News from 3B - Week of April 14, 2008

3B students have been so busy :

Reading Update

   We have read a favorite book of mine over the last few weeks: Stone Fox.  It is a touching novel about a boy and his grandfather who try to save their potato farm from the tax man – how appropriate to read in April!  This has sparked much discussion about economic topics, such as income, taxes, and how much it costs to go to college.  The class seemed to really like this book.  We have learned new vocabulary and thought about characters.  Yesterday, in partners, students wrote an ending to the book – what really happened after the last chapter?  I was happy to see so many happy endings envisioned by our authors.

Math Continues

    As always, both classes teach math every day.  We have concluded our study of multiplication and division, but you should continue to quiz your children on math facts so that they retain all that they have learned.  They will need to call upon multiplication and division in Fourth Grade and beyond.

    Our new unit – to begin after the break – will be a study of Geometry.  Most Third Graders find this interesting and it is often their very first exposure.

Metric Measurement in Science

   Students in 3B have begun to learn about Metric measurement.  We learned about units for measuring length – meters, centimeters, and millimeters.  We have done estimates and actual measurements of the many things in our classroom and beyond, using meter tapes..  We will also be studying grams and liters.

Spring Break is Here!

Today we dismiss for our Spring Break.  I know the students will welcome the down time!  Have fun together.

Have a wonderful Passover.  I will see the students on April 28th!
Regards,
Victoria Blackman