Friday, September 30, 2011

Weekly Update for the Week of October 3


Language Arts: Students have been working with Miss Wheeler in reading on context clue strategies.  Context Clues are hints in a text that lead a reader to figure out the meanings of words he or she does not know.  The clues might be before, within, or after a sentence containing the new word.  Specific kinds of clues they have been working with include definitions, synonyms, antonyms or examples.
In writing, we have started talking about narratives.  Students learned about the narrative arc and how helps keep a narrative organized.  Ask your student if they can point out how an author might set the stage while he or she is reading for homework.
Spelling is new and different in third grade.  Your child will bring home new words each Monday that have been assigned to them based on his or her needs.  In class, on Mondays, your child will participate in a small group lesson where we talk about the things we notice (patterns) in our spelling words.  They will work with the teacher to create a MASTER SORT in their spelling spiral.  This sort is one that can be used as a reference during the week. It will show them and you how the words need to be spelled and sorted for the test on Friday.  Please remember that spelling homework is completed in the spelling spiral and is due on Thursday mornings.


Social Studies: We will learn about local, state and federal government systems.  Students will learn about the three branches of government (Legislative, Judicial and Executive).  Please reference some of the websites on our helpful links tab to help your student build their background knowledge in this content matter.

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