April 9-13 LA/SS

We've been working away in LA and SS.


Reading
In reading we have been focusing on poetry.  We've reviewed rhyme and rhythm and discussed the three different types of poetry third graders need to know....
1. narrative
2. lyrical
3. free verse
We will continue to think about poetry and also review a few other concepts that need fine tuning like... 
cause and effect, summary and non-fiction features.
The STAAR reading test is Wednesday, April 25.  We want to get our reading minds in shape to knock this test out of the park!
Practice Passages will come home the next two weeks to help us get our skills and strategies in shape!


Writing
We've just started our BIG 6 research project.  Each child made a list of 3 planets they would be interested in researching.  Ask your student what planet he or she will become an expert on this month.  We've organized what information we want to know and reviewed how to cite sources for a bibliography.  We will be doing some intense research this next week.   When we have completed our research, students will have three different technology products to choose from to share their research and writing with others.


Spelling
It was nice to have a week off, but the next two weeks (April 9-13 and April 16-20) will be normal spelling weeks.  Word sorts will come home on Monday.  Homework will be due on Thursday.  We will test on Friday.


Social Studies
We finished learning about some important explorations in American History.  We will spend the next week discussing how some important people in history have had their stories stretched and changed to become TALL TALES.  Students will work through a menu to explore and create as they learn about this genre and these famous people.