Halloween, Highlights, and Links

Halloween!

We are all set for snacks, treats, and food for our Halloween Party. Due to allergies, I ask (beg) that you not send in extra cookies, cupcakes or treats. If you want to send in non-food items to pass out (pencils, erasers, etc.) that is completely fine! Thank you so much for respecting my policy on snacks and food in the classroom. You guys have been awesome to work with so far this year. 
Our party will take place in the morning (on the half day). You are more than welcome to attend for the parade starting at 10:00 on Tuesday, October 31st. Unless we have already spoken, please give us a little space in the classroom. I have all the helpers I need this time around. Our party will consist of watching a portion of the movie Becuase of Winn Dixie, eating snacks, and walking the parade. Thanks again.

Spelling Words: Test on Friday, November 3rd

Students are bringing home a list to practice in their STAR Binder. We have worked on these words in class and within our writing. Feel free to check out free sites like Spelling City to encourage your child to practice. 

Other Ideas for Practice:

Typing the words in funky fonts on your computer at home is another fun way to practice. My favorite is shaving cream in the shower! Spray some shaving cream on the shower wall, your child can write the words while getting clean! 

Here is the list in case your child's copy gets lost in the shuffle. 

because
could
every
finally
have
into
off
put
really
said
they
very
was 
when
your

Respect Assembly Highlights

Our classroom offered their insights into who they felt was the most respectful student in our classroom. I knew it was going to be a tough choice, so I asked for their help. Through some secret ballots, we all agree that Sam is one respectful student! Congrats to you Samantha. 

Here is our class singing the Respect Song! We were the featured class, and they did a great job.

Michigan Writers Contest

Over the next few weeks, students will be working on publishing a short story. This will be voluntary for students who would like to enter the Write Michigan Short Story Contest. All the work will be typed in a Google Doc and students will be able to work on their piece at home and school.
The in-school writing work dates will be:
November 3, 8, 17, 22, 27
I will give students time in class to work on their short stories, and any student who wants some additional help can stay in at recess for extra help. Again, completely voluntary. Some kiddos are very excited about this opportunity. If it turns out to be an indoor recess day, I will attempt to work with students in the library. Any changes to this schedule will be communicated with the students. Parents are responsible for submitting their child's story. Please visit the website to see how! All entries are due by November 30th, and I will send reminders and help in any way I can. This contest is free for all children under the age of 18.

Here is our #WhyIWrite poster along with some other FPE writers! We made a mini graffiti-like wall in the hallway.

Check out these focused writers!

Google Classroom and Google Docs
Students each have access to Google Classroom and Google Docs. Please ask your child about their login information!


Headphones or Earbuds
If your child would like to use their own earbuds or headphones for our small jack Chromebooks, they are welcome to bring a pair to keep here at school. I have a safe spot to store them in between uses.

Reading--Here is a picture of students creating their plot timelines!

Math-We continue to rock and roll with multiplication and division! 

TENMARKS Login

Students learned how to use the TenMarks website this week. It offers videos, models, and opportunities for students to practice math skills we have worked on in class! I have assigned several multiplication and division activities with a due date all the way into December. There is no penalty if students do not finish all the activities before December. I hope students will use the site to practice when they can, but this is an optional home opportunity for you and your child to use as you navigate math together this year!
Students' login information is located in their star binder! Have fun!

Home Opportunity!

Make a fort at home and send me a picture to share with the class!

The class and I read an article about the affects of electronics on children's health. I read it to them because it supported my persuasive essay I am writing as a model of essay writing during our workshop time. The class all wanted to share the article with you! We decided to give ourselves the challenge to make a fort this weekend with our parents. Read the article! Make a fort!

CONFERENCE WEEK IS HERE!

I'm looking forward to talking with each of you about the start of our year in third-grade. We will discuss many topics individualized to your child as well as some overall topics.

One of the topics we will discuss is homework and my expectations for your child through the year. I am a firm believer in children learning through both explicit and exploratory experiences. Below are some links and information that will support you before, during, and after our conversation this week.


What does homework look like for math?
One of the biggest and most important foundational skills your child will learn this year is understanding and using multiplication and division. This link, (click here) has a great explanation that supports learners of all levels in their understanding of multiplication. Take a look. I will be giving you a set of the "multiplication subitizing cards" at our conference.

What does homework look like for spelling?
We will have a spelling test (words in isolation) one time per month. These words will consist mostly of sight words and a small selection of words that follow a common spelling pattern. Our spelling work within the classroom will consist mostly of working with spelling patterns and common sight words within our writing. Students may also get 3-4 individual words to work on for the month.

What does homework look like for science and social studies?
Mrs. Shrontz will occasionally give students tasks to complete outside of the classroom to support experiments and investigations. Social studies and science are both full of new vocabulary, and occasionally I will send home information and study guides for students practice vocabulary before unit tests.

What does homework look like for reading?
Your child is likely doing a lot of reading on their own. This is wonderful news. I would also still encourage you to read aloud to your child. Choose a chapter book from a favorite series or a picture book to share together. Reading frequently is important for long-term learning in every content area. The bookmark that should be coming home in your child's independent book should be signed by an adult on a fairly regular basis. I do not penalize students if their bookmark is not signed however if the bookmark is never signed, your child and I will have a conversation about responsibilities when reading at home. I always have extra bookmarks. If your child is reading a book at home or with you, they should have a bookmark to track pages read to share with me. It can live in their STAR Binder as a holding spot, so they always have it.

As always, please ask questions or reach out with any concerns you may have regarding homework or any aspect of your child's third-grade year.