Snacks: We will continue to have a snack mid-morning during the second semester. I found that it is much easier for each child to bring their own individual snack. It cuts down on the time spent passing snacks out, and helps with those who have food limitations for braces or allergies. If your child would like a snack in the morning they are welcome to bring a healthy snack in their backpack to eat during the appropriate time frame.
MAP Testing: Next week we will complete our second round of MAP (Measures of Academic Performance) testing. I will have results during conference times in February.
Grade Cards: 2nd quarter grade cards will be available on Skyward today. Please check out how your child did during the 1st semester and help them to set smart goals for the 2nd semester.
Math: We will be learning about several different properties of multiplication in the next couple of weeks. We will have some great hands on activities to teach the kiddos how to break larger numbers apart and use smaller facts to solve problems. We will also be switching over to multiplication practice in our Reflex program that works specifically with memorizing math facts. Be looking for an all school incentive program geared around Reflex goals and accomplishments.
Reading: Before break I benchmarked all the kiddos to see how they have grown since September. I was very happy with the results and will be sharing those results at conference time. This week we will be working on understanding the author's purpose for writing the text. We will also be reviewing expectations for our Daily 5 rotations and guided reading rotations. I will start reading groups back up late next week after the kiddos have had a good week of practice reestablishing routines in the classroom.
Science: This semester we will be focused on science. Our first unit is called Animals. We will be learning about animal adaptations, how they survive within the habitat they live in, and we will be researching an animal of choice and creating an animal museum in our third grade hallway. The students will also be working on writing a pretty in depth research paper based off the animal that they researched. This is one of our favorite activities of the year.