Mrs. Romano's Third Grade

Week 22

Our latest character word in writing lab is perseverance.  The children have created their final drafts on this important topic, and they are now on display in the third grade classroom.  The students have a good grasp of what this important word means, and I am impressed by their ability to relate the topic to their everyday lives. 

Just a reminder:  The biography reports are due April 14^th.  Students are asked to bring in only their cards/paper on this day.  The reports will be reviewed and then handed back to the children, so they may rehearse their lines.  Mark your calendars -On May 14^th, at 1:00 pm students will present their biography projects.  Parents are welcome to join us in the Third Grade Homeroom for this event.

Week 21

In math the children have begun their study of two-digit by one digit multiplication.  A great activity that can develop your child’s understanding of this type of multiplication is to circle 5 items in a store flyer.  Next to each item, write a number from 2 to 5.  Have your child pretend he/she needs to buy the indicated number of each circled item.  Use multiplication to find the total cost of the items.  This activity is not only fun, but helps your child connect this important skill to his/her everyday life.

This week in social studies, the kids will learn about the several battles that took place during the War for Independence.  Ask your child on Friday why the Battle of Bunker Hill should have been called the Battle of Breed’s Hill.

Finally, the kids and I would like to thank the many parents who provided snacks for our Valentine’s Day party and Alaska Day.  Both events were a huge success!

Week 20

On Wednesday, February 10^th the Third grade will participate in Alaska Day.  The day will be filled with a variety of indoor/outdoor activities about this state.  Since many of the events require the children to be outside, I ask that you send your child to school with the following items:

• Boots
• Hats & mittens
• Snow pants
• Warm coat
• An extra set of clothes
• Lunch is to be brought from home as usual.

As noted in previous newsletters, we are continuing to explore multiplication and division in math.  The following activity can be used at home to practice the basic facts.  Write the numbers 0 to 9 on index cards or on slips of paper.  Also make a card that has the multiplication symbol, division sign, a question mark, and an equal sign.  Arrange the five cards to make a division problem such as 18 divided by 9 equals?  Ask your child to find the card that shows the quotient.  Then have your child rearrange the cards to show a related multiplication fact.  Continue to rearrange the cards to form other fact families.  This activity will not only increase your child’s knowledge of the basic facts but develop your child’s understanding of multiplication and division fact families.

Finally, please remind your child to read at least 15 minutes each night.  Encourage your child to wonder about plot or characters and begin to notice descriptive words.  Thank you again for being such good reading role models for your children.

Week 19

We are continuing to work on multiplication and division in math.  To give you a variation to studying the facts via flash cards, you can find in your child’s homework book this week the instructions for a multiplication card game.  This is a fun and effective way to practice the basic tables with your child.

The children have written their final copies in writing lab on if it is possible to be a perfect person.  These pieces are 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 have started to learn about the settling of the United States.  In addition to this, the children will learn this week about the various continents and oceans that make up the world. Ask your child on Monday to share with you the memory strategy that was introduced in class for remembering the names of the seven continents.

Week 18

As noted in last week’s newsletter, the children have received information regarding their next research project. Students should write the name of their book and the person they are researching on a piece of paper and submit it to Mrs. Romano by 2/3/10.  Please note: this project is very much like a book report in that I am asking the students to read a book on their subject and not just research the person on the computer or in reference books.

Now that Ski Fridays are in full swing, I would like to thank each and every parent for sending in notes to me when dismissal plans have changed.  With so many students going in different places, I need to be clear on everyone’s plans.  Your help with this matter has been greatly appreciated. 

On February 12^th, I will provide an opportunity for the children to deliver Valentine cards.  You will find in your child’s homework book this week a list of all the children in Third Grade.  To spare any hard feelings, this is an all or nothing event.  If your child plans to distribute valentines, he/she must have a card for each student in the class.

Finally, many of the children have mentioned that they do not have enough to eat and drink at snack and lunch.  Please make sure you send your child in with an extra drink and snack. Our third graders are growing!

Week 17

In math we are continuing to explore multiplication and division.  At this time I am encouraging the students to really learn the basic facts.  While I realize that students can find the answer to 5×3 by counting by 5’s, it is my goal to get the students to free their mind of such basic processes so that they are able to concentrate on more complex procedures.  Thank you in advance for your help in reviewing the basic multiplication and division tables at home.

The children have received information regarding their next research project.  A copy of the instructions for this project can be found below:

 Biography Presentation

Book choice due on: 2/3/10

Project due on: 4/14/10

Presentation date: 5/14/10 at 1:00 in the third grade homeroom

For this next research project, you are to choose a biography that you would like to read and get it approved by Mrs. Romano.  As you are reading about this person’s life, I would like you to answer the following questions:

 1.  Who are you reading about?

2.  When was this person born?

3.  Where did this person spend his/her childhood?

 4.  What are this person’s greatest accomplishments?

 5.  When did this person die? (Or what is he/she currently doing?)

 After you have completed your book, I would like you to answer the above noted questions on a separate sheet of paper.  In addition to this, I would like you to include an interesting story that you learned about the person you are studying.  You will respond to the questions in the first person.  (For example- My name is Abraham Lincoln.  I was born….) You will be asked to try to memorize this information and create a presentation of at least a minute, pretending to be this famous person.  You will dress up and use props to make your presentation come alive. 

Good luck and have fun!

Week 16

Just a reminder:  Starting this Monday, January 11^th all students need to arrive to school no later than 8:05 am.  The Third Graders will be taking the ERB’s – a standardized test given at this time of year.  The test will be given Monday through Thursday.  For a further explanation of this exam please refer to your Parent Handbook.  Thank you in advance for your help with this matter.

This week in social studies the children will receive information about their next research project – the biography report.  For this assignment, students are asked to choose a biography that they would like to read and get the book approved by Mrs. Romano. Please discuss with your child some possible topics to research.

The children will be writing on what it means to be a hero in writing lab.  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.

We are continuing to explore multiplication and will be starting to take a look division in math.  Please review the basic tables for at least five minutes each night with your child.  Flash cards can be purchased at your local grocery store or nearby dollar store.  Practicing these pesky facts really increases your child’s confidence and speed in class.

Week 15

Happy New Year!  I feel refreshed and inspired after the relaxing break.  I hope your time was equally enjoyable.  Your children seem to treasure the activities they were able to share with family and friends.

 In this newsletter there are a few important dates to remember:

Just a reminder: This Friday, January 8^th is our first Winter Ski Friday!  Please remind your child to bring his/her hat, gloves, snow pants, warm coat, and other necessary items to school on this day.

On Monday, January 11^th all students need to arrive to school no later than 8:05 am.  The Third Graders will be taking the ERB’s, a standardized test given at this time of year.  The test will be given Monday through Thursday of next week.  For a further explanation of this exam please refer to your Parent Handbook.  Thank you in advance for your help with this matter.

Before leaving for the holiday break, I received many special gifts from the class- a gift certificate to the Dakota Restaurant and to Michael’s Craft Store, as well as a basket full of treats.  Thank you for the wonderful gifts.  I appreciate your thoughtfulness and generosity.

Week 14

Thank you all for the enthusiastic response to the gift-giving program.  It is wonderful to have the idea of compassion and generosity reinforced at home.  This past week in writing lab the children wrote about compassion and why it is an important character word.  Their final drafts are now on display in the third grade homeroom.

In math we are continuing to learn about multiplication and its uses.  It is exciting to see the children catch on to this concept so quickly.  The third graders are learning in class a variety of strategies to help them memorize the various tables.  Purchasing a set of flash cards and reviewing the basic facts at home will help your child master these important facts and prepare him/her for the more complex procedures that lie ahead this year.  

We all enjoyed the winter concert that was held last Friday in the gym.  It is always neat to see the progress the children have made in this class since the beginning of the year.  Thank you to Mrs. Fishman for making this event possible.    

Just a reminder: On Friday, December 18^th the children will have a grab bag exchange.  Please have your child bring in a wrapped gift by Tuesday, December 15^th.  This gift should be one that a boy or girl would enjoy.  Please spend no more than $10.00 on the item.

Week 13

I was happy to discuss your wonderful third graders with you at parent conferences.  It is heartening for me to know of your interest and see your involvement in your children’s lives at school. I treasure your support and always welcome further comments.  Please know I enjoy working with you as a team in creating the best experience for your child.

On Friday, December 18^th the children will have a grab bag exchange.  Please have your child bring in a wrapped gift by Tuesday, December 15^th.  This gift should be one that a boy or girl would enjoy.  Suggestions: Yo-yo, book, pencils and erasers, crayons/colored pencils, card games, Mad Libs, crossword puzzle book, word search/maze book, journal, dominoes puzzle.  Please spend no more than $10.00 on the gift.

In math, we have concluded our unit on multi-digit subtraction and have started our unit on multiplication.  The children will learn a variety of memory strategies to help them master these important tables.  As we continue to move forward with the third grade curriculum, it is important to review previously introduced concepts at home.  Reviewing material from time to time will help your child master important mathematical procedures. 

This is the time of year when I like to take a moment to acknowledge all the people who help make Third Grade a special place.  Thank you to the class parents for organizing the various special events that have taken place in the classroom.  Thank you to the many people who have volunteered to host a lunch bunch.  Finally, thank you third grade parents for your input, insight and support!  It is a pleasure to work with all of you.