11/8/09
Dear Parents and Children,
Here is a BIG update, since there is so much happening in room 29!
First, thank you to Mrs. Gagliano (Alyssa's Mom) and Mrs. Donovan (James's
Mom), for a wonderful Halloween party! They helped us create some great
crafts and coordinated the treats! Thank you to all who sent in supplies for
a great party! Mr. Coleman visited us on Friday! Ask your children what we
learned. It was awesome! In addition, thank you to all who sent in
blankets/sleeping bags for people in need. When I dropped them off on
Saturday, the clients of the soup kitchen were thrilled! I will continue to
collect used blankets and sleeping bags from anybody who would like to send
them in! There is definitely an increase in the number of people who need
help, and this is an easy inexpensive way that we can make a difference.
We are enjoying learning about veterans! Our Thanksgiving Feast is
Monday 11/23 from 11:15-12:15. The children are working on Washington D.C.
reports, which will be presented to the class on 11/24 and 11/25. We have a
math test on Thursday.
We are reading Molly's Pilgrim and concentrating on vocabulary, theme,
context clues, and character. Our science unit is about Matter (B1), and we
are enjoying lots of hands on fun experiments. Ask about the mystery cans
and mystery box. Most of the children did a marvelous job on the DBQ.
Before writing, we learned how to develop a comparative essay by using two
kinds of chocolate chip cookies. We are still learning new writing
techniques and bringing our personal narratives to publishing.
As you have already noticed, the children work very hard in third
grade. Although you may not be impressed, I was very pleased with the
reading unit 1 test. In the past, it was rare to see children score 90 or
above on this test. It is a difficult one! The errors help me to know the
children's needs for further instruction and practice.
The math "rip outs" are quizzes. Directions can be confusing, but the
children need practice to learn how to carry them out independently. I have
noticed that many children do not recall their basic addition and subtraction
facts instantly. PLEASE practice math facts! The links on our class website
might be helpful. There is a timed one minute practice on aaamath.com. I
suggest trying it each day, 5 times a day, until your child can recall
his/her math facts readily. We learn from our mistakes and move on, so that
we can do better in the future. Please do not feel defeated! If the
children never make mistakes, then they are not being challenged or
learning. I am a living example when it comes to the smartboard!
Enjoy the beautiful day!
Fondly,
Mrs. Valenti and Mrs. Cole
