This Week...

March 9- March 13, 2015

Reading:  Boom Town was the main selection, which was a historical fiction piece based on the California Gold Rush.  They worked on sequencing important events in the story.  Students also worked hard researching an Illinois topic for a class quilt project!  They used their researching skills to read articles, books, and websites.  They also continued working on their PL research projects.  Students are doing a wonderful job documenting their learning using various note-taking strategies.  They are also giving each other important peer feedback regarding their research. Reading Logs are due Monday, March 16.  (100 minutes)

Math:  At the beginning of the week, students created equations using parentheses to solve for various number stories.  They also started solving extended fact problems based on their knowledge of basic multiplication facts.  The unit 7 math test will be on Friday, March 20.  A review guide will be going home next week.  Xtra Math practice is due Monday, March 16. (3 sessions)  **If students are on double-digit multiplication fact tests, they are not required to do the Xtra math sessions.

Social Studies:  Agriculture and Illinois industries were a main area of focus this week.  Students explored how farm products are turned into food and how it reaches consumers.  We also had a rich discussion about various industries, such as manufacturing and business.  Students identified adults they knew and where their jobs fit in the various industry categories.  Our Illinois unit test will be next Thursday, March 19.  A review guide will go home next week.  The West states and capitals test will be Wednesday, March 18.

Writing:  In writing, students practiced homophones and shared their response to literature essays with other third graders!  In grammar, we focused on singular and plural pronouns.

Spelling/Cursive:  Today, we took our week 25 spelling test.

Miscellaneous:  This week, students worked very hard on PARCC testing, which concluded on Wednesday!  Today, progress reports went home.  Student work from the trimester was included with the report.  Please sign and return the empty envelope as soon as possible…thank you!  Just a reminder, book orders are due on March 20.  Have a great weekend and please let me know if you have any questions!