Third Grade Update January 13, 2017

*Scholastic Book Orders are due today!

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

This week, we have been talking about the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. We watched two movie clips and read a Readers Theater play which dramatizes a true episode from Dr. King’s childhood and imagines how it might have started him on his lifelong crusade to end racism. Today, we will read a book about Dr. King and complete a special writing activity that your child will bring home to share today.

No School

We will not have school on Monday, January 16 (MLK) and Monday, January 23 (teacher workday).

Field Trips

Please let me know if you would like to chaperone and drive for either of these field trips:

  • Wednesday, February 1: Morehead Planetarium (8:45-12noon)

*So far, I have 3 volunteers: Camille, Kirsten, and Hudson.

  • Monday, March 6: Carrboro Arts Center (9:15-11:30am)

Science Expo

The science expo will be held on Wednesday, February 15th (from 5:30-7:30pm). It celebrates science in a non-competitive atmosphere. Students are encouraged to create some type of project or experiment and then share it with others. Students may work alone or with a partner. There will be hands-on activities and challenges during the event. Please see the attached information for more details!

Battle of the Books

Our next BOB meeting will Wednesday, January 18 during lunch time!

Thank You!

Thank you to Imani and Cora for donating estimation jars so far this month!

Auction

Please remember to RSVP to the TDS Auction on Saturday, January 28! I hope to see you there! Here are two “Teacher Experiences” I am involved with:

Afternoon of Art and Cooking/Baking with Mrs. Simpson and Ms. Tedeschi (all grades)

Four TDS friends will have Ms. Tedeschi and Mrs. Simpson all to themselves for an afternoon of artistic and culinary creativity! Mrs. Simpson and Ms. Tedeschi will plan a hands-on art project and cooking/baking activity for all to enjoy at either Ms. Tedeschi’s house in Durham or at Ms. Simpson’s Cary home (winner’s preference). Expires June 7, 2017.

Minecraft Game Night and Pizza Party with Mrs. Cabrera and Mrs. Simpson (grades 3rd-8th)It’s Team Cabrera vs. Team Simpson in a Minecraft game of “Capture the Flag!” Both groups will go head-to-head in finding each other team’s flag for the win. Up to 12 students. Expires June 1, 2017.

Talented Tornado Awards

I will be recognizing Anisha and Calvin with Talented Tornado awards at Lower School Morning Meeting on Tuesday, January 24 at 8:30am in the commons and at the assembly on Friday, January 27 at 2:15 in the gym.

TABLE
Mark your calendars: We will have a second food drive for TABLEfrom February 13th- February 16th.

Parent Readers

If you haven’t visited us yet, please consider choosing a day to read to the class. Thank you!

Writing Workshop

Our current unit is “The Art of Information Writing.” Third graders are writing “chapter books”using Google Slides. They have learned how to section their topics into subtopics. They are now writing their first chapters. We will continue to practice the art of revision and elaboration next week.

Math

This week, we started Chapter 7: Multiplication. I sent the family letter home in your child’s yellow folder last week.

Science

Our class is exploring the following BIG IDEA in science:An important part of being healthy is practicing safe habits. In our studies, we will be trying to answer these questions:

1. How can injuries be prevented?

2. What are basic first aid procedures?

3. What can be done to help someone who is injured?

Family Activities:

You can help your child answer the questions by doing these simple activities at home. These activities will contribute to your child's understanding of safe habits and how to respond to emergencies.

1. Put together a family first aid kit. Discuss what each item is and how when to use it.

2. Make a family plan for what to do if someone needs help, including whom to call and how to reach them.

3. Talk about using 911.

4. Discuss safe ways of using kitchen tools and appliances.

5. Read "Safety" theme books from the library.

Social Studies

Our current chapter is Chapter 4, U.S. Government. Our Big Question: Why do we have government?

  • The U.S. government was founded on democratic principles and beliefs.
  • The three branches of government were established to limit each branch’s power and to protect the rights of citizens.
  • Local, state, and national governments make and enforce laws and provide different kinds of services to meet the needs of citizens.

Reading

We are reading our last story in our unit about money this week. Students are reading stories, poems, and articles that explore thehistory of money, how money affects people, and the different ways people earn, save, and spend money.Students will read stories about people bartering instead of using money, the journey of a dollar bill, and the first female millionaire in the United States. You can help your child by discussing your family values in relation to money and encouraging your child to learn the basics of managing his or her own money.