Newsletter Week of March 19th

Dear Parents,

It was great to see so many of you at school on Friday supporting the Track and Field Fun Day. This Friday you will have another opportunity to join in as Grade 3 participates in the Terry Fox Run at 8:45-9:30. Your child should come ready in their PE clothing with their uniform in a bag to change into afterward.

We begin the week on Day 6 (due to a missed day earlier this year), but Tuesday will be Day 2 (followed by Days 3, 4, 5).

Reading

We are finishing up our fiction character book club unit. As we compare and contrast characters (their traits, motivations, and other characteristics), we will also look at how they face the problems they encounter. Hopefully, there will be some time for mini-debates where students can use text evidence to support their position.

Writing

Students are drafting another fairy tale adaptation and are making revisions early and often based on their goals so that their writing continues to improve. We are looking at creating stronger images, balancing narration with dialogue, and editing for sentence variety. After the break, we will continue with fantasy/fiction writing for a few weeks.

Math

This week we finish up our geometry unit solving perimeter problems with unknown sides and more. You will see the assessment for the unit come home after the break. Our next unit is all about fractions. It is important that students have a solid background with multiplication and division facts (to 10 x 10) and regular practice at home will be beneficial.

Social Studies

This week students will synthesize all that they have learned about ancient civilizations as they create a civilization of their own. Students will have a choice in how they share their learning. Our next science unit is about earth and space. It will include hands-on research as students design solutions to problems. 

After this busy week, we wish you a relaxing break and look forward to seeing the students back afterward on April 2 ( which will be a Day 6) for our fourth quarter. 

Week of March 19. Please complete 2 activities and bring in to share on Friday, March 23.

Math: What is the relationship between area and perimeter. Show your thinking with pictures, numbers, and words.	Language arts: Think about 2 main or secondary characters in the books you have read. Compare these 2 characters. How are they similar? How are they different?	Language arts: Interview a parent or other adult about how they use writing in their life. What kinds of writing to they do because of their work or by choice? What tips do they have for you as a writer?
Math: Make up a story problem involving perimeter or area and solve it.	Social Studies: What is technology? What are some examples of technology in ancient civilizations?	Other: What is one thing you will do this week to help the environment?

Remember: Reading is just what we do. It is expected each night. Do not forget your book club book.