Week of April 6-10, 2009

Thursday 4/9/09

• Math 3: We took a math test today. Based on the scores of this and recent assessments, I don't believe students are practicing their multiplication and division facts at home. Starting next week, all third graders will be given a set of flashcards to study each night so that we can solidify these facts! Without practice your child will not learn multiplication or division, and these two concepts are crucial to future success in math!
• Language Arts 3: We read a fascinating story about carving a totem pole and used it to talk about writing out the steps of a process. We also took spelling test #28.
• Language Arts 4: We read a piece on the Puritans and Separatists today and worked on identifying characters' opinions. We also took spelling test #28.
• Science 3/4: We made another observation in our lima bean journals and then worked in partners to learn about pollination.
• Religion 3/4: We watched a video of the book of Matthew about the Holy Week and the Passion of Christ. Homework: STUDY MEMORY WORK!!
• PE 3/4: Kickball outside with Mr. Bretscher and the 5th and 6th graders.
• Have a great weekend! Blessings as you celebrate the Risen Savior.

Wednesday 4/8/09

• Math 3: Today we worked with division again and used pennies to find fractional parts of a set. We also learned a strategy to find the age of a penny or a person. Some students finished their packet in class, others didn't. Homework: 111 A/B.
• Language Arts 3: We read a very interesting story about the Brothers Grimm, Jacob and Wilhelm. It was cool to find out how the brothers got interested in storytelling and brought pride to Germany. We also worked on using commas with direct addresses and introductory words/phrases. Not everyone finished the commas packet in class. Homework: Spelling sentences (study for test!) and Commas packet.
• Language Arts 4: We read a story about Pocahontas and looked for ways in which the author used characterization to tell us what kind of person Pocahontas was. Homework: Spelling sentences and study for test!
• Art 3/4: We had a visit from Miss Brooke, a DePauw student, who will be teaching art in our class each week for the next few months. She taught us about Grandma Moses and we talked about recyclable art! Student learned how to make flower bouquets using old newspapers, straws, and a stapler.
• Social Studies 3/4: We continued yesterday's cartography activity and talked about the changes to the Northwest Territory as Indiana came into statehood.
• Scholastic News: Our newspaper today had a feature article on tornadoes and other stories about a giant stingray found in Thailand. Homework: Several students need to finish their scholastic news skill sheet.

Tuesday 4/7/09

• PLEASE remember to have students to school NO LATER than 6:10 p.m. tonight for the Easter program. If your child needs to change into a costume here at school you may want to come closer to 6:00 to ensure they have plenty of time to get ready. The program starts at 6:30...see you then!
• Math 3: Today we learned about translations, rotations, and reflections (slides, turns, and flips) as three ways to change a design. It was declared "fun math" and almost everyone finished 110 B in class. Homework: 110 B.
• Language Arts 3 and 4: We did our final dress rehearsal today during language arts time. There was a little bit of time left over at the end which we used as a study hall so that we wouldn't have to do homework tonight because of the Easter program. Homework: Spelling 3x.
• Religion 3/4: We took a break from rehearsing and spent today's religion time working on memory work. Sadly, many of us have been slacking on memory work! Please keep practicing and working on memory verses at home each night.
• Social Studies 3/4: We looked at a map of the Northwest Territory and then looked at several acts of Congress that changed the boundaries, until it ended up being what we now know as Indiana. This activity requires attention to detail and reading instructions carefully, something which all of the students seem to be struggling with lately. We will finish the activity on Thursday.
• PE 3/4: Volleyball with Mr. Bretscher.

Monday 4/6/09

• Math 3: We learned the multiples of 9 in class today. There is a very simple strategy for finding them, but eventually you will need to memorize them! Everyone finished their work in class today - no homework!
• Language Arts 3 and 4: We used the second half of the morning to rehearse for the Easter program, which is tomorrow night! Plan to arrive between 6:00 and 6:15 to get into costume and line up for the processional. Homework: Spelling words in ABC order.
• Religion 3/4: We used religion time today to work on the songs for the program.
• Science 3/4: We learned about plant parts, discussed two types of root systems, the function of the stem and leaves, and found out about photosynthesis. We also observed our lima bean plants and recorded information in our journals. Some are starting to sprout!
• We used the remaining afternoon time to finalize memorization of verses, and to practice reading our Scripture readings expressively.
• Remember to invite family and friends to the program tomorrow night!