News

ELA

Dear Families of 3-Fitzgerald,

This week we shared our Milestones writing pieces about friendship with the other third grade classes. Students broke up into groups in various classrooms. Within the classrooms, they had the opportunity to read their story, share their pictures, and listen to others' stories. Many connections were made and the students did a wonderful job!

Students visited the library in small groups each morning this week to work with Ms. Harmon. They explored the non-fiction and resource section of the library and researched a variety of rocks and minerals to supplement their learning in the classroom. Ask your child what they learned about. Which rock or mineral did they choose to research?

In Readers' Workshop this week we began a unit of study on non-fiction. Students learned the purpose of reading an informational text, where to locate them in the classroom, school library, as well as where outside of school we use informational texts. We will continue learning about the features of non-fiction by using our Time For Kids publications, and other texts and articles to complement our learning in science and social studies.

During Writers' Workshop, we finished publishing our Activity Personal Narratives. My goal is to have the writing samples up on the Work Samples page over the Thanksgiving break. So make sure to check back!

Science

Math

Our study of rocks and minerals is winding down. Students observed minerals and performed streak, light and luster tests this week. Ask your child about the ways in which they were suprised by their experiments.

We will wrap up our unit next week before the Thanksgiving break. We will begin a unit of study on the United States when we come back from the break. Students will be learning about the geography, history, culture, economy, and government of the United States.

This week we explored perimeter by making shapes out of straws. We also found different ways to get a specific perimeter. Working with partners, the children found patterns when searching for a variety of ways to create rectangles with different perimeters. Ask your child about the work done in the classroom on geoboard paper.

We also explored the idea of area and learned ways to calculate the area of a rectangle.

Students will be assessed on their learning in Unit 3 on Monday. You can expect to see this assessment after our break.

Our next unit is Unit 4: Multiplication and Division. You can view the parent letter by clicking here: Unit 4 Everyday Math Family Letter

Math Links Page

11/25-27 Thanksgiving Break

Communication:
Please feel free to email me at: fitzgeraldm@guilderlandschools.org. Another way to reach me during the day would be to leave a message on my voicemail: 357-2770 x4105. I will return your call as soon as possible. Thanks!

Book Orders:
Your orders have been received for the November book order! The December book order has been sent home. It is also available online. There are several book order flyers, including a holiday books. In order to receive the shipment before the Christmas break, book orders should be received Tuesday, December 8th. Any feedback you have in regard to online ordering is appreciated!

Helpful Info to Keep On Hand:

You can order online now! Go to:
www.scholastic.com/bookclubs

Our class User Name is: 3Fitz
Our class Password is: Reading4Fun

Photos of Rocks & Minerals, Partnerships, and more!

Many new math website links here.

New Science links - including Rocks & Minerals!

Running out of Mad Minutes or tired of the same old paper? Check out these online alternatives. Choose your problems, time yourself, print out a certificate when you complete it!
Subtraction
Addition

Practice your cursive at this site. Watch animations of how to form letters and words.