Peek at the Week News August 22nd, 2011

Dear 3rd grade Parents,

Please take a look at this week's highlights:

Vocabulary and Spelling:

Unit 2 pp. 16-25 in Vocabulary Workshop book is due Wednesday. Students are given class time to get started and do the rest for homework on Monday and Tuesday evenings (this is the weekly routine). All of the unit pages (Unit 2 this week) due on Wednesday. Vocabulary Quiz Unit 2 on Thursday (multiple choice format, 10 questions). Spelling Test (words are taken from the Vocabulary Workshop book, total of 20 words, including the synonyms and antonyms page) is on Friday.


Math:

Your child now has a username and password to log on to the ALEKS web-based Math program. While we are waiting on computer lab scheduling, we are reviewing Place Value and Ordering Numbers in our textbooks. This week, we will learn and review counting patterns and understanding place value in larger numbers, such as ten thousands and hundred thousands.


English/Grammar:

Chapter 1 Unit Test on Thursday (Sentences: 4 Different Types, Punctuation, Capitalization). Study for test by taking your hardcover book home and do pg. 454 for test.

Religion:

As we wrap up our Chapter 1 Unit, "God Speaks To Us," we are also getting more comfortable speaking to God during our prayers. Our afternoon prayer routine (The Prayer Corner Ceremony) allows us to speak to God in our natural way. This week, we will begin Chapter 2 "God the Creator of Heaven and Earth."

Science:

This week's unit introduces the tools of science, how they are used,and the concepts of scientific inquiry, scientific method, measurement, and scientific problem solving. We will discover how everyday tools at home and at school are scientific tools to help us. Next week, we will begin our first project called, "Invention Convention."

Social Studies:

This week's unit focus is "Changes to the Land Bring Changes for People." Class activities include reading, discussion, review, and group work in class.

Notes/Reminder:
1. August 24th is Back to School Night! Please join us. You will have a chance to visit my classroom as I discuss policies and procedures, classroom activities, and many more.
2. Weekly Routine to note: Vocabulary Units are assigned weekly on Mondays. Students have two nights (Monday and Tuesday) to finish all of the pages in the unit as they are due on Wednesday. We will play a review game on Wednesday and take a practice quiz (either in class or at home). Vocabulary Quiz is on Thursday. Spelling Test is Friday (words are taken from the Vocabulary Workshop book). Later on this quarter, we will also have weekly or biweekly quizzes in Science, Social Studies, and Religion. Most of the quizzes are "open book" as I am testing for comprehension. Students will need to keep their weekly newspapers in the home folders so that they can use them as reference when taking a quiz.
3. Thinking Maps: Last week, we learned how to use a Circle Map (used when defining words or topics in context). This week, we will learn how to use a Bubble Map (used for describing topics or context, mainly using adjectives). These Thinking Maps are helpful visual learning tools for many students. They help retain information and organize thoughts.
4. Assignment Pads/Student Planners: We are using the school-issued student planners to help us remember our assignments. 3rd graders are required to write down every assignment written on the board in class (word for word). In the first few weeks (possibly even in the first two months), I will regularly check if they are writing down the correct information. You as parents can verify by signing your name in the planner each day. This will tell me that your child is bringing home the appropriate materials for homework. It will also help us identify organizational problems, listening skills, or any other issues that may arise at the very beginning of the year. It is normal for a 3rd grader to forget assignments or write down the wrong information in the student planner for the first few weeks. By the end of the first month, however, it should be routine for all students.
5. Thank you for your cooperation! I realize that the classroom policies and procedures may seem like a lot, but very soon, we will get used to how our classroom operates. We will have a great year, and we will learn so much.

Have a blessed week! I hope you enjoyed the first day of school classroom picture posted on the blog.

Love,
Mrs. Pia Villanueva-Pulido