Peek at the Week News April 23rd, 2012

Dear 3rd Grade Parents,

Please take a look at this week's highlights:

Vocabulary/Spelling: PSIA Words #261 to 280 definitions due on Wednesday. Test on Friday.

English: All About Adjectives: Adjectives That Compare, Adjectives That Tell What Kind/How Many and Articles

Reading/Social Studies/Science/Character Building: Last week, we enjoyed a very meaningful lesson from the wisdom of classic children's books such as The Giving Tree and The Lorax. By analyzing the narrative elements and fictional characters' decisions from simple children's stories from Shel Silverstein and Dr. Seuss, students became aware of how the choices they make affect others and their communities. In celebration of Earth Day, we learned a little about environmental Science. Students became aware of the importance of sustainability, economy, and technology to their environment. They also learned that making wise choices about these things will help make a positive impact for their future. All these great lessons stem from the simplicity of widely popular children's books. What a great reminder that we are never too old to learn from the wisdom of children's literature!

As we continue to celebrate April's National Poetry Month, students are working on carefully selecting their poems to perform on stage for the Spoken Word open mic show on April 30th in the Parish Hall (parents are invited - more details such as time, props, etc to follow). Many of the 3rd graders have already shown me at least two or three poems that they are considering, and I will help each student make a final selection to practice. Ask your child if he/she has already shown me at least two poems for consideration. A good performance consists of the following:

• Preparedness
• Enthusiasm
• Posture and Eye Contact
• Pitch (Voice/Volume to convey appropriate emotions)
• Speaks Clearly
• Listens to Other Presentations

Consider practicing with your child at home every night. I will have the winners of the PSIA Poetry Interpretation district contests from 5th grade to perform in front of my 3rd graders  as examples for their performances in my class.

Math: Outside of computer lab time filling up our pies in ALEKS, we have done some fun, hands-on lessons using our Elmo and Smartboard to review lessons in Fractions and Measurements. Students made and used their own fraction strips to represent the length model, discover fraction relationships, and work with equivalent fractions. At this stage of the unit, students have been able to demonstrate understanding that a fraction can be represented as part of a whole. Continue to work on the ALEKS MyPie for practice. Focus on Fractions. 

Religion: This week, we will make connections with the Last Supper to our First Holy Mass and understand the Bread of Life. In celebration of the 3rd week of Easter, we will discuss what the word MINISTRY means in our faith. 

Notes/Reminder:

1. Mark April 30th in your calendar: Spoken Word Open Mic Show. Details such as time and other necessary props to follow. You are more than welcome (but not obligated) to attend.

2. May Crowning is first week of May. More details to follow as well.