February 29, 2008

Dear Parents,

          Hello.  Well, it has been another week full of learning.  We began a new theme in Reading called “Animal Habitats”.  The children are really excited about it.  So far we have investigated some new vocabulary, read the first story about puffins, worked on identifying facts and opinions, and played a game show to help understand the story.  In Writing we have been writing the main events for our snow monster stories.  The students are focusing on using strong main event techniques we have seen real authors use in books to write their own stories.  They really are coming along nicely.  In Math this week we have spent our time working on division and fractions.  We have made all sorts of paper models and used real objects to understand the meaning of fractions.  In Science we completed our inquiry investigation on melting ice.  Ask your child to share some of the conclusions we found from our investigations.  In Social Studies we began our new unit on Japan.  The children are quite excited to learn about a new country and its culture.  We also learned capital letter A in cursive.  Last, but not least, we have been working on revising and editing, individual conferencing on writing prompts and “Degrees of Reading Power” review in preparation for the Connecticut Mastery Test (CMT) next week.  Third grade stays as focused as ever!

          Just a few notes:

1.       For the next two weeks, starting on Monday, March 3rd, your child will be taking the Connecticut Mastery Test.  Each day will be a different test.  Please make sure your child gets plenty of rest and eats a good breakfast.  We have talked in class about how the test is designed to show how well the children are learning and all they need to do is do their best.  I want them to know the tests are important, but that there is absolutely no need to be worried.  I just expect each student to do his/her personal best.  Please encourage your child to take their time and do their best on each test.  Thank you in advance for your support.

2.      The field trip was a huge success.  All those that attended really learned a lot and had fun too.  Thank you to each chaperone.  I really appreciated all your help.

Have a nice weekend!

                                                                        Sincerely,

                                                                        Theresa Johnson