Mrs. Ondis
Grade 3
Class Update
November 17, 2009
Math: Our class has been working on a unit called Flips, Turns, and Area.
They have learned about tetrominoes (different arrangements of four squares)
and to visualize how these shapes fit in space, an important geometric
skill. Part of this unit also includes looking at area as a measure of a
flat surface as well as learning about perimeter.
Reading: The students have started reading their selected biographies. As
they read, they are recording information on a research guide that we
developed as a class. They are also noting important events on a timeline.
We have scheduled our Biography Breakfast for Friday, December 18. The
presentation will begin at 8:30 and we invite parents and family to stay and
have breakfast with the class. I will be asking for breakfast donations from
the parents in the coming weeks.
Writing: Currently students are working on editing skills. Many students
have completed first drafts of “describing a picture” stories and are working
on editing for spelling, punctuation, and meaning. The class also created a
script on Wilma Rudolph as a model for their own biography scripts.
Science: We are almost at the end of our science unit, Structures of Life.
The students observed beetles this week and made comparisons of the
structures and functions of a beetle to that of the crayfish. I will be
sending out a form if you would like to take a crayfish home the week before
vacation along with care instruction. We have eleven crayfish that will need
a home!
Social Studies: In addition to our biography study, the students have already
started receiving postcards from around the United States. We have been
discussing each state and placing the postcards we receive on a class map.
Important Dates and Reminders
November 25: Thanksgiving Recess begins, No School
December 9: H1N1 Clinic 4-8pm
December 10: Picture Re-takes (9-10:30am)
December 18: Biography Breakfast 8:30am
December 23: Winter Recess, No School
We are running low on hand sanitizer. Please send in a bottle with a pump
with your child. We are staying healthy! Also, both of our electric pencil
sharpeners have broken and need replacements.
