Reading
In reading we have continued to build read to self stamina. Students were also introduced to the Book Bead Challenge which will run throughout the year to try and encourage students to read a variety of genres and share their reading with others. When students finish reading a book they can sign up for a conference. During the conference the student will talk about their book. The student will then be able to choose a bead to add to their clip which will hopefully be filled up by the end of the year. Students are encouraged to read at least two books from each genre (fantasy, poetry, historical fiction, etc.) We will continue to get into the routine of read to self and reading conferences before we start our mystery unit in mid-October. During our mystery unit we will be learning parts that make up a mystery story as well as developing an understanding of story elements.
Writing
In writing we have been reviewing convention expectations such as capitalizing the beginning of a sentence, names of places and people, and appropriate punctuation. We have also been learning the difference between sentence fragments and complete sentences. To help identify and write a complete sentence we use the “5 Star Sentence” model (1. capital letter, 2. subject, 3. action, 4. details, 5. appropriate punctuation). Next, we’ll start moving to constructed response writing and then narrative writing to finish out the trimester.
Spelling
The most recent spelling rules of focus have been the “short a sound” and the “ar sound. Due to the upcoming short weeks, we will take a break from studying spelling lists and start back up when we have a full five-day week.
Math
We recently completed chapter one in math which reviewed place value with numbers up to 10,000. Next, we will be learning about rounding numbers to the nearest ten and nearest hundred, followed by addition and subtraction with numbers to 10,000.
Social Studies
The past few weeks of social studies have been spent learning about the regions of the United States with a focus on the northeastern states. Students brought home a light blue packet which had an optional study guide for those who wanted to practice at home. In class we have been creating a “Northeastern States Lapbook” which has information about the regions’ land, water, climate, landmarks, culture, etc. We will be making a lapbook for each region that we study. When we are done learning about the region the lapbook will be sent home. We will also continue to practice identifying the abbreviations, locations, and capital cities for the northeastern states.
Science
Once we complete our study of the northeastern region of the US we will start our first science unit of the year, Energy! We will be learning about the differences between potential and kinetic energy the different forms of energy, and renewable vs. nonrenewable energy sources. To help kick off this unit we have Peter Zack from the Maine Energy Education Program (MEEP) visit all of the 3rd grade classes. Our presentation will take place on Friday, October 12th from 9:00-9:55. Students will be able to participate in some hands-on activities to help them learn about energy.
Second Step Program
Last week we began using the Second Step program in our classroom, which is also being used school-wide. This is a program which teaches “skills for social and academic success.” Our lesson last week was about “focusing attention.” We reviewed whole-body listening and the importance of being a good listener for learning and building relationships with others. This week we learned about using “self-talk” to help address distractions that may arise in the classroom. “Home Links” like the one attached will be sent home periodically to provide suggestions for how to foster these skills at home also.
Technology
Our class will be primarily using Google Chromebooks this year when working on computers. We are fortunate to have many Chromebook carts available at HBS as well as four Chromebooks in our own classroom. Each student will have their own username and password, which stay with them throughout their time in the Brunswick School District. In the coming weeks we will start learning about how to use the Chromebooks, how to protest usernames and passwords, and how to use many Google applications (Drawings, Docs, etc.) Usernames and passwords for Raz Kids (online reading program) and IXL (online math program) will be sent home once we have practiced how to log on in class. Raz Kids and IXL can be used for additional reading and math practice at home. Later on in the year, once they are experts, students will be able to access their Google accounts from home and show you all of the work they have completed!
Notes & Emails for the Office
Thank you all for being so diligent with communicating transportation changes, appointments, or absences with the office. If you prefer to email with this information, please ensure that you send the emails to both Mrs. Delano (tdelano@brunswick.k12.me.us) and Mrs. Wallace (bwallace@brunswick.k12.me.us) in the office as well.
Important Dates
Wednesday, October 3rd: Fire Safety, 1:40-2:10
Friday, October 5th: No School, Teacher Workshop
Monday, October 8th: No School, Columbus/Indigenous People’s Day
Friday, October 12th: “Energy Guy” Visit, 9:00-9:55
Tuesday, October 23rd: School Picture Day