Third Grade Newsletter GIFTED GAZETTE 3.1 Jan. 8th – Jan. 12th What we’re learning this week… Vocabulary & Friday Test Schedule Reading: This week we will…read Chapter 5 in Because of Winn Dixie compare and contrast character traits in two texts using The Cricket in Times Square examine character interactions and how they change character’s feelings Language/Writing/Vocabulary: This week we will… complete and present Friend Wanted posters to the class use a mentor sentence to apply grammar skills with concentration on “dialogue” Unit 1 Vocabulary Workshop (look for handout) Spelling: utilize dictionary/thesaurus/dictionary.com references Math: This week we will… apply our knowledge of area and perimeter with the creation of a “Dream Room” project begin our factions unit master 1-12’s facts with “Fluency Friday” speed test: 25 correct facts in 1 minute, 40 seconds Project of the Week (P.O.W.): MLK web quest due Friday Research: Students will interview grandparents/parents with focus questions about the importance of friendships. Students will begin making a list of interview questions in class. We will discuss interview etiquette and how to turn interview answers into a presentation. Students will have choice in presenting their findings to the class either through audio/videotaped recording, PowerPoint, essay, etc… More details to follow soon! Reading: Cold-Read comprehension test with short-answer questions Vocabulary: Unit 1 multiple choice Language: “Friend Wanted” Poster/Presentation Mentor Sentence Assessment with in class writing assessment Spelling: Assessed through writing. Students are expected to consult dictionaries, peer editors, and computer resources to monitor spelling when writing. Math: Final Area Test Dream Room Area/Perimeter Project Multiplication Facts 1-12 Speed Test We will being our unit of Fractions.  Please study multiplication facts nightly, especially if your child is not fluent with 1-12 multiplication facts (3- second rule). Many students are still relying on desk multiplication charts which will be removed for the second half of the year. Fluency with multiplication facts is a critical goal in third grade math. Our goal for Friday’s test is 25 problems in 1 minute and 40 seconds to achieve mastery. Try using mathfactspro.com or mathfactscafe.com for nightly fluency practice. Tuesday, January 9th Ms. Doescher’s Birthday!!! Monday, January 15th – Martin Luther King Holiday A note from the teachers Please check with your child about school supplies. It might be time to replenish pencils, erasers, looseleaf, highlighters, crayons, and markers. This is also a great time to clean out schoolbags and binders and toss old papers. (Kleenex, paper towels, and Clorox wipes are always very much appreciated this time of year:) MOBY MAX LEADERBOARD! The top 3 students with the highest total amount of time spent working in MobyMax for January will receive a special treat for their dedication. In December our class minutes totaled 4,291. Our class goal for January is 4,500 minutes…kids will decide class reward! Ms. Morrison & Ms. Doescher kim.morrison@stpsb.org melanie.doescher@stpsb.org