Simple Machines

If you have read the Cardinal Press, you are already aware that third graders have been investigating the use of simple machines in our everyday lives. They have discovered that these machines make our lives easier. During this unit we have taken the time to explore a fantastic website that further enhances the students' understanding of simple machines. Take time with your child to visit Edheads.com and click on the Simple Machines icon. There are also other great areas to peruse with this website.

Update on the H1N1 Vaccination

We have been asked to pass on this letter about the H1N1 vaccination.

Try Out These Websites!

Two new great websites were shared with us by Mrs. Goerend that we have passed on to our students. The first one is visuword that is an online dictionary and thesaurus, but is great fun to manipulate as you work with it. The second is Wordle and can be utilized in several ways. It can create a collage of words based on whatever words you want to work with. We gave an example of using exciting synoymns for a boring word in class. After the student types in the words he or she wants, the computer can give you random examples of the wordle. If you have a chance to use one of these websites at home - give it a try. We loved them!

Updated H1N1 letter

Here is another letter that we have been asked to share with you regarding the H1N1 immunization.

H1N1 Immunizations

We have been asked to pass on this information about the H1N1 immunizations. Please click on this link to read.

SUCCESS IN SPELLING

Spelling is such an important part of feeling successful in writing at third grade! Here is a look at how we teach spelling. On Mondays students practice the words they missed on the previous Friday's assessment. We use a "Word Study Stragegy" sheet that has students practice saying the words, writing the words, and self-checking. These sheets are sent home to practice throughout the week. On Wednesdays students practice with their spelling partners on white boards. A spelling lesson is taught on Thursdays and a take-home task is sent home to be completed with a parent. (Watch for this green worksheet and remember to do this together before signing it.) A spelling test is given every Friday for a grade, and another assessment is given to determine the next week's words. If students study at home and master these words, they should not miss them on future assessments. We discovered an AWESOME website for students to use at home when studying spelling. Not only will it allow them to practice their words and take a test on their words, it also has many exciting games that are created using their words. Please encourage your child to use spellingcity.com at home!

Mastery of Math Facts

It is important for all third grade students to practice their math facts to mastery. Students should start by practicing addition, followed by subtraction, and finally multiplication. We will will assess their progress three times a week with mad minutes (90 seconds for third grade). Here is a link for students to use to practice their facts.

Click on Third Grade once into the site and go to Addition Facts.

Good luck and keep practicing!