Classroom Updates

Life in our classroom has been busy as usual since Spring Break! I would like to update you on several things going on in our class. Reading- We are working on a wonderful unit that compares fairy tales across cultures. We have been reading aloud several versions of Rumplestiltskin, but we have focused our study on Cinderella. Students have read and analyzed Cinderella versions from Egypt, Korea, France, Mexico, Ireland, Italy, Africa, and several other countries. I have thoroughly enjoyed this unit, and I have seen some wonderful critical thinking going on during class discussions. Next week, we will discuss fractured fairy tales. Students will be eventually writing their own version of Cinderella that we will be sharing with Mrs. Esterline's kindergarten class. Math- This week the third graders have been working on measuring and adding distances and finding the area of a surface. Students created a scale drawing of our classroom, just like real architects! We then found the area of our classroom! Second graders finished up Unit 7 this week. We started Unit 8, which has been focusing on fraction and probability concepts. One thing that I have noticed in both math groups is that their mental math skills have improved dramatically since the beginning of the year. I owe this progress to our Everyday Math series. We practice mental math exercises every day. Grammar- Second graders have been reviewing all seven parts of speech. Third graders have been learning about direct objects and indirect objects and have been practicing how to diagram sentences. Independent Study- We are behind on our calendar that was sent home. I will adjust the calendar as needed and send home a new one to ensure that everyone has enough time to complete their project. This weekend, please make sure you know what your child's topic is and what they are making for their product. Students need to be working on these products at home. Also be gathering all the necessary sources; books, websites, etc. I will allow students apx. 50 minutes of notetaking/research time on Monday, but they must have their sources ready to go! I will send home progress notes next week to tell you what your child has accomplished in class for this project so far. The chosen topics this year are quite diverse, which is wonderful! Coming Up.... Kate diCamillo is a favorite author to many students and teachers. She has written award winning books such as Because of Winn-Dixie, Tiger Rising, The Tale of Desperaux, The Miraculous Life of Edward Tulane, and The Magician's Elephant. I thought the kids would enjoy having real "book clubs" in class to celebrate the joy of reading! On Monday, I will be giving your child a novel by Kate diCamillo. They will be in a book club with about five students who are also reading the same Kate diCamillo book. Just like an adult book club, students will meet with their clubs and discuss what they have read. If you would like to join one of our book clubs, please let me know! I have extra books. Parents are welcome to come to our book club meetings, which will be held in the afternoons. If you join a book club, you will have to read the novel along with the group and join in discussions! Important Dates- Monday, April 18- School is in session. Snow Make-up Day. Wednesday, April 20- Twins Day! Dress like a twin with your friend! Snacks- 50 cents April 25-27 ISTEP testing for Grade 3 May 5- Data Night/Art Show/Book Fair 6:00-7:30 p.m. MARK YOUR CALENDARS! I have to say that I am a little bit sad that we are approaching the end of the year so quickly. This has been a truly enjoyable mix of kids this year! I am so proud of the accomplishments that they have made and the growth that they have shown academically. This is a creative and sweet group! In case you are wondering, the secret word today is Rumplestiltskin. Have a wonderful weekend!!! ~Mrs. Terry