This Week, in 3-2...

August 26- August 30, 2013

Reading: We started the first week of our Treasures reading program! Students

worked on identifying the plot of a story. First Day Jitters was our main selection. As

we read, we looked for main characters, the setting, and the beginning, middle, and

end. We practiced figuring out unknown vocabulary using context clues. Students also

identified and formed compound words. At the end of the week, students read a

National Geographic article about bats. We focused on identifying the main ideas of

the selection, as well as recording our own thinking about the information in a double

entry reading log.

Reading Logs are due Tuesday, September 3. (100 minutes)

Math: This week, we dove into our first math unit. Students reviewed number

sequences and patterns. They also practiced using their number grids to solve addition

and subtraction problems. In addition, students had the opportunity to explore their

student reference books. They were very excited to see the types of resources available

in the book. At the end of the week, students explored different ways to write

equivalent names for numbers. The first fact tests of the year were also given. Please

remind your child to be practicing their basic facts at home. In general, fact tests will

be given twice a week (Tuesdays and Thursdays).

Social Studies: Students explored our first social studies unit: map skills! They

looked at a variety of maps, including community maps. They compared and

contrasted maps and aerial photographs. Cardinal and intermediate directions were

reviewed, in addition to the location of the seven continents.

Writing: In writing, we discussed letter form. Students learned the various

components of a letter, including greetings, indents, closings, and dates. They applied

their knowledge to write a letter to their parents, outlining the first week of school! In

grammar, students differentiated between sentences and fragments. Students also

worked on sentence elaboration by learning the importance of including details. They

realized that if the writer does not use specific words, the reader cannot form an

accurate picture in his or her mind. Students experimented with this idea by starting to

create their own juicy sentences about a favorite animal.

Cursive/Spelling: In cursive this week, students worked on making the various

strokes required for many of the lowercase letters. They also wrote the lower case “i, t,

u, and w”. We took our week 1 spelling test.

Miscellaneous: I had a wonderful time meeting many of you on Curriculum Night! I

truly appreciate your support and enthusiasm for the upcoming school year. Please

remind your child to bring a water bottle to school in order to help him/her stay

hydrated during this hot weather. Just a reminder, there will be no school on Monday

(Labor Day holiday). Please let me know if you have any questions. Enjoy the long

weekend!