, middle, and ending. We have also read informational text and focused upon getting the main idea and supporting details. We are completing our spelling assessments, and our spelling program will begin soon.  In writing, students are learning that everyone’s story matters! We are learning to listen and respond to one another’s thoughts and ideas.  We are focusing upon how writers find topics about which to write.We have decorated our writer’s notebooks, and are learning that special people, places, and things can be the source of ideas for new writing.

Upcoming Events and Needed Materials

• On Monday, September 25th, Chamberlin School students in grades 3 through 5 will be participating in outdoor activities designed to build cooperation and team building skills.  Facilitators from The UVM Adventure Ropes Course will be here to lead the activities from 8:30 AM until 10:30 AM.  Students should wear comfortable clothes and sneakers and bring a water bottle on Monday.
• School picture forms are being sent home today.  Picture Day is on September 28th.  
• We are in need of small, colored pom-poms, cleaning wipes, and soft tissues.  Thank you to families who were able to send some in already!

Have a great weekend!  

Sincerely,

Keelin M. Simpson

Kathy Buley