Word Study
We will not have spelling words next week. Our words for the week of November 28th are:
check, desk, kick, quack, sick, oak, smock, book, sneak, dock, weak and cheek.
Additional words you may want to use with at home spelling activities (see earlier post http://3rdgradehudson.blogspot.com/2011/09/parent-information-highlights.html) include: back, brick, clock, flock, cook, took, bark, dark, pack, pluck, shack, snack, shark, stork, leak, squeak, struck, whack, wreck, thicken, speaking, weekend, croaking and hawk. The two general categories for the sorting should be words that spell the /k/ sound with k and ck. Students should notice that usually when the vowel sound preceding the /k/ sound is short, /k/ is spelled with ck; if the vowel sound preceding the /k/ is long, /k/ is spelled k. I will send home handwriting paper for students who are required to practice handwriting as part of their homework. I've begun to use smaller paper, that is closer to the paper we use in our writing journals.
We also reviewed proper use of a and an with the generality that a precedes consonant, e.g., a book, whereas an precedes vowels, e.g., an apple.
We compared singular and plural nouns ending in y. We applied the generality that singular nouns ending in a pattern of "consonant y" are made plural by replacing the y with ies, e.g., sky = skies. Singular nouns ending in a "vowel y," e.g., monkey = monkeys, pattern simply add s.
Reading
We continued to improve our brief, organized summaries, contrasted with richer and more detailed retellings, by identifying the key characters, setting (when and where), and plot (beginning, middle, end) using the folktale genre. I find these often familiar tales are a perfect length to use for summaries.
I've assigned some buddy reading groups for students who are ready for this. Buddy reading supports fluency and comprehension, but can also be motivating to the reluctant reader when paired with an engaged reader.
Students are still working on decoding using a combination of reading with their finger, sounding out words (reading as much of the beginning of the word as they can, looking for patterns, prefixes, root words, and suffixes, covering part of the word, etc.), and reading on and rereading for context clues.
Writing
I introduced the concept of persuasive writing, but our pen pal letters came. We practiced the writing process by preparing a plan and draft that responds to their letters. We also read our pen pal letters for good examples of paragraphs (single idea supported with sufficient details, 5 W's, and a clear topic and conclusion).
Math
We are wrapping up our study of linear measure and I plan to assess this unit on Tuesday. I introduced measurement by discussing kinds of measurement and appropriate units of measure: weight/mass (grams, pounds, tons, etc.), volume/capacity (cups, liters, gallons, etc.), time (days, months, decades, seconds, minutes, hours, etc.) and length (inches, feet, yards, etc.). We also discussed that in math we are always measuring quantity and the importance of labeling our answers in units of measure. I attempt to assign a unit of measure to all of our problems, even if we are simply working on multi digit subtraction. We have covered nearest inch, 1/2 inch, centimeter, and 1/2 centimeter, area, and perimeter.
When we return from break we will begin working on multiplication, using arrays as a model of multiplication as efficient addition of same sized groups. See the Unit 4 Everyday Math Family Letter below.
We will begin learning multiplication facts based on strategy after break. Here is a link to practice pages you can work on at home. Don't forget to review addition facts as well.
http://3rdgradehudson.blogspot.com/2011/11/newsletter-for-november-11-2011.html
Social Studies
I introduced government's three branches and purposes: legislative writes laws, executive executes laws, and judicial interprets laws. We discussed local government services and how they serve the public: teachers, police, fire fighters, school board, parks and recreation department, street maintenance, etc. We also talked about the need for rules and laws. We will conclude with an activity where we will attempt to balance the UA City budget with different hypothetical city shortages and public demands. The current development of the Lane Avenue corridor will provide us with a great example of how complicated government decisions can be. We will also discuss important documents in our government.
Ukulele Orchestra
We are working on Over the River and Through The Woods. As motivation, I've offered any student who can play the song below a free twenty seven two chord song book. Students should practice C F C G7, four strums each and transition to the next chord at a slow pace.
Click to enlarge.
Important Dates and Reminders
No newsletter next week - have a relaxing and safe holiday.
No homework next week
Please send an art smock to school with your student if they received a note from Dr. Myers this week. Thank you!
The Hawk Herald is now available online at http://www.uaschools.org/index.aspx?nid=763.
Lost and Found items not collected by this Tuesday, November 22nd will be donated.
From Mrs. Meyer.
"Mid Ohio Food Bank is need of peanut butter! Due to drought conditions, the prices of peanuts have soared and they are in desperate need for this protein-packed food item. Mrs. Meyer's third grade class is collecting donations and will deliver the jars next Weds., Nov. 23. If you'd like to donate some peanut butter, please send in a jar with your child. Thank you! " http://www.midohiofoodbank.org/
November 23rd - 25th: No School - Thanksgiving holiday.
(http://www.jamesbruchac.com/pages/intro.php).
December 7th: Early dismissal for staff development.
December 19th - January 2nd: Winter holiday, no school for students.
Please begin collecting items for the Ohio Wildlife Center. See earlier post: http://3rdgradehudson.blogspot.com/2011/10/ohio-wildlife-center-wish-list.html.
