March 4

Well, it certainly was a different week in our classroom with me being out sick.  Much thanks to you and your child as the routine was a bit different with a substitute for the first half of the week.  The class did a WONDERFUL job and I am very proud of them.  A huge thank you to Leanne Van Rees as well for teaching in my place.

Upcoming dates and events:

• Seussville Fun Night:  If you are able to help on March 18 with any games or contribuations please sign up at:  http://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f0c4daaab22a20-funnight  The 3rd grade class is asked to bring in full size candy bars for the prizes for some of the games.  Please contribute if you are able.
• Our new Bible Memory is Matthew 28:1-10.  I will send home the paper to practice on Monday.  For many students this is a review from previous years.
• On March 9 (Wednesday) Hemlock Crossings will come to our classroom to do a presentation called Skull Detectives.  We will be learning about how to identify animals from their bone structure.  This fits in well with our study of physical characteristics.  
• March is Reading Month- Students can record their reading progress on their Media Center Bingo Card.  Those who complete the card will earn a prize from Mrs. Hoffman.  A Whitecaps Sheet also came home with instructions on how to record reading minutes.  If your child completes this sheet, send it back to school and your child will receive a voucher for two free baseball tickets.  Both of these reading incentives are completely optional but easy to do simply by completing required weekly reading minutes for our class.
• Reading Minutes due Monday
• Spelling test on Friday
• Conferences March 28-30 (An email for signing up will be coming soon)
• March 30- 1/2 day of school
• Spring Break March 31-April 8

Here is what is happening in our classroom:

Math:  We have begun a new unit on fractions.  We have learned about numerators, denominators, finding fractions on a number line, and identifying fractions larger than one.   This is a difficult concept for many students at the beginning so much of our math time is spent with manipulatives.  

Bible:  The week we studied the passover.  We compared the passover to communion and saw many similarities.  We also learned about the Israelites crossing the Red Sea and how God delivered them from the Egyptians. 

Literacy:  This week we wrote our chapter on physical characteristics.  Once again we had to organize our information, edit all of our work and complete the final draft.  The class has gotten great at this routine and our mornings are spent with everyone busy at work!  I love seeing every student so engaged in their writing and reading!

Social Studies:  We learned about the "Three Fires"  (the Ottawa, the Ojibway, and Potawatomi tribes).  Each child was placed into a small group and assigned a tribe.  They researched their tribe and then presented the information to the class.  Everyone enjoyed being the "teacher" and there is a lot of natural talent for leading a classroom in these kids!

Have a great weekend!

Lynae