Mrs. Romano's Third Grade

Week 30

Next Wednesday, May 30th, the children will take a field trip to Pleasant Valley Sanctuary in Lenox.  Please make sure your child comes to school on this day with the following items:

-brown bag lunch
-a drink and snack
-comfortable walking shoes
-long pants

I will be sending home on June 10th  your child’s writing folder and books.  Please look for these items, as there are many things that you might want to save!

Wednesday,  June 13th is our last day of school.  I hope you can join us for the End of the Year Assembly and picnic.  Please remember to pack a lunch and bring a blanket.  Note: students will be dismissed early on this day.

Important Dates to Remember:

Monday, May 28th – No School- Memorial Day

Wednesday, May 30th– Field trip to Pleasant Valley Sanctuary

Wednesday, June 13th– Last Day of School- early dismissal

Week 29

A full schedule will be keeping us very busy over the next two weeks.  Here is just a small taste of what will be happening this week in third grade.

This Tuesday, May 8th, the Third Grade will be going on an art field trip to the Eric Carle Museum in Amherst.  We will be leaving promptly at 8:15 am and returning around 2:00 pm.  Please make sure your child brings his/her snack and lunch, and arrives to school no later than 8:05 am.  Thank you in advance for your help with this matter.

On Friday, May 11^th at 1:00 in the third grade classroom, the students will present their biography projects.  Parents are invited to join us for this spectacular event.  However, I kindly ask that the older and younger siblings of the third graders who attend BCD remain in their classes during the presentation.  With each student’s report varying in length, it is difficult to determine when a given third grader will present and I do not want to see their siblings miss valuable class time during this critical time of year.   In addition, space is limited in the homeroom and I would like to reserve it for the parents and any children they may be bringing from home.  The event will be recorded and placed on my classroom blog for siblings to view at their leisure.  Please make sure your child comes to school this Friday with the following items: report, costume, and any props.  Thank you in advance for your help and understanding with this matter.

Week 28

It is hard to believe that May is here and we are nearing the end of the school year!

In math, we are continuing our work with fractions.  Adding and subtracting fractions with common denominators and reducing fractions are the skills we are working on at this time.  Even though we have moved on to fractions, continuing to review the basic multiplication/division facts on a daily basis is always a good idea.

We are looking forward to viewing the Middle School Science Fair this Tuesday, May 1st.  This is always an enjoyable event, as it gives the children a chance to think about the wonderful things that await them in their upcoming years at BCD.

Thank you so much for all the beautiful flowers, delicious chocolates, lovely cards/notes, and the many wonderful treats you gave me last week during Teacher Appreciation Week.  I appreciate your thoughtfulness and generosity.

Upcoming Events:

May 8th- Field trip to the Eric Carle Museum

May 11th  Biography Presentations – 1:00 – Third Grade Homeroom

Week 27

I enjoyed previewing the biography projects the other week.  At this stage in the game, the note cards/papers have been returned and I am asking the children to practice reading their reports at home.  Please take a moment to look over your child’s information to see if he/she has any corrections/additions to be made before the presentation date.  The presentations will take place May 11^th, at 1:00 in the Third Grade classroom.  All parents are invited to join us for this spectacular event.

As noted in last week’s newsletter, in math we have finished our study of division with remainders and are on to our next unit.  The students will learn how to read, write, add, subtract, as well as compare, and order given fractions.

Baseball, softball, and other spring time sports within the various communities seem to be a great success with many of the Third Graders.  I do notice however, that several children are extra tired.  Please make sure your child gets enough sleep, so that their days are happy and successful.

Upcoming Events:

April 27th – Lower School Music Concert

May 8th- Field trip to the Eric Carle Museum

May 11^th – Biography Presentations – 1:00 – Third Grade Homeroom

Week 26

I hope that you had a terrific long weekend.  Here is a glimpse at what will be happening in third grade over the next few weeks.

In math we are continuing to learn about division with remainders.  Since this type of problem solving is multi-step, I am emphasizing careful work and consistent  checking for accuracy in all assignments.  I am pleased with the students’ efforts and willingness to work hard to master this important concept.

As noted in previous newsletters, the biography reports are due April 18^th.  Students are asked to bring in only their cards on this day.  The reports will be reviewed then handed back to the children, so they may rehearse their lines. On Friday, May 11^th at 1:00, students will present their biography projects.  Parents are welcome to join us in the homeroom for this event.

On Wednesday, April 18th Professor Richard Ferren from Berkshire Community College will be visiting the third grade class to talk about the importance of wetlands.  The students in preparation for his visit will complete a mini-unit on the topic.  We are looking forward to Mr. Ferren’s visit and to learning more about the preservation of this natural resource.

Week 25

I am looking forward to receiving the Biography Projects on April 18^th.  Students are asked to bring in only their cards on this day.  The reports will be reviewed and then handed back to the children so they may rehearse their lines over the next few weeks.  Hopefully this project has been a good experience for the students as they are learning to work on long-term assignments.

In social studies we are now surveying Canada.  The children have learned about the country’s land, climate, and wildlife.  Over the next few weeks the students will be asked to research an animal native to Canada.  This will be a cooperative, in class,  learning endeavor in which the children will work in teams of two or three.  I will provide them with guidelines for this project in the near future.

Just a reminder…

This Friday, April 6th there is no school due to Good Friday.

Week 24

The students’ ability to discuss what they are reading in class with insight and thought has grown steadily since the beginning of the year.  These days we are enjoying group discussions on a variety of levels.  Reading at home, both orally and silently, remains a key ingredient in fostering good reading skills for life.

This week in math the children will learn about division with remainders – a standard topic in the elementary mathematics curriculum.  The students will explore this concept using concrete materials and learn to play a game to help them understand the operation and the symbolism used to represent it.  Please find in your child’s homework book on Wednesday directions for a game called “Leftovers”.  Playing games is a fun and effective way to practice math with your child.

The biography projects are progressing nicely.  Many students have finished putting their information on note cards, while others have chosen to type their report.  Either format is acceptable.  All students are required to turn in their reports on April 18^th.

Week 23

We are continuing to work on multiplication and division in math.  Please continue to practice the basic facts with your child each night.  The ability to quickly recall the various tables is key to tackling more complex equations in this subject.

The children have written their final copies in writing lab on what brings them luck.  These pieces will be on  display in the classroom.  Please feel free to stop by to see all the fine work your child is completing in class.

In social studies we are finishing up our unit on the settling of the United States and will begin to learn about Canada when we return from break.  Your child will learn a variety of facts about the customs and history our northern neighbor.

Week 22

In math, we are continuing to learn about multi-digit multiplication and its uses.  On the whole, I have found that the children who are able to complete these problems with ease and accuracy have mastered their basic multiplication facts.  To give you a variation to studying the facts via flash cards, you can find in your child’s homework  folder the instructions for two multiplication games.  This is a fun and effective way to practice the basic multiplication tables with your child.

This Wednesday, February 29th, the students will participate in Alaska Day.  The students will take part in a variety of activities both inside and out that deal with the state.  Please make sure your child comes to school with the following items:

-a warm coat

- hat and gloves

- boots

-snack and lunch

Just a reminder:  Parent/teacher conferences this semester are this Thursday, March 1st  and Friday, March 2nd.  Please note: There is no school for LS students on March 2nd.