Fiction Elements, Visualizing, Good Citizens and Spelling Menu Practice

Reading- We will continue to discuss fiction text elements Students will be reminded of the importance of characters, setting, and plot (problem and solution) in fiction texts.  Then, we will move into visualizing.  This is an IMPORTANT reading strategy that helps kids and adults monitor comprehension as we read.  If we can't see it in our minds (visualize it) then we aren't understanding what's happening in the story.  We will focus on what words an author uses to help us create these images.

Writing- Your children have written two journal entries in their Writer's Notebooks.  Last week we learned about a sharing style called point.  The students reflected on what they liked about POINT and had this to say-- "You get to know someone better when you hear their story."  "I like that they told me something nice about my writing."  "It felt good to get a compliment."  As we work to write in a variety of ways this week, we will continue to use POINT as a way to reflect on our writing and get to know one another better.  

Word Work- This week, students will learn about our Spelling Menu.  We use a menu each week as part of our 3rd grade spelling homework.  Students will learn this week about each of the options on the menu and the where, when and what of spelling homework.  If you have access to a thesaurus and/or dictionary at home, great.  There are multiple choices about working with definitions, syllables,  synonyms or antonyms on our spelling menu. If you do not have access to a thesaurus, I will teach your child this week how he or she can check resources out from me each evening.

Social Studies- We will continue our work on Good Citizens this week in Social Studies.  Last week we learned about Ruby Bridges and Helen Keller.  This wee we will focus on Jane Addams, who started the Hull House, one of the very first community centers in America.  We will also learn about Clara Barton who was instrumental in starting the American Red Cross.  
Students will be encouraged to think about the power that volunteers have to make a community run well.  If you volunteer, please share what you do and why you do it with your child.
Towards the end of the week, we will learn about first responders in our community and nation.  Officer Miller will speak to our classes on Wednesday and we will have our Lunch With Heroes this week as well.  If there is anyone in your family or community circle who is a first responder, please talk about this person's commitment and dedication with your child.
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 20 minutes was completed.