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Welcome to Mrs. Durant's School Notes Page Friendly Disclaimer This page is posted as a courtesy to help keep families informed about long-term assignments and notices sent home by the classroom teacher. All assignments, especially those posted, will have been introduced and reviewed several times before the written version is handed out. Therefore the post date of any assignment in no way compromises or negates your child's ability to complete an assignment well and on time. Be sure to scroll down! Please visit the new 3D Wish List page at I've made Scholastic Book Club ordering available online as a trial. You can use your credit card to order and the books get shipped to the classroom. If you want a particular order to be a surprise for the holidays, write me a note or leave me a message and I'll contact you directly when the order arrives. The URL, login name, and password have been sent home in a letter from me with the Holiday book order. 3D TESTS NOTICEWednesday, November 18 Chapter 3 Math Test Wednesday: Every week Vocabulary and Story/Skills Comprehension Friday: Every week Spelling Test PLEASE HELP YOUR CHILD STUDY A LITTLE EVERY NIGHT. **** REMINDERSNovember 25 is an early release day. **** MONTHLY BOOK REPORTStudents will be assigned a book if a good choice has not been made within 5 days of the assignment. Substitutions will not be allowed once the teacher intervenes. The teacher must pre-approve every book report book selection.NovemberGenre: Fantasy Task: Character Trait Analysis Due: November 30 Description: You will examine the traits of one character from your book, preferably a main character. You will use the information below to help design your own report. See the rubric below for more information. Note to Parents: An example book report was composed in class using Wings, a story with which everyone was familiar. Late reports will be deducted one grade on the final score. (If the work deserves a 3 a score of 2 will be earned.) You can help with the writing by pointing out spelling errors, but let your child correct them using a dictionary. Required Information:
Rubric: Character Trait Analysis
****** HOMEWORK SCHEDULEMonday spelling and vocabulary cards; read 20 minutes Tuesday multiple choice MCAS; math; read 20 minutes Wednesday spelling and math; read 20 minutes Thursday short composition MCAS; math; read 20 minutes Friday-Sat. read 20 minutes* Long Term book reports beginning October independent research projects *Note that students needing more practice or those who have not finished the required classwork and/or homework will be expected to complete it over the weekend. Students are responsible for ensuring its completion. All homework is due the following school day unless written otherwise by the teacher. ------------------------------------------------------------ Independent Reading Forms Last week I sent home a sample Independent Reading Form. The children were supposed to explain it to you, but this has caused some confusion. I'd like to clarify. Many 3D children are not making "just right book" choices. They are not using the five finger test, which is a strategy designed to help children determine independently whether the book is at a good reading level for their reading ability (see the link above). They don't understand what they are reading or are frustrated reading what they selected. I am asking that families use this Independent Reading Form from now on--whenever a child chooses a new book--so that children begin to make better choices and become better readers. This will also help parents/guardians determine their child's reading level. This week I will send home this letter and a sample set of questions to assist book discussions between parents/guardians and their child(ren). These questions are a tool to help you help your child to get the most out of reading. I will also send home a set of Independent Reading Forms to have on hand. Before your child begins a new book, fill out the top portion of the form. Then, when your child finishes the book, conduct a brief discussion with your child. Then both you and your child sign the form. Feel free to write any comments on the form as you see fit. Thank you for your cooperation. Together we can make a difference! *** OCTOBER BOOK REPORT This month the book report consists of chapter summaries kept in a red marble composition book. It is best if the summary is written immediately after reading it. It is much more difficult to do them all at once. If preferred, the book may be read through for enjoyment, then reread, writing the chapter summary after completing each chapter. The rubric is as follows: RUBRIC FOR THE OCTOBER BOOK REPORT --4-- •Summaries for all chapters are written. •Summaries consist of 2 to 4 sentences. •Only major plot elements are included. •Complete sentences are used. •Capitals and periods are used correctly. --3-- •Summaries for all chapters are written. •Summaries consist of 2 to 6 sentences. •Most major plot elements are included, and some details are included. •Complete sentences are used, but some fragments and run-ons are included. •Capitals and periods are usually used correctly. --2-- •Summaries for all chapters are written. •Summaries are more like a retelling of the chapter. •Complete sentences are used inconsistently. Many run-ons and/or fragments appear. •Capitals and periods are used incorrectly and/or inconsistently. --1-- •Chapter summaries for most chapters are written and/or some chapters are combined (summary written for chapters 3 and 4 instead of on chapter each). •No attempt to use complete sentences is made. •Capitals and periods are used incorrectly and/or inconsistently. --0-- No attempt to complete the requirement was made, or the writing is unclear, illegible, or incomprehensible. Late book reports will not receive a grade of 4. Grade 3 Supply List 2009-2010 Students should bring these supplies on the first day of school. Some items may need to be replenished during the school year. Your child’s name should appear on the front of all individual items in bold, clear letters before sending them to school. Donations of any or all school supplies are greatly appreciated for those in need. Thanks!
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- Scholastic Book Club Order Want to place a book order online with your credit card? This is your link.
- Carol Hurst's Children's Literature Site Grade 3 recommendations with ratings
- North of Boston Library Exchange Are you looking for library books? You can get a Swampscott library card for free, then use this site to find library books from your home computer.
- Blue Stars Portaportal This is a compilation of sites directly linked to the topics we study. There are plenty of games and other activities.
- Let's Discover Massachusetts! This is a compilation of sites directly linked to our social studies curriculum this month. Use it to enhance your knowledge base.