September 14, 2015

This week in Language arts we finished up our greek myths focusing on character traits and providing evidence when searching through our text for answers.  In class we use a yellow bookmark that has examples of character traits as well as ways to answer questions that promote providing evidence from the text.  For example, if the children are asked what the character trait is for someone in the story, instead of just answering he is sad.  We in third grade, are looking for the children to answer the question and provide evidence as to why.  A more complete answer would begin with, "Based on the text I believe that the character trait of the main character was disappointed because I read on line 12 that "he was never happy since the day he didn't pass his math test."  Being able to answer proving evidence will help the children develop critical thinking skills that will promote complete understanding of the text they are reading.  This next week we will be reading a wonderful story called The Legend of the Persian Carpet, one of my favorites.  We will continue working on these skills and have a test over the story on Friday.
This week's spelling has a duplicate word on it so they will have only 11 spelling words this week.
In math we are continuing to work on multiples of different numbers. We will continue topic 2 this week, slowing things down a bit and doing some small groups and wrapping it up on Friday with a test over the topic on Tuesday, September 22nd.
In Social Studies we will be learning about governments at the National, State and Local levels. We will also be focusing on Constitution Day which is this Thursday where we will be reading about the day and what went into writing the constitution.

On Thursday our practicum student teacher, Logan Wiegand, will be starting his field experience with us.  We will have Logan for about 8 weeks and he will only be with us on Thursdays and Fridays.  I plan on have him working with small groups focusing on math and reading skills.  He will be a wonderful resource for our classroom.
Many of our school clubs are beginning.  Mrs. O'Connor and I will be heading Healthy Kids Club this year, formerly referred to as walking club.  We have a lot of great things planned for the kids and hope your children are able to join us beginning this Wednesday morning.
Have a wonderful week.