April 23 Make Up PE 2-3:00
April 24 Earth Day Bike Ride
April 27 Library Visit
April 27 SBAC Testing Begins
May 1 No School
Homework Due Thursday, April 23rd
1. Read for at least 20 minutes every night.
2. Complete Reading Response Letter OR Opinion Paragraph Packet
3. Complete at least 30 minutes of math practice*
Optional: Complete a new job application (not required because some students now own or work for their own businesses, or they want to complete classroom jobs on an as-needed basis)
*Suggested IXL skills for 3rd grade math practice:
S.1, S.2, S.5, S.6 Fractions
*Suggested IXL skills for 4th grade math practice:
Q.1, Q.2, Q.3 Fractions
Upcoming Out and Abouts
This week, we will return to Jackson Bottom Wetlands to take photos and sketch plants for our habitat model.
Volunteer Opportunities - http://vols.pt/drMimF
We are in need of library chaperones for Monday, April 27th.
Math Notes
Last week in Third Grade math, we continued our study of fractions. In this unit, students will investigate the meaning of fractions and the ways fractions can be represented. At home, you can talk to your student about ways people use fractions every day. For example:
1. If you want to share 10 cookies among four people, how can you share them equally?
2. The gas tank in our car holds 12 gallons, but right now it is only one fourth full. How many gallons of gas do we need to buy to fill up the tank?
This week, the fourth grade mathematicians will start a new unit on fractions. We will begin by (1) understanding the meaning of fractions and decimals, (2) comparing the values of fractions and decimals, and (3) using representations to add rational numbers. If you have questions, comments, or concerns, please feel free to contact Becky at [email protected].
Weekly Review
We had a short week last week and we used most of our time together to prepare for student-led conferences. Hopefully at conferences, you were able to see a sample of your Plover's recent work and their reflections on strengths and challenges from the year. Today, I asked the students what they liked about making portfolios and having student-led conferences. Here are a few of their thoughts:
"I thought it was cool to tell our parents about some of the projects we did that I hadn't told them much about, like the habitat model."
"I liked showing off our drawings and the ecosystem model so they can get a picture in their head, and it will really look so much different when it's done!"
"If you can tell your parents what's hard for you, maybe they can help you more."
"I liked working together to make our portfolios so we could help each other spell words and organize the pages."
"I liked showing my parents around the room and when they asked me questions. Their questions were really interesting!"
"Even though it was really hard work putting the portfolios together, it paid off during the conferences. It was a nice, organized area to have your goals and some samples of stuff."
"I usually don't talk that much, but during conferences I felt calmer and I really liked that the student was leading it because you could say whatever you want about the project."
"I'm usually a little bit shy and when I'm around my parents, I feel very confident and I had a lot to say."
"I go home and talk to my mom about the fun projects we do, but I don't get to show it to them, so I got to take my parents around the room and show them our work."
Level 2 students will begin state testing on Monday, April 27th. Testing is administered in the computer lab in short sessions, and students have the opportunity to work on the same test over multiple sessions so they can work at their own pace. Please help support your Plover by: encouraging them to do their best, making sure they eat breakfast and bring a snack, and helping them get plenty of sleep. This week in class, we will discuss the English Language Arts (aka Reading and Writing) test and look at some sample questions together. Students will also have the opportunity to complete a practice test in the computer lab.
Communication
Please contact me with any questions or concerns. Parents and students can e-mail me at [email protected]. You can also leave a voice message on the class phone, come into the classroom before or after school, or call me before 8PM at home.