Weekly Update 10/23

This week we completed chapter 2 in math.  On Monday we will begin chapter 3 which focuses on more difficult addition and subtraction problems.  We will be adding and subtracting 2 and 3 digit numbers.  We will also be working with regrouping when subtracting.  This concept is sometimes tricky for students, so  please continue to practice facts at home and review the homework with them. 

I was very impressed with the Simple Machine projects that the students brought in!  They did a great job showing and explaining how their projects made work easier.  Later in the week the students were able to share their projects with the students in Mrs. Moran's class.  They walked through each other's classrooms to see all of the different project ideas.  Mr. Melucci even stopped by to take a look! 

In social studies this week we started to talk about the difference between maps and globes.  We also talked about the continent of North America and how it is made up of 4 different countries.  In addition, we began talking about the 7 continents and we practiced identifying them on a map.  The students also learned a song to help them remember all 7 continents.

In shared reading we read a play called, A Home for Nellie.  As we read through the play we  focused on practicing reading strategies such as rereading to clear up confusion and using the text features and pictures to help understand the text.  In reading groups we also practiced using these strategies and others to help when the text became too confusing or when students came to a word or phrase that they did not know. 

In writing, students completed their personal narratives.  Next week we will learn about different types of writing prompts and how to respond to them.

In fundations we have continued to work with 1-1-1 words (words that have 1 syllable, 1 vowel, and 1 consonant after the vowel ex. grip).  We also learned the rules about adding suffixes to these types of words.  Students also learned how to write a few more lowercase letters in cursive.

We ended the week with a fun Friday!  The students participated in the Alpine Bear Run.  The students were very excited and did a great job during the run.  One of the girls in our class, Casie finished second out of all the girls in third grade!  Max R. finished fourth out of all the boys! 

The students are already looking forward to next Friday which is when we will have our Halloween party and parade!  Since we will be having a party, students do not need to bring a snack on that day.  Please remember that students will not be permitted to leave the classroom to change into their costumes.  They may wear them to school or bring a costume that they can change into in the classroom.  Thanks for your support!