Newsletter Week of April 2nd

Dear Parents,

Hopefully, you and your family had a relaxing and fun holiday. We are now set up for our final stretch of the school year. A time that promises lots of learning and growth, and it will go by quickly. We have several new units scheduled to being this week! 

The Terry Fox Run on March23rd was quite successful for third graders. They learned more about cancer awareness, participated in an important community service event at school, and were inspired to do their personal best for the fun run. 

We begin the week on Day 6 

Reading

This week begins with a new nonfiction reading unit called Research Reading. Students will start off by looking over their resources and organising them. They will then identify subtopics within the topic they are studying and begin to synthesise the information to become experts.  

Writing

Students are continuing the fiction writing unit from before the holiday. They will not only continue to write adapted fairytales but also branch out into other fantasy and creative writing choices. 

Math

Students will begin a new unit in math this week titled Representing and Comparing Fractions. They will begin by partitioning shapes into parts with equal areas. They will express the areas of each part as a unit fraction of the whole. For example, partitioning a shape into 4 parts with equal area, and describing the area of each part as 1/4 of the area of the shape. This is a very important unit with lots of new skills and concepts introduced.

Science

We start the week with a very exciting new science unit called Earth and Space. They will begin the unit by tuning in to prior knowledge and generating a list of wonderings. They will also take a look at technology and try to find out how technology can help us to learn about the solar system?

Week of April 2. Please complete 2 activities and bring in to share on Friday, April 6.

Math: How are fractions used in everyday life? Make a list of times when you would use fractions.	Language arts: Write a story that includes this character. He can either be the main character or a secondary character.	Language arts: Read a fairytale. Write down the characters, setting, problem, solution, and lesson learned.
Math: Write down a list of questions you have about fractions? What do you wonder? What do you want to learn more about?	Social Studies: How have ancient civilizations influenced our modern day world? Think about art and architecture, education, technology,. Make a drawing and label it or write about it.	Other: Practice one act of kindness each day this week. Write down what you did.

Remember: Reading is just what we do. It is expected each night.

Math Vocabulary

Hello 3AH parents,

Please use these vocabulary cards at home to support your child in our upcoming math unit on fractions.

Vocabulary Cards

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.

Newsletter Week of March 12th

Week of March 12, 2018

Dear Parents,

A heartfelt thanks to you for attending your child's Student Led Conference and participating actively in your child's education. It was impressive to watch the students discuss their growth and goals and teach their parents more about their learning in this third quarter of the school year. Remember there are many resources on the ES Parent Learning Connection that you can use to help your child practice. Many students could use daily practice with basic math facts. A reminder to check your class photo tab to see recent pictures. Once again, thank you so much to all of the 3AH parents that took the time out of their day to attend conferences. 

This week we begin on Day 3. 

Reading

Students will look at the lessons they can learn alongside the main characters in a book (beginning theme work), look back to notice author's craft and how various parts of the story connect, and compare and contrast main characters and how they react to problems. It is great to practice this same work when you read aloud to your child (in any language). 

Writing

Students will use a self-assessment to set goals for future writing projects and begin new pieces with more independence. The emphasis will be on revising early and often and balancing dialogue with actions and narration so that the story comes to life. 

Math

We continue to work on perimeter including solving for unknown sides. We also explore the relationship between perimeter and area (for example, if a rectangle has an area of 12 sq. cm, what are possible side lengths and then calculate the perimeter). 

Social Studies

We will look at beliefs, art and architecture, and technology in the coming days. We will focus on the legacy these civilizations left behind and the connections to our life today.

Reminders

On Friday from 8:15-11 Grade 3-5 will be participating in a Track and Field Day. The PE Department reminds you: Students need to come prepared with water, running shoes and a hat, and be wearing sunscreen.  Students should be wearing their school PE uniform.  The students will not have time to go to the canteen for a morning snack. Therefore, they must bring a healthy snack from home out to the field with them.  Snacks can be left up in the bleachers at the side of the field. They can munch on their snack in between events.  Students must also bring their school uniform to change into at the end of the track meet. Parents are welcome to come along to support.

Weeks of March 12. Please complete 2 activities to share on Friday, March 16.

Math: Find the perimeter of three different books in your house. Sketch them in your notebook and label or use photos.

Language arts: Think about a book club book or a book you have read independently. What was the climax?

Language arts:

Read a fairy tale with an adult and then talk about three ways you could adapt it.

Math: Teach someone a strategy you use to solve tricky multiplication facts.

Social Studies: Choose a civilization and write about the location of that civilization and why it was important.

Other: Organize a section of your room. Could be your bookshelf, toys, stuffed animals, etc.

Remember: Reading is just what we do. It is expected each night.

Newsletter Week of March 5th

Dear Parents,

We had lots of fun celebrating Book Week in third grade last week! Definitely lots of book love! It was great to see so many beloved book characters in our classrooms on Thursday. Next week during there will be a book sale, so be sure to stop by after your conference. 

We begin the week with day 6 (a reminder that the conference days are not part of the "day schedule", so Tuesday will be day 1 and Friday will be day 2).

Dear Parents,

This week's update looks a bit different as on Monday and Tuesday we will be finishing up Student Led Conference (SLC) preparation. Student-led conferences are scheduled for Wednesday, March 7 and Thursday, March 8. Your child will be the most important part of this conference, so they are required to attend (we will need to reschedule the conference if they cannot attend). As your child leads the discussion by reflecting on his/her learning, sharing his/her goals, and celebrating his/her successes, please be ready to ask follow up questions. These are the type of questions to ask your child as they are leading the conference:

How did you make this?

Why did you choose this?

What does this work show about you?

What did you learn from this?

What was the easy or difficult part of this?

What do you like best about this?

What more do you want to improve in, or learn?

Tell me about this.

There will be other conferences in the classroom going on at the same time. Please note that this conference could take up to 45 minutes (but it won't overlap with any sibling conference time). After this time you will go with your child to any specialist teacher you choose to finish off the conference. 

Below please find a digital version of a paper that went out last week:

Grade 3 Student Led Conferences

Student Led Conferences are a very important and special event. These conferences are a chance for your child to share his/her learning and personal goals with you.

The format for the conference will look different than before. There will be other families in the classroom conferencing at the same time and the conferences may run for up to 45 minutes. This format allows students to take ownership of their learning in a supportive environment.

Here are some suggestions and information to help make this a positive, successful conference for both you and your child.

What to expect

The child will:

Be responsible for leading the conference.

Show you selected pieces of work from all areas of his/her learning.

Read to you, explain to you and demonstrate for you.

Ask you what you think.

Invite you to participate.

Practice his/her communication and leadership skills.

Speak the language in which he/she feels the most comfortable.

The parents will:

Allow their child to be in charge as much as possible.

Provide encouragement and positive feedback.

Ask open questions that will help their child explain his/her thinking.

Talk with their child about some goals for the rest of the year.

Congratulate their child about their learning!

Speak the language in which they feel the most comfortable.

The teacher will:

Be there for children to check with, or to give support.

Add information if necessary.

Observe, take photos and be proud of the students.

Can be available at another agreed upon time, for parents to discuss particular concerns.

We look forward to sharing this day with you!

Regards,

The Grade 3 Team

Week of March 5. Please complete 2 activities and bring in to share on Friday.

Math: Draw a picture using only closed shapes. Color code your drawing so that 3 sided shapes are outlined in one color, 4 sided shapes in another color, etc.

Language arts: Draw a comic version of part of Because of Winn-Dixie. Make sure to include at least two characters and some dialogue.

Language arts: Compare and contrast Opal to a character in another book you know. How are they the same and how are they different. Use any way you know to compare and contrast them.

Math: Find the perimeter and area of two surfaces at your home (for example, a table top or a book cover). In your notebook sketch the items and label them.

Social Studies: Choose an ancient civilization and write 3 important facts about the civilization. Write one opinion about the civilization.

Other: Talk to somebody about some of your wonderings.

Remember: Reading is just what we do. It is expected each night.

Newsletter Week of February 26th

The Chinese New Year Cultural Celebration at Melawati was a great day of fun and learning! In the week ahead we look forward to Book Week! Ms Suji has some special events planned. Remember to send in gently used books for the book swap by Wednesday. The "Book Character Dress Up Day" is now Thursday. Book Bingo takes place during the week. 

Thank you, parents,  for the delicious Teacher Appreciation luncheon we enjoyed on Thursday! 

We begin the week ahead on Day 1. 

Reading 

Students have selected their books for book clubs. They will be starting them on Monday. Look out for a blog post by your child on their book! Please help your child to remember to read and return the book to school each day. After looking at the "shape" of stories (we discussed a story mountain where main characters go up and down through the story) and readers are now attending to the role secondary characters play. We are also looking at how characters resolve trouble when they are tested in the climax of a story. 

Writing

Students are working on their first fairy tale adaptation. They are story-telling and acting out their story to improve their drafting. Please ask your child to tell you their story. The more times they tell their story the greater detail they will likely include in the written version. Students will work on balancing narration, action, and dialogue. You will get to see the drafting process at conferences. 

We will Skype with Josh Funk on Tuesday to learn more about how he writes fairy tale adaptations. 

Math

This week we are focusing on the attributes of 2D shapes, with particular attention to quadrilaterals. Some shapes can go by many names, for instance,  a square is: a special rectangle, a rhombus, a parallelogram, and a quadrilateral. 

Social Studies

We are continuing to look at social structure/government in ancient civilizations and will move on to belief systems and art and architecture. 

Student Led Conferences

Your child is busy preparing for their Student Led Conference next week. S/he will lead you through the agenda and be ready to share learning from across the curriculum. Ms. Julie sent out a recent email detailing what this will look like. Your child will communicate with you in the language that is easiest for all of you. Plan on spending about 45 minutes in the classroom and then 15 minutes at a few "specialist" classes. 

Thank you for your ongoing support. 

Home Learning

Week of February 26. Please complete 2 activities and bring in to share on Friday.

Math: Go on a shape hunt! Collect 5 or more images/pictures/sketches of the shapes you see this week. Name them.

Math: Choose a flat surface in your home and find the area. Sketch it in your notebook and label the dimensions. Show your thinking.

Language arts: Choose a character in a book you are reading (or read recently). What is the problem in the story and how would you solve the problem?

Language arts: Choose a favorite line from a book you are reading and write about why this line is important to you and what role it has in the story.

Social Studies: Choose an ancient civilization and learn about a toy or game from that time. Write a summary in your own words about it in your notebook or make a model of the game/toy to share.

Other: Spend time doing something you love with an adult. What did you choose?

Remember: Reading is just what we do. It is expected each night. Don't forget your book club book!

Newsletter Week of February 19th

Good morning parents, 

I hope you all had a fantastic Chinese New Year. We had a short but wonderful week wrapping up our opinion writing, math unit, and beginning to delve into fairy tales. Students are also commenting on classmates blogs, they know when they make a comment they need to be specific and can make connections or ask a question. Please take a look at your child's blog, post a comment! What did you like about their post? What questions or connections do you have?

Please be informed that Friday, the 23rd ISKL will have our CNY celebration with an assembly from 11:30-12:15. Come join us!

This week will start on day 2. 

Reading

Students will continue to study the characters in the books they read. Students will practice making predictions on what a character will do next, taking into account what they already know about the kinds of things he/ she tends to do, say, want again and again. Students will also begin book club groups. Students will choose which book their club will read and gather at the end of reading time to discuss what they read. Your child will come home with their book club book with assigned chapters to read. Please ensure the book goes back in their backpack when they finish so they have it for class the next day.

Writing

Students will begin writing fairy tales. During the first part of this unit, students will work on adapting a familiar fairy tale or myth. Students reread the selected fairy tales and/ or myths, deciding upon which story element they will adapt.  From this point on, they see that changing one story element has a domino effect and affects the entire story.  

For more information and ways to help at home please see our parent learning connection.

Math

We will begin our unit on Geometry. In this unit students will:

• Further, develop understandings of geometric figures by focusing on identification and descriptions of plane figures based on geometric properties.
• Identify examples and non-examples of plane figures based on geometric properties.
• Identify differences among quadrilaterals.
• Understand that shapes in different categories may share attributes and those attributes can define a larger category (example: rhombuses, rectangles, and others have four sides and are all called quadrilaterals).
• Expand the ability to see geometry in the real world.
• Draw plane figure shapes based on attributes.  
• Use data collected to make bar and picture graphs.
• Find the perimeter of polygons; use addition to find perimeters; solve for an unknown length and recognize the patterns that exist when finding the sum of the lengths and widths of rectangles.

Social Studies

Students will continue to look at the social structure of ancient civilizations.

Enjoy your week, Alasdair