Reading- EQ: What do I need to know about Guided Reading?
We will spend this week familiarizing ourselves with the daily routines associated with Guided Reading time. Students will be introduced or refreshed on our AR (Accelerated Reader) program. We will practice using AR together as a class in the computer lab. Students will then be required to pass a monthly minimum 4 books a month on AR tests at 80% or above based on their AR points range. This range is based on their current grade level for independent reading. If your child is reading chapter books, I count every 25 pages as a book towards their goal. A new reading log will be in your child's binder this week for September. Your child can work towards their AR goal at home and school.
Our first 9 weeks theme is Traditional Literature. We will begin exploring what traditional literature is through a variety of texts. Students will practice retelling different tales, identifying story elements, and more.
Spelling- EQ: What letter combinations help make long and short /e/ sounds? Pattern: Long and short /e/ sounds
I was so proud of how well the students performed on their first spelling test. This weeks words will focus on the short and long sounds of /e/. Your child's list of words is in their homework packet in their homework binder. I will also give them another list to use in class. We will practice the pattern in class through sorting, classifying, practice and spelling centers. Note that one night of their homework is a Spelling Choice and one night is a practice test. Have fun working through the 40 different spelling choices 
. Our next spelling test will be Friday, September 5th.
Math- EQ: How do I estimate a number to the nearest ten or hundred? How can I apply the estimation strategy to addition?
We will begin our study of estimation this week with journaling. We will also learn a super song to help us with the process of estimation. In third grade we have found that the best way to teach estimation of numbers is through an antennae method.
35 36
Example: 30_______._.____40
\ /
36
We will practice this method using dry erase markers on the tables (a class favorite!!) as well as their math journals. We will begin with estimating to the nearest ten on Tuesday, before we move to the hundreds on Wednesday. Towards the end of the week we will begin applying estimation to addition problems.
Example: 28> 30
+17> 20
45 >50
Play this fun game with your child to practice estimating sums to the hundreds place.
Estimator Four
Science- EQ: What are the three types of rocks?
This week we will learn about the three types of rocks (sedimentary, igneous, and metamorphic) and the ways that they are formed through the study of the Rock Cycle. We will learn a fun song as well as some funny sayings to help us each type.
