Week 17: Welcome 2017

We end 2016 with the completion of our Culture unit. The shelters project is just one of the activities the kids enjoyed as they learned a little about the way people around the world live. We invite you to come see these model on January 13, which is our Family Friday.

Here's what to expect when we return:

• Third graders will begin the next Social Studies unit on China. We will learn about the geography and culture of this large country. 
• In math, we will continue our work with Division concepts and facts. It has been extremely helpful to students to have mastered their multiplication facts. Many children are still in the process of learning the 4, 6, 7 and 8 facts. They can continue the practice with any of the math games on our blog over the break. 
• We will wrap up our unit on Nonfiction reading by the end of the week. Students will begin book clubs centered around Mysteries and Biographies in the upcoming months.

On a final note, I want to thank all of you for the excellent class gift. The lovely cards from the children and your kind words are deeply appreciated. Have a restful and beautiful Winter Recess!

Week 16: Happy Holidays!

Wow! The Cultural Luncheon was a hit and we are so lucky to take part in this special event! The children had a great time sampling your excellent cooking and having a fun communal dining experience. We want to thank you all for your contributions and especially the many of you who stayed to help set up, serve and clean up! These event cannot happen without the support of our wonderful families.

Here's what's happening next week:

• We have a Math test on Monday. This ends Chapter 5 and we will begin Division work in our next chapter. 
• There will not be a reading response assignment for next week. We will resume this practice when we return from the holiday break!
• We will visit the Armory on Tuesday. Please make sure your child is dressed for running. 
• Friday will be the last day of school for 2016! We will return on Tuesday, January 3, 2017. 

Week 15: Cultural Luncheon

The Cultural Luncheon is coming up next week. Please keep an eye out for reminders and notices n your child's homework folder. Many children brought in their Cultural Luncheon Menu Planning page but we need for everyone to bring theirs in so we can create an ingredients list. This is to help children make good choices about the food they eat.

We have also been working on our cultural shelters this week and they are coming along nicely. Children are thinking about the climate and resources in the areas where these shelters are homes to the citizens. When we finish, we will invite you to our museum display :)

Here's what to expect next week:

• We are headed to the Armory on Tuesday. Please remind your child to wear sneakers.
• Our Cultural Luncheon will take place at 12:00 noon on Friday. Please bring your dish to the Multimedia room at drop off in the morning.There will be tables marked for each third grade class. If you are joining us, please bring your dish when you come in. Some parents have volunteered to set up at 11:30 and to clean up afterwards. Ms. Luo and Mrs. Wattenbarger will be there to organize out helpers. We thank you all for your contributions!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Week 14

Thank you to the many parents and grandparents who showed up to Family Friday. It was so important to our children to share their math games skills with you and it was clear that they had a lot of fun being the teacher!

Here's what to expect for next week: 

• I will be at a workshop on Wednesday during the school day. There will be a substitute with the class. 
• We will begin our final multiplication unit where we will look at the application of Multiplication to patterns and real life problems. Many of you have been instrumental in helping your children learn the facts of the times table. Thank you for that. You will also receive the Math test for the last unit on Tuesday.

Please also keep in mind that the Third Grade Cultural Luncheon will take place from 12 noon to 12:50 on Friday, December 16. Many of you have responded and we are all excited about the excellent dishes you are sharing with us. Please keep in mind that while the whole third grade is participating, we will not need portions for every child. It is recommended that families bring enough portions for about twenty kids. Don't worry! There will be plenty of food!

Have a great weekend!