Mrs. Romano's Third Grade

Week 21

Our latest character word in writing lab is friendship.  The children will create their final drafts on this important topic this week in writing lab.  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 18^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 11^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 20

In math the children will begin 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 flier.  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, just a reminder: Tomorrow, February 7th, the third grade will be traveling to the Colonial Theater to see the play “Frindle”.  Please make sure your child arrives to school no later that 8:15 a.m.  Thank you in advance for your help with this matter.

Week 19

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 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 2/8/12  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 1^4th, 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 will receive in social studies class  today information regarding their next research project.  A copy of the instructions for this project can be found below:

Biography Presentation

Book choice due on: 2/8/12

Project due on: 4/18/12

Presentation date: 5/11/12 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 9th 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.

Next 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 the coming weeks in math.  Please review the basic tables for at least five minutes each night with your child.  Flash cards can be purchased at the nearby dollar store or you are welcome to use the copy I sent home last week in the homework folder.  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.  The children always 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 6th 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. Please note: The children will be dismissed at 12:45 every Ski Friday.

On Monday, January 9th 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.

Sharing Holiday Traditions with Alliance for Progress Charter School in North Philadelphia, PA

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.  Please note: All gift are due Monday, December 5th.

In math this week we are learning about multiplication and its uses.  The third graders will learn in class a variety of strategies to help them memorize the various tables.  Reviewing the basic facts at home with flash cards will help your child master these important facts and prepare him/her for the more complex procedures that lie ahead this year.

We are looking forward to the winter concert that is to be held this Friday, December 9th.  It is always neat to see the progress the children have made in this class since the beginning of the year.