Grade 3 Weekly Update Week of May 21, 2012

Unit Our new unit is Should I Stay or Should I Go? and looks at migration. The central idea is that human migration is a response to challenges, risks, and opportunities. The lines of inquiry include: the reasons why people migrate, effects of migration on communities, cultures, and individuals, and migration throughout history. If you would be willing to come in and share your own migration story with the students we would love to have you. Also, please talk to your child about their own personal experiences with migrating. This week we will focus on the reasons people migrate. Throughout this unit we share some fantastic picture books. We will look at the lines of inquiry to start us off. Language Arts We will focus on conventions in writing. We are looking at what makes a complete sentence, commas, and apostrophes. We are also investigating various parts of speech and how they affect our writing. Each class has an ongoing read aloud. In Ms. Js class they are ready to start a new book. In Davids class they are reading Kensukes Kingdom by Michael Morpurgo. In Ms. Victors class they are reading The One and Only Ivan by K.A. Applegate. In just over two weeks they will Skype with Kate Messner who wrote the last read aloud, Marty McGuire. Students are encouraged to start preparing questions. Related to our unit we are also looking at themes in books. We are noticing that there are some themes that are quite common, even if the books seem very different We continue with 2D and 3D shapes. We will look at perimeter and area and see the relationships between them. We never forget number, so PLEASE practice daily at home as well. None this week The school library will be open on Wednesdays throughout the summer from 10-12, so that students can check out books, read together, or talk about books. Reading is the best way for your child to keep up in the summer. Each homeroom teacher will be sending home other ideas to try out in the summer as well. David Sexsmith Erika Victor david.sexsmith@bbis.de erika.victor@bbis.de

Math Notes from Specialists

Other

Andi Jamet andi.jamet@bbis.de

Grade 3 Weekly Update Week of May 21, 2012

Looking Ahead The Elementary Spring Concert will take place on June 7 at 1:00. Summer Fest is coming up quickly on June 9. We need parent volunteers to help run the booths, so talk to your classroom teacher for more information. Please volunteer for a half hour or hour time period between 11-3.

Reminders

Andi Jamet andi.jamet@bbis.de

David Sexsmith david.sexsmith@bbis.de

Erika Victor erika.victor@bbis.de