Elements of Fiction, Community and Journal Writing

We had a GREAT first week together getting to know one another and learning new routines and schedules.  This week, we will dive into more third grade content.  This blog is to be used as a conversation starter for you and your child.  Check out what's going on in class this week, and then throw out a informational tidbit or ask questions at home to keep the learning going!  Your help and participation is appreciated.

Reading- We will review elements of fiction texts this week.  Students will be reminded of the importance of characters, setting, and plot in fiction texts.  We will begin the week by identifying elements in the stories we read last week.  Then, we will read some new stories together and identify fictional elements.  As the week finishes, students will use a book they have read on their own to identify and explain the importance of fictional elements.

Writing- We brainstormed an expert list last week.  Students will have an opportunity to expand on those topics this week in their writing journals.  This week our goal is to get back into the habit of writing.  Students will be encouraged to write, read, revise, write again and read again.  Students will learn a new way of sharing writing called POINT. It's an exercise that helps writers notice their strengths and builds classroom community.

Word Work- We will use Words Their Way this year in third grade.  This week, students will complete the Elementary Spelling Inventory.  This assessment will be give three times throughout the school year to track students progress and developmental understanding of how words and spelling patterns work.  This assessment is not graded.  It will be used for my information to help develop lessons and small groups that will target your child's learning needs.

Social Studies- We spent last week creating classroom community. This week we will focus on our greater communities and citizens who have served as great role models.  Students will be introduced to Ruby Bridges, Helen Keller and Jane Addams this week.  We will look at what they did to help their community in the past and how that impacts our communities today.  Students will also be encouraged to start thinking about character traits that a "good citizen" would display.  

Homework-Third graders will have 20 minutes of reading homework each night.  We checked out library books last Thursday, and will return to the library each week on Thursdays.  Students should record the book title in their planner each night to show that the required 20minutes was completed.