Looking Ahead

Important Dates:

• October 7 - Spirit Day - Wear Maize and Blue
• October 14 - Early Release - Students dismissed at 12:15
• October 25 - Turkey Trot 
• October 28 - Michigan vs. Michigan State Day

Reading:

Scholastic Reading Counts officially starts this week. Your child has been given his/her reading goal. Student are encouraged to read books at there reading level and take quizzes on each one. Every book they check out at the library has a quiz that can be taken. So do the majority of our classroom books as well. Please remind your child to read 20-30 minutes each night and fill out their reading logs. 

Writing:

The students have created a timeline for their first personal narrative. The next couple weeks will be spent writing their stories with lots of detail and feelings added in. We will revise, edit and publish these stories when they are finished. 

Math:

We are rolling right along with learning our multiplication facts. So far the students have learned to multiply and divide by 5's, 2's, 10's, and 9's. This week we will also learn 3's and 4's. 
~Today will you see an ORANGE packet coming home. This is a small part of nightly homework. The goal for all third graders is to have quick recall of the multiplication facts, and strategies to solve division facts quickly. This takes practice all year long. The packet coming home tonight has a record sheet to track progress. We have been using these same sheets in class, so your child knows how they work. You could also practice using flashcards as well, but know that it will take us until November to roll out all the facts. 
~ Finally, there is XtraMath. This is an online program that doesn't require parents help once it is set up. You will also find an instruction for this in tonight's mail. Even if your child used the program last year, you must register this you to be linked to our classroom. I receive weekly emails of your child's results. The orange learning targets sheet has blanks to record the days that XtraMath is used. This could include flashcards or the study sheets as well. Please begin practicing these facts with your child this week. It only takes a couple minutes a night! 

Social Studies:

We have learned all about Michigan's natural characteristics. Now we will focus on the human characteristics that make Michigan unique. 

Other News:

• HOMEWORK - Please work with your child to establish homework routines. I'm not sending much this year, but would like them to get into the habit of simply filling out their reading log after reading each night. They should be responding in complete sentences. Anyone should be able to read their response and know what they are talking about. 
• I have also noticed quite a few agenda sheets unsigned each night. This helps hold your child accountable, and gives you information so that you can have a discussion about school. Please help your child get in the habit of showing you each night. Thank you to those who are already doing so. I appreciate it.