Peek at the Week News August 29th, 2011

Dear 3rd grade Parents,

Please take a look at this week's highlights:

Vocabulary/Spelling: Unit 3 pp. 27-33 due on Wednesday. Vocabulary Review Game on Wednesday. Practice quiz for homework on Wednesday. Unit 3 Vocabulary Quiz (multiple choice with reading passage) on Thursday. Study for Friday's Spelling Unit 3 Test.

Reading: We are practicing listening and comprehension skills when the teacher reads a novel aloud. Our first classroom novel is Ramona Quimby, Age 8 by Beverly Cleary. We are learning the three narrative elements in fiction (plot, characters, setting), and we are monitoring our comprehension.

English: We finished our first unit on Punctuating Sentences (statement, command, exclamation, question). This week, we will begin a new unit to help us learn how to identify the two parts of a complete sentence (subject and predicate) on Chapter 2.

Math: We are learning Place Value in larger numbers (up to millions) and completed a fun activity using our tech gadgets in the classroom (Smartboard and Elmo). Some of us have completed our initial assessment test using the ALEKS web-based Math program in computer lab. The rest of us will complete them this week, as we schedule our new lab time. After everyone has been assessed, then they will learn the steps on how to log in online and learn this tool.

Religion: In Chapter 2, we will explore the meaning of Divine Providence as God's caring love for all His creation. We will discuss the Scripture passage based on Matthew 6:25-32: "Do not worry about what you will eat or drink. Do not worry about what you will wear...Do not worry. Your heavenly Father knows what you need." Then we will share what we think is most powerful in that message.

Science: Our second unit, "The Tools of Science" shows us different kinds of tools we use in everyday life. We used our Thinking Maps to describe everyday Science tools that are helpful and useful in our lives. As soon as we finish our unit and discussion, we will begin our fun project called "Invention Convention" and the kids will have a chance to work on their projects in class.

Notes/Reminder:
1. Thursday, Sept. 1st: Spirit Day. Students may wear their Spirit Day shirts with blue jeans and tennis shoes/sneakers.
2. Friday, Sept. 2nd: Early Dismissal at noon. Teacher In-service
3. Monday, Sept. 5th: Labor Day All School Holiday
4. Wednesday, Sept. 7th: Magazine Drive Ends
5. Class work issues: It takes some time to adjust to the new routine in a new teacher's classroom. I do give the students the benefit of the doubt, but the work that is not finished in class must be completed and turned in the next day, on top of their regular homework. We will work diligently in developing good work habits both in class and at home. I am confident that we will see results at least by the end of 1st quarter. I thank all of the parents for their patience and cooperation.

As always, if there are any questions or concerns, please feel free to email me: ppulido@hfns.com.

Have a blessed week!
Love,
Mrs. Pia Villanueva-Pulido