January, 2011

HAPPY NEW YEAR!  Here's to a  happy and healthy 2011!

Third grade expectations are high and a great deal needs to get accomplished before the end of the school year!

Our study of Connecticut is underway and the infamous CT project complete with 3 separate assignments was handed out to students on Monday, January 10th.  This is an on-going homework assignment which includes a packet, the Connecticut "box", and relief map.  Explicit directions, grading rubrics and websites to refer to, were reviewed with students and included in the folder.  Students should manage their time and not wait until the last minute to complete the assignments.  The project is due on Monday, February 28th right after our February break.  This gives ample time for completion. 

Students will also be completing a written biography of a famous CT person in class.  We will be choosing books with Mrs. Plavin in our library, read the book and complete a written report during our writing block.  The students will also be creating their person in art with Mrs. Briggs!

Third graders should be reading for AT LEAST 20 minutes each night .  We are trying to build stamina in the classroom during silent sustained reading for the same amount of time. Soon, students will be completing book reports!  They should read books at their level, preferably chapter books.

Addition and subtraction facts should be mastered!  To reach goal, students must complete the 100 facts within 5 minutes (95% or better).  We continue to work  on the concepts of multiplication and division, fact families and knowing the 0-5 and 10's multiplication tables. Some students are very proficient at the  0-12's tables!

In science, we are studying animal habitats and adaptations.  Each student is researching a particular animal and completing a "poster' project in class.  They will have the opportunity to present their project to the rest of the class. 

CMT's ARE FAST APPROACHING!  (March)  In addition to our regular curriculum, a great deal of practice/preparation for the assessments are taking place. You will see CMT related homework assignments  from now until March.  Students may also go to Test/Prep Fun on the Board of Education Home Page.  Students have been assigned a user name and password.  This is a great way to practice for the CMT"s!

Peace~

Ms. Lavey