Third Graders Excited to Explore Fractions--Updated 3/5/2020
The third graders had a great time celebrating Read Across America in honor of Dr. Seuss’s Birthday on Monday, March 2. We appreciated all of our special guest readers who were able to join us; you helped make this day a success!
As we enter the third trimester of the school year we are very proud of all of the progress our students have made. In Reading, we completed our folktale and fairytale unit. We have been working on finding evidence in a text to help us answer questions. We have also been focusing on vocabulary using both prefixes and suffixes to help us determine the meaning of words. Don’t forget that students can access Spelling City at home as a resource to practice these words.
In Science, we are starting to learn about forces and motions. We are excited to begin this unit as there are many fun experiments and activities to do!
Students will continue to work on and strengthen their multiplication and division skills in Math class. Later this month we will begin working on fractions as well as reviewing addition and subtraction. Please continue to make sure your child is practicing math facts at home with flashcards or by using an online resource such as: MobyMax or Khan Academy.
IAR (Illinois Assessment of Readiness) Testing will begin during the week of April 7th. Students will engage in tests in reading and math. We will be preparing students for these tests in school throughout the month of March. Please take some time at home to help students with additional practice.
Thank you for your continued support! We have a lot to look forward to during the last few months of school. Keep up the excellent work third graders!
As we enter the third trimester of the school year we are very proud of all of the progress our students have made. In Reading, we completed our folktale and fairytale unit. We have been working on finding evidence in a text to help us answer questions. We have also been focusing on vocabulary using both prefixes and suffixes to help us determine the meaning of words. Don’t forget that students can access Spelling City at home as a resource to practice these words.
In Science, we are starting to learn about forces and motions. We are excited to begin this unit as there are many fun experiments and activities to do!
Students will continue to work on and strengthen their multiplication and division skills in Math class. Later this month we will begin working on fractions as well as reviewing addition and subtraction. Please continue to make sure your child is practicing math facts at home with flashcards or by using an online resource such as: MobyMax or Khan Academy.
IAR (Illinois Assessment of Readiness) Testing will begin during the week of April 7th. Students will engage in tests in reading and math. We will be preparing students for these tests in school throughout the month of March. Please take some time at home to help students with additional practice.
Thank you for your continued support! We have a lot to look forward to during the last few months of school. Keep up the excellent work third graders!
Students Enjoy 3rd Grade Fairy Tale and Folk Tale Unit--Updated 2/7/2020
We are more than halfway through the second trimester and the third graders are learning a lot!
In Math, third graders are continuing to work on multiplication and division as well as beginning to explore measurement and geometry! Please continue to practice math facts daily at home to improve your child’s fact fluency. Students can practice math facts by using flashcards or by going on Moby Max Fact Fluency and any other math website that your child uses in class.
In Language Arts, we have been focusing on our storytelling unit. Students have been reading a variety of fairy tales and folktales from around the world. Some of the fairy tales include different versions of Cinderella, The Three Little Pigs and Little Red Riding Hood. Identifying the fairy tale elements and comparing and contrasting fairy tales are some of the skills we have focused on. Here are some types of questions to ask your child about the fairy tales and folktales they have read: What is the moral of the story? What lesson did you learn from the story?
During Word Study, students are learning about adjectives. We will then focus on figurative language. Students will learn about alliterations, similes and metaphors, just to name a few!
Please continue to check your child’s take home folder and/or assignment notebook daily. Also, please be sure that your child is dressed appropriately for the weather. It is important that they have snow pants, boots, scarf, gloves and a winter hat everyday as they do go outside for recess.
Thank you for your support at home!
In Math, third graders are continuing to work on multiplication and division as well as beginning to explore measurement and geometry! Please continue to practice math facts daily at home to improve your child’s fact fluency. Students can practice math facts by using flashcards or by going on Moby Max Fact Fluency and any other math website that your child uses in class.
In Language Arts, we have been focusing on our storytelling unit. Students have been reading a variety of fairy tales and folktales from around the world. Some of the fairy tales include different versions of Cinderella, The Three Little Pigs and Little Red Riding Hood. Identifying the fairy tale elements and comparing and contrasting fairy tales are some of the skills we have focused on. Here are some types of questions to ask your child about the fairy tales and folktales they have read: What is the moral of the story? What lesson did you learn from the story?
During Word Study, students are learning about adjectives. We will then focus on figurative language. Students will learn about alliterations, similes and metaphors, just to name a few!
Please continue to check your child’s take home folder and/or assignment notebook daily. Also, please be sure that your child is dressed appropriately for the weather. It is important that they have snow pants, boots, scarf, gloves and a winter hat everyday as they do go outside for recess.
Thank you for your support at home!
Third Graders Ready to Master Multiplication & Division Fact Families-Updated 1/6/20
Welcome back! Happy New Year! We have a lot of learning coming up for this month.
In Math, we are continuing to work on the unit titled Properties of Multiplication and Division. Students are starting to see the relationship between multiplication and division. They should be able to represent multiplication through arrays and fact families. Students can practice the skills learned in class at home through online resources such as Moby Max or Khan Academy. It is essential that your child practices building their fact fluency everyday at home.
During Reading students will be reading various selections of folktales, fairy tales and myths. As a friendly reminder, students should be reading a minimum of 20 minutes each night. However, we do encourage students to read for a longer period of time and discuss what they read with family members. You can ask your child to explain the problem and solution in the story, describe the traits of the characters and make predictions about what may happen next in the story.
Please continue to check your child’s take home folder and/or assignment notebook daily. Also, please be sure that your child is dressed appropriately for the weather. It is important that they have snow pants, boots, scarf, gloves and a winter hat everyday as they do go outside for recess. Thank you for your continued support and we look forward to a successful second trimester!
In Math, we are continuing to work on the unit titled Properties of Multiplication and Division. Students are starting to see the relationship between multiplication and division. They should be able to represent multiplication through arrays and fact families. Students can practice the skills learned in class at home through online resources such as Moby Max or Khan Academy. It is essential that your child practices building their fact fluency everyday at home.
During Reading students will be reading various selections of folktales, fairy tales and myths. As a friendly reminder, students should be reading a minimum of 20 minutes each night. However, we do encourage students to read for a longer period of time and discuss what they read with family members. You can ask your child to explain the problem and solution in the story, describe the traits of the characters and make predictions about what may happen next in the story.
Please continue to check your child’s take home folder and/or assignment notebook daily. Also, please be sure that your child is dressed appropriately for the weather. It is important that they have snow pants, boots, scarf, gloves and a winter hat everyday as they do go outside for recess. Thank you for your continued support and we look forward to a successful second trimester!
Third Graders Set to Share Opinions in Persuasive Writing Unit--Updated 12/3/19
Wow! Can you believe it’s December already? Time is flying by so quickly. Third graders have been busy this month preparing for our Holiday Music Program as well as learning about many new topics such as Life Cycles, Traits, Persuasive Writing, and Holidays Around the World. MAP Testing will take place during the week of December 16th.
In Math, we are focused on division strategies and connecting multiplication to division. We will also begin reviewing fractions. Students can practice these skills at home on MobyMax and Khan Academy. Be sure to encourage your child to continue to practice their fact fluency for addition, subtraction, multiplication and division as well.
Our students enjoyed writing their Personal Narratives and we encourage them to continue writing about their lives and personal experiences. Over the next few weeks as well as after winter break, we will focus on persuasive / opinion writing. We are excited to learn the opinions of our students!
We will conclude our unit on Holidays Around the World before Winter Break. Students have been excited to learn more about different cultures and holidays from all over the world including Christmas, Las Posadas, Hanukkah, St. Lucia Day, St. Nicholas Day, and Kwanzaa just to name a few!
Please continue to check your child’s Take Home Folder daily. Also, reading for 20 minutes and practicing math facts for ten minutes each night is an expectation. Please make sure your child is doing this each evening. Thank you for your continued support!
In Math, we are focused on division strategies and connecting multiplication to division. We will also begin reviewing fractions. Students can practice these skills at home on MobyMax and Khan Academy. Be sure to encourage your child to continue to practice their fact fluency for addition, subtraction, multiplication and division as well.
Our students enjoyed writing their Personal Narratives and we encourage them to continue writing about their lives and personal experiences. Over the next few weeks as well as after winter break, we will focus on persuasive / opinion writing. We are excited to learn the opinions of our students!
We will conclude our unit on Holidays Around the World before Winter Break. Students have been excited to learn more about different cultures and holidays from all over the world including Christmas, Las Posadas, Hanukkah, St. Lucia Day, St. Nicholas Day, and Kwanzaa just to name a few!
Please continue to check your child’s Take Home Folder daily. Also, reading for 20 minutes and practicing math facts for ten minutes each night is an expectation. Please make sure your child is doing this each evening. Thank you for your continued support!
Fact Mastery Important Skill for Third Graders--Updated 11/4/2019
The third graders are in full swing this fall and continue to work hard in the classroom each day. We have been working on a variety of activities in all curricular areas.
In Math, we have completed our unit focusing on adding and subtracting three digit numbers. We also focused on telling time to the nearest minute and calculating elapsed time. Students learned about different quadrilaterals and demonstrated how to tell the difference between them. We will revisit these concepts as the year progresses. It is important that students practice their facts each night to help build their fact fluency. Several resources, which can be accessed on students’ Chromebooks, can help students practice their facts. These online resources include MobyMax, Prodigy, and Khan Academy.
In Reading, we have completed a novel studies on Balto and the Great Race. Next we will begin a novel called Stone Fox. The novel studies focused on vocabulary development and comprehension skills. Students will be able to compare and contrast the stories to develop a deeper understanding of both texts.
In Science we have been investigating Life Cycles. In class we are observing the life cycles of different plants by planting various types of seeds. As an extension to our study of animals and their habitats, third graders will enjoy an in-school field trip with Dave DiNaso and His Traveling World of Reptiles.
Third graders have also enjoyed working in our MakerSpace on STEM (Science Technology Engineering and Math) activities. Ask your child what they like best about Makerspace!
Thank you for your continued support. We look forward to meeting with you at parent teacher conferences in November!
In Math, we have completed our unit focusing on adding and subtracting three digit numbers. We also focused on telling time to the nearest minute and calculating elapsed time. Students learned about different quadrilaterals and demonstrated how to tell the difference between them. We will revisit these concepts as the year progresses. It is important that students practice their facts each night to help build their fact fluency. Several resources, which can be accessed on students’ Chromebooks, can help students practice their facts. These online resources include MobyMax, Prodigy, and Khan Academy.
In Reading, we have completed a novel studies on Balto and the Great Race. Next we will begin a novel called Stone Fox. The novel studies focused on vocabulary development and comprehension skills. Students will be able to compare and contrast the stories to develop a deeper understanding of both texts.
In Science we have been investigating Life Cycles. In class we are observing the life cycles of different plants by planting various types of seeds. As an extension to our study of animals and their habitats, third graders will enjoy an in-school field trip with Dave DiNaso and His Traveling World of Reptiles.
Third graders have also enjoyed working in our MakerSpace on STEM (Science Technology Engineering and Math) activities. Ask your child what they like best about Makerspace!
Thank you for your continued support. We look forward to meeting with you at parent teacher conferences in November!
Online Resources Used at School and Practice Options for Home--Updated 10/7/19
Third grade is flying by! We are already halfway through the first trimester, and so much learning has been taking place. We have a new playground and we have had our first field trip!!
In Math, we are working on adding two and three digit numbers using different strategies. It is essential that students practice math facts (addition, subtraction, multiplication) at home every night for a minimum of ten minutes. Students can practice facts a variety of ways including: Moby Max Fact Fluency, XtraMath, or with flashcards.
In Language Arts, students have been reading a variety of texts from our reading anthology series. In Writing we have focused on building the writing community and writing personal narratives. We will be selecting our flash draft that we want to publish. Students have been working on writing interesting leads and learning about dialogue as well. We will be taking our first writing piece through the writing process over the next few weeks.
Lastly, the Chromebook is an excellent resource that students should be using at home to assist with their reading and math skills. MobyMax, Spelling City, and Khan are online resources that students are familiar with that will reinforce what they are learning in class. Please make sure your child is charging their Chromebook each night. We use these daily and it is imperative that they come back charged and ready the next day!
Thank you for your continued support at home.
In Math, we are working on adding two and three digit numbers using different strategies. It is essential that students practice math facts (addition, subtraction, multiplication) at home every night for a minimum of ten minutes. Students can practice facts a variety of ways including: Moby Max Fact Fluency, XtraMath, or with flashcards.
In Language Arts, students have been reading a variety of texts from our reading anthology series. In Writing we have focused on building the writing community and writing personal narratives. We will be selecting our flash draft that we want to publish. Students have been working on writing interesting leads and learning about dialogue as well. We will be taking our first writing piece through the writing process over the next few weeks.
Lastly, the Chromebook is an excellent resource that students should be using at home to assist with their reading and math skills. MobyMax, Spelling City, and Khan are online resources that students are familiar with that will reinforce what they are learning in class. Please make sure your child is charging their Chromebook each night. We use these daily and it is imperative that they come back charged and ready the next day!
Thank you for your continued support at home.
Third Graders Off to Positive First Trimester at Westview School
Third Grade is off to a great start! We have had a wonderful time building our learning community and getting to know one another. Each day students participate in a class meeting where they share comments, questions or concerns. Class meetings are a positive way for students to feel safe sharing their feelings.
We have already started the Second Step Program in all classrooms. Students will continue developing their social-emotional skills—including making friends, managing emotions, and solving problems.
In Math, students have been focusing on expanding three and four digit numbers and identifying large numbers on a number line.
In Social Studies the third graders have been focusing on digital citizenship and are beginning to focus on our local government.
We began our reading unit which focuses on storytelling with a novel study called Gooney Bird Greene. This also connects with our first unit in Writer’s Workshop! We are starting with personal narrative writing. The third graders all enjoyed decorating their writer’s notebooks!
It is important to check your child’s Take Home Folder each night and make sure your child has completed all of their homework. The students need to always remember to charge their Chromebook and follow the digital citizenship expectations that have been reviewed in class. We look forward to a fantastic first trimester in third grade!
We have already started the Second Step Program in all classrooms. Students will continue developing their social-emotional skills—including making friends, managing emotions, and solving problems.
In Math, students have been focusing on expanding three and four digit numbers and identifying large numbers on a number line.
In Social Studies the third graders have been focusing on digital citizenship and are beginning to focus on our local government.
We began our reading unit which focuses on storytelling with a novel study called Gooney Bird Greene. This also connects with our first unit in Writer’s Workshop! We are starting with personal narrative writing. The third graders all enjoyed decorating their writer’s notebooks!
It is important to check your child’s Take Home Folder each night and make sure your child has completed all of their homework. The students need to always remember to charge their Chromebook and follow the digital citizenship expectations that have been reviewed in class. We look forward to a fantastic first trimester in third grade!
3rd Graders Excited to Experience Annual Traditions--Updated 5/6/2019
We are approaching the final weeks of third grade! We can’t believe how quickly the school year has gone by. The students have grown so much academically and socially. We are very proud of them!
During Reading, students have been busy reading biographies of historical figures. Each student has chosen a person to research for the Biography Fair which will be held on Friday, May 24th. Students are learning how to take notes and how to organize information into chronological order using a “boxes and bullets” note-taking strategy from our Writing resource we use. Students will be working on a variety of projects that provide information about their historical figure. In Writing, students are turning their notes about their historical figure into paragraphs to create a biography. We also have our Young Author Stories and are excited to share them when Oakbrook School visits us this month!
In Math, we are finishing up our fraction unit and will begin reviewing number sense concepts in preparation for fourth grade. Some helpful math websites to remember over the summer include: MobyMax, Khan Academy, X-tra Math, and Prodigy. These websites provide fun and interactive ways to get your child to practice their facts at home!
We have wrapped up our Science unit on Electric and Magnetic forces and are excited to move on to Social Studies. We will begin learning about the history of Chicago and exploring all of the important landmarks in our fabulous city! We will end the year exploring weather patterns in Science.
Thank you for a wonderful school year! Have a great summer!
Friendly reminders:
During Reading, students have been busy reading biographies of historical figures. Each student has chosen a person to research for the Biography Fair which will be held on Friday, May 24th. Students are learning how to take notes and how to organize information into chronological order using a “boxes and bullets” note-taking strategy from our Writing resource we use. Students will be working on a variety of projects that provide information about their historical figure. In Writing, students are turning their notes about their historical figure into paragraphs to create a biography. We also have our Young Author Stories and are excited to share them when Oakbrook School visits us this month!
In Math, we are finishing up our fraction unit and will begin reviewing number sense concepts in preparation for fourth grade. Some helpful math websites to remember over the summer include: MobyMax, Khan Academy, X-tra Math, and Prodigy. These websites provide fun and interactive ways to get your child to practice their facts at home!
We have wrapped up our Science unit on Electric and Magnetic forces and are excited to move on to Social Studies. We will begin learning about the history of Chicago and exploring all of the important landmarks in our fabulous city! We will end the year exploring weather patterns in Science.
Thank you for a wonderful school year! Have a great summer!
Friendly reminders:
- MAP Testing--Week of May 6th
- Open House / Ice Cream Social / Book Fair (6:30pm-8:00pm)--May 9th
- Field trip to the Morton Arboretum - May 23rd
- Biography Fair and ½ Day of School--May 24th
- Memorial Day No School--May 27th
- Chromebook check in - June 4th
- Field Day - June 5th
- Last Day of School- June 7th
3rd Graders Begin Research for Historical Figures Unit--Updated 4/5/2019
We are now in the final trimester of third grade. Students began IAR (Illinois Assessment of Readiness) testing on April 3rd. We are proud of our students for trying their best and staying positive during these tests.
In Math, we are continuing to study multiplication and beginning to focus on fractions as well! We are concentrating on comparing fractions, finding equivalent fractions and labeling fractions on a number line. Students have also discussed where we see fractions in real life. Have a conversation with your child about where we see fractions each day!
In Science we have been learning about force and motion. Ask your child about the different types of forces we’ve discussed!
We will be starting our “Historical Figures” unit in Language Arts. We will read aloud to students the biography of Benjamin Franklin to begin the unit. Students already selected a historical figure to research. Essential questions for this unit include:
In Math, we are continuing to study multiplication and beginning to focus on fractions as well! We are concentrating on comparing fractions, finding equivalent fractions and labeling fractions on a number line. Students have also discussed where we see fractions in real life. Have a conversation with your child about where we see fractions each day!
In Science we have been learning about force and motion. Ask your child about the different types of forces we’ve discussed!
We will be starting our “Historical Figures” unit in Language Arts. We will read aloud to students the biography of Benjamin Franklin to begin the unit. Students already selected a historical figure to research. Essential questions for this unit include:
- What important people have impacted history?
- How did these people make a positive contribution to our country?
Third Graders Anticipate Upcoming Focus on Fractions--Updated 3/8/19
The third graders had a great time celebrating Read Across America in honor of Dr. Seuss’s Birthday on Monday, March 4. We appreciate all of our special guest readers who were able to join us; you helped make this day a success!
As we enter the third trimester of the school year we are very proud of all of the progress our students have made. Reports of Student Progress were distributed on March 7th.
In Reading, we completed up our folktale and fairytale unit. We have been working on finding evidence in a text to help us answer questions. Students also have a new high frequency word list for the third trimester. Please make sure you are practicing these words at home! Don’t forget that students can access Spelling City at home as a resource to practice these words.
In Science, students have learned about inherited and learned traits and animal adaptations. Students were able to create their own dog using traits from two different breeds. Later we will be focusing on Ecosystems. On May 23rd we will be taking a field trip to the Morton Arboretum to learn more about ecosystems. Be sure to get your permission slips turned in!
Students will continue to work on strengthening their multiplication and division skills. Later this month we will begin working on fractions as well as reviewing addition and subtraction. Please continue to make sure your child is practicing math facts at home with flashcards or by using an online resource such as: MobyMax or XtraMath!
IAR (Illinois Assessment of Readiness) Testing will begin during the week of April 1st. Students will engage in tests in English Language Arts and Math. We will be preparing students for these tests in school throughout the month of March. Please take some time at home to help students with additional practice.
Thank you for your continued support! We have a lot to look forward to during the last few months of school. Keep up the excellent work third graders!
As we enter the third trimester of the school year we are very proud of all of the progress our students have made. Reports of Student Progress were distributed on March 7th.
In Reading, we completed up our folktale and fairytale unit. We have been working on finding evidence in a text to help us answer questions. Students also have a new high frequency word list for the third trimester. Please make sure you are practicing these words at home! Don’t forget that students can access Spelling City at home as a resource to practice these words.
In Science, students have learned about inherited and learned traits and animal adaptations. Students were able to create their own dog using traits from two different breeds. Later we will be focusing on Ecosystems. On May 23rd we will be taking a field trip to the Morton Arboretum to learn more about ecosystems. Be sure to get your permission slips turned in!
Students will continue to work on strengthening their multiplication and division skills. Later this month we will begin working on fractions as well as reviewing addition and subtraction. Please continue to make sure your child is practicing math facts at home with flashcards or by using an online resource such as: MobyMax or XtraMath!
IAR (Illinois Assessment of Readiness) Testing will begin during the week of April 1st. Students will engage in tests in English Language Arts and Math. We will be preparing students for these tests in school throughout the month of March. Please take some time at home to help students with additional practice.
Thank you for your continued support! We have a lot to look forward to during the last few months of school. Keep up the excellent work third graders!
Third Graders "Create" Puppies During Science Unit on Traits--Updated 2/4/2019
We are more than halfway through the second trimester and the third graders are learning a lot! In Math, third graders are continuing to work on multiplication and division! Please continue to practice math facts daily at home to improve your child’s fact fluency. Students can practice math facts by using flashcards or by going on Moby Max Fact Fluency and any other math website that your child uses in class.
In Language Arts, we have been focusing on our storytelling unit. Students have been reading a variety of fairy tales and folktales from around the world. Some of the fairy tales include different versions of Cinderella, The Three Little Pigs and Little Red Riding Hood. Identifying the fairy tale elements and comparing and contrasting fairy tales are some of the skills we have focused on. Here are some questions to ask your child about the fairy tales and folktales they have read:
In Science, students are finishing up learning about inheritance and traits. Please ask your child about the puppy breed they created! We will focus on Social Studies next. We will analyze how economic systems affect people and their resources.
Thank you again for your continued support at home. Reading and practicing math facts with your child for at least 20 minutes each day will assist your child with reaching their end of the year goals!
In Language Arts, we have been focusing on our storytelling unit. Students have been reading a variety of fairy tales and folktales from around the world. Some of the fairy tales include different versions of Cinderella, The Three Little Pigs and Little Red Riding Hood. Identifying the fairy tale elements and comparing and contrasting fairy tales are some of the skills we have focused on. Here are some questions to ask your child about the fairy tales and folktales they have read:
- What is the moral of the story?
- What lesson did you learn from the story?
In Science, students are finishing up learning about inheritance and traits. Please ask your child about the puppy breed they created! We will focus on Social Studies next. We will analyze how economic systems affect people and their resources.
Thank you again for your continued support at home. Reading and practicing math facts with your child for at least 20 minutes each day will assist your child with reaching their end of the year goals!
Folktales, Fairy Tales and Myths Up Next for 3rd Grade Reading Unit--Updated 1/2/19
Welcome back! Happy New Year! We have a lot of learning coming up for this month.
In Math, we are continuing to work on multiplication and division. Students are starting to see the relationship between the two. They should be able to represent multiplication through arrays and fact families. Students can practice the skills learned in class at home through online resources such as Zearn, Moby Max, Xtra Math and Prodigy. Don’t forget about using flash cards! It is essential that your child practices building their fact fluency everyday at home.
In Science, we will focus on inheritance and traits. Students will be expected to analyze and interpret data to provide evidence that plants and animals have traits that they inherit from their parents. Students will also explore the variation that exists within groups of similar organisms.
During Reading, students will be reading various selections of folktales, fairy tales and myths.
As a friendly reminder, students should be reading a minimum of 20 minutes each night. However, we do encourage students to read for a longer period of time and discuss what they read with family members. You can ask your child to explain the problem and solution in the story, describe the traits of the characters and make predictions about what may happen next in the story.
In Writing, we are learning how to write persuasive speeches with a strong thesis statement (option statement, claim). Students have been writing many flash drafts and will be fine tuning a persuasive speech of their choice. By the end of the unit they will be creating persuasive speeches and sharing them.
Please continue to check your child’s take home folder and/or assignment notebook daily. Also, please be sure that your child is dressed appropriately for the weather. It is important that they have snow pants, boots, scarf, gloves and a winter hat everyday as they do go outside for recess. Thank you for your continued support and we look forward to a successful second trimester!
In Math, we are continuing to work on multiplication and division. Students are starting to see the relationship between the two. They should be able to represent multiplication through arrays and fact families. Students can practice the skills learned in class at home through online resources such as Zearn, Moby Max, Xtra Math and Prodigy. Don’t forget about using flash cards! It is essential that your child practices building their fact fluency everyday at home.
In Science, we will focus on inheritance and traits. Students will be expected to analyze and interpret data to provide evidence that plants and animals have traits that they inherit from their parents. Students will also explore the variation that exists within groups of similar organisms.
During Reading, students will be reading various selections of folktales, fairy tales and myths.
As a friendly reminder, students should be reading a minimum of 20 minutes each night. However, we do encourage students to read for a longer period of time and discuss what they read with family members. You can ask your child to explain the problem and solution in the story, describe the traits of the characters and make predictions about what may happen next in the story.
In Writing, we are learning how to write persuasive speeches with a strong thesis statement (option statement, claim). Students have been writing many flash drafts and will be fine tuning a persuasive speech of their choice. By the end of the unit they will be creating persuasive speeches and sharing them.
Please continue to check your child’s take home folder and/or assignment notebook daily. Also, please be sure that your child is dressed appropriately for the weather. It is important that they have snow pants, boots, scarf, gloves and a winter hat everyday as they do go outside for recess. Thank you for your continued support and we look forward to a successful second trimester!
Third Graders Excited about Upcoming Opinion Writing Unit--Updated 12/18/2018
Wow! Can you believe it’s the end of December already? Time is flying by so quickly. Third graders have been busy this month preparing for our Holiday Music Program as well as learning about many new topics such as Life Cycles, Persuasive Writing, and Holidays Around the World. MAP Testing was completed during the week of December 10th.
In Math, we are focused on division strategies and connecting multiplication to division. We are also reviewing fractions. Students can practice these skills at home through online resources such as Front Row, Prodigy, Zearn, and Moby Max. Be sure to encourage your child to continue to practice their fact fluency for addition, subtraction, multiplication and division as well.
Our students have enjoyed writing their Personal Narratives and we encourage them to continue writing about their lives and personal experiences. Over the next few weeks, we will focus on persuasive writing. We are excited to learn the opinions of our students!
We will conclude our unit on Holidays Around the World before Winter Break. Students have enjoyed learning about Christmas, Las Posadas, Hanukkah, St. Lucia Day, and Kwanzaa just to name a few! Our next topic in Social Studies focuses on People and Their Resources.
Please continue to check your child’s Take Home Folder daily. Thank you for your continued support!
In Math, we are focused on division strategies and connecting multiplication to division. We are also reviewing fractions. Students can practice these skills at home through online resources such as Front Row, Prodigy, Zearn, and Moby Max. Be sure to encourage your child to continue to practice their fact fluency for addition, subtraction, multiplication and division as well.
Our students have enjoyed writing their Personal Narratives and we encourage them to continue writing about their lives and personal experiences. Over the next few weeks, we will focus on persuasive writing. We are excited to learn the opinions of our students!
We will conclude our unit on Holidays Around the World before Winter Break. Students have enjoyed learning about Christmas, Las Posadas, Hanukkah, St. Lucia Day, and Kwanzaa just to name a few! Our next topic in Social Studies focuses on People and Their Resources.
Please continue to check your child’s Take Home Folder daily. Thank you for your continued support!
Third Graders Explore Life Cycles in Science Unit--Updated 11/06/2018
The third graders are in full swing this fall and continue to work hard in the classroom each day. We have been working on a variety of activities in all curricular areas.
In Math, we have completed our unit focusing on adding and subtracting three digit numbers. We also focused on telling time to the nearest minute and calculating elapsed time. Students learned about different quadrilaterals and demonstrated how to tell the difference between them. We will revisit these concepts as the year progresses. It is important that students practice their facts each night to help build their fact fluency. Several resources, which can be accessed on students’ Chromebooks, can help students practice their facts. These online resources include MobyMax, Prodigy, and Khan Academy.
In Reading, we have completed novel studies on Balto and The Great Race. Next we will begin a novel called Stone Fox. The novel studies focused on vocabulary development and comprehension skills. Students will be able to compare and contrast the stories to develop a deeper understanding of both texts.
In Social Studies we wrapped up our unit that focuses on the United States government. Ask your child if they can identify the three branches of government! We are very excited to start science where students will be investigating Life Cycles. In class we are observing the life cycles of different plants by planting various types of seeds. As an extension to our study of animals and their habitats, third graders enjoyed an in-school field trip with Dave DiNaso and His Traveling World of Reptiles, sponsored by the Oakbrook/Westview PTO.
Third graders have also enjoyed working in our MakerSpace on STEM (Science Technology Engineering and Math) activities. Ask your child what they like best about Makerspace!
Thank you for your continued support. We look forward to meeting with you at parent/teacher conferences on November 19th and 20th!
In Math, we have completed our unit focusing on adding and subtracting three digit numbers. We also focused on telling time to the nearest minute and calculating elapsed time. Students learned about different quadrilaterals and demonstrated how to tell the difference between them. We will revisit these concepts as the year progresses. It is important that students practice their facts each night to help build their fact fluency. Several resources, which can be accessed on students’ Chromebooks, can help students practice their facts. These online resources include MobyMax, Prodigy, and Khan Academy.
In Reading, we have completed novel studies on Balto and The Great Race. Next we will begin a novel called Stone Fox. The novel studies focused on vocabulary development and comprehension skills. Students will be able to compare and contrast the stories to develop a deeper understanding of both texts.
In Social Studies we wrapped up our unit that focuses on the United States government. Ask your child if they can identify the three branches of government! We are very excited to start science where students will be investigating Life Cycles. In class we are observing the life cycles of different plants by planting various types of seeds. As an extension to our study of animals and their habitats, third graders enjoyed an in-school field trip with Dave DiNaso and His Traveling World of Reptiles, sponsored by the Oakbrook/Westview PTO.
Third graders have also enjoyed working in our MakerSpace on STEM (Science Technology Engineering and Math) activities. Ask your child what they like best about Makerspace!
Thank you for your continued support. We look forward to meeting with you at parent/teacher conferences on November 19th and 20th!
Variety of Traditional and Online Resources Used to Support Third Grade Learning
Third grade is flying by! We are already halfway through the first trimester, and so much learning has been taking place.
First of all, thank you for making Bring Your Parents to School Night such a huge success. It is vital that students, teachers, and families work together to focus on student achievement together!
In Math, we are working on adding two and three digit numbers using different strategies. It is essential that students practice math facts (addition, subtraction, multiplication) at home every night for a minimum of ten minutes. Students can practice facts a variety of ways including: Moby Max Fact Fluency, XtraMath or with flashcards.
In Language Arts, students have been reading a variety of texts from our reading anthology series. In Writing, we have focused on building the writing community and writing personal narratives. We have chosen our flash draft that we want to publish. Students have been working on writing interesting leads and learning about dialogue as well. We will be taking our first writing piece through the writing process over the next few weeks.
Lastly, the Chromebook is an excellent resource that students should be using at home to assist with their Reading and Math skills. MobyMax, Prodigy, Spelling City, and Epic are online resources that students are familiar with that will reinforce what they are learning in class. Please remember to make sure your child is charging their Chromebook each night. We use these daily and it is imperative that they come back charged and ready the next day!
Thank you for your continued support and please contact your child’s teacher if you have any questions!
First of all, thank you for making Bring Your Parents to School Night such a huge success. It is vital that students, teachers, and families work together to focus on student achievement together!
In Math, we are working on adding two and three digit numbers using different strategies. It is essential that students practice math facts (addition, subtraction, multiplication) at home every night for a minimum of ten minutes. Students can practice facts a variety of ways including: Moby Max Fact Fluency, XtraMath or with flashcards.
In Language Arts, students have been reading a variety of texts from our reading anthology series. In Writing, we have focused on building the writing community and writing personal narratives. We have chosen our flash draft that we want to publish. Students have been working on writing interesting leads and learning about dialogue as well. We will be taking our first writing piece through the writing process over the next few weeks.
Lastly, the Chromebook is an excellent resource that students should be using at home to assist with their Reading and Math skills. MobyMax, Prodigy, Spelling City, and Epic are online resources that students are familiar with that will reinforce what they are learning in class. Please remember to make sure your child is charging their Chromebook each night. We use these daily and it is imperative that they come back charged and ready the next day!
Thank you for your continued support and please contact your child’s teacher if you have any questions!
Social-Emotional Learning High Priority for 3rd Grade Start of Year--updated 9/7/18
Third Grade is off to a great start! We have had a wonderful time building our learning community and getting to know one another. Each day students participate in a class meeting where they share comments, questions or concerns. Class meetings are a positive way for students to feel safe sharing their feelings.
We have already started the 2nd Step Program in all classrooms. Students will continue developing their social-emotional skills—including making friends, managing emotions, and solving problems. These skills will set them on the path for social success and academic readiness.
In Math, students have been focusing on expanding three and four digit numbers and identifying large numbers on a number line.
In Social studies the third graders have been focusing on digital citizenship and are beginning to learn about our local government.
Students were recently assessed on their third grade high frequency words. Please continue to practice any words your child missed on the assessment. We began our reading unit which focuses on storytelling with a novel study called Gooney Bird Greene. This also connects with our new writing resource. We are starting with personal narrative writing. The third graders all did an excellent job decorating their writer’s notebooks!
We look forward to a fantastic first trimester in third grade!
We have already started the 2nd Step Program in all classrooms. Students will continue developing their social-emotional skills—including making friends, managing emotions, and solving problems. These skills will set them on the path for social success and academic readiness.
In Math, students have been focusing on expanding three and four digit numbers and identifying large numbers on a number line.
In Social studies the third graders have been focusing on digital citizenship and are beginning to learn about our local government.
Students were recently assessed on their third grade high frequency words. Please continue to practice any words your child missed on the assessment. We began our reading unit which focuses on storytelling with a novel study called Gooney Bird Greene. This also connects with our new writing resource. We are starting with personal narrative writing. The third graders all did an excellent job decorating their writer’s notebooks!
We look forward to a fantastic first trimester in third grade!
3rd Grade Students Enjoy End of Year Projects and Traditions--Updated 5/24/18
We are approaching the final week of third grade! We can’t believe how quickly the school year has gone by. The students have grown so much academically and socially. We are very proud of them!
During Reading, students have been busy reading biographies of historical figures. Each student has chosen a person to research for the Biography Fair which will be held on Friday, May 25th. Students are learning how to take notes and how to organize information into chronological order. Students will be working on a variety of projects that provide information about their historical figure. In Writing, students are turning their notes about their historical figure into paragraphs to create a biography. We also worked hard on Young Author Stories and were excited to share them when Oakbrook School visited us this month!
In Math, we completed our fraction unit and will begin reviewing number sense concepts in preparation for fourth grade. Some helpful math websites to remember over the summer include: TenMarks, MobyMax, and IXL. These websites provide fun and interactive ways to get your child to practice their facts at home!
We have wrapped up our Social Studies unit on the history of Chicago. The students learned many interesting facts and information about our fabulous city. We are in full swing with our Biography Research. Students are learning ways important people have impacted history and how these people made a positive contribution to our country. Students are looking forward to sharing their research with families on Friday, May 25.
We will end the year exploring weather patterns in science.
Thank you for a wonderful school year! Have a great summer!
Friendly reminders:
During Reading, students have been busy reading biographies of historical figures. Each student has chosen a person to research for the Biography Fair which will be held on Friday, May 25th. Students are learning how to take notes and how to organize information into chronological order. Students will be working on a variety of projects that provide information about their historical figure. In Writing, students are turning their notes about their historical figure into paragraphs to create a biography. We also worked hard on Young Author Stories and were excited to share them when Oakbrook School visited us this month!
In Math, we completed our fraction unit and will begin reviewing number sense concepts in preparation for fourth grade. Some helpful math websites to remember over the summer include: TenMarks, MobyMax, and IXL. These websites provide fun and interactive ways to get your child to practice their facts at home!
We have wrapped up our Social Studies unit on the history of Chicago. The students learned many interesting facts and information about our fabulous city. We are in full swing with our Biography Research. Students are learning ways important people have impacted history and how these people made a positive contribution to our country. Students are looking forward to sharing their research with families on Friday, May 25.
We will end the year exploring weather patterns in science.
Thank you for a wonderful school year! Have a great summer!
Friendly reminders:
- Chromebook Turn-in--May 25th
- Biography Fair and ½ Day of School--May 25th
- Memorial Day No School--May 28th
- Field Day (t-shirt provided)--May 31st
- Last Day of School--June 1
3rd Graders Take Part in Study of Fraction Concepts--Updated April 3, 2018
We are now in the final trimester of third grade! Students began PARCC testing on April 4th. We are proud of our students for trying their best and staying positive during these tests.
In Math, we are continuing to study fractions. We are concentrating on comparing fractions, finding equivalent fractions and labeling fractions on a number line. Students have also discussed where we see fractions in real life. Have a conversation with your child about where we see fractions each day!
In Social Studies, we are beginning our unit on People and their Resources. Students will be conducting their own assembly line and learning about different community workers and the services they provide. We have also begun to discuss the city of Chicago. We have been amazed at the knowledge our students have about the “Windy City”.
We will be starting our “Historical Figures” unit in Language Arts. Students will listen to a read-aloud of the biography of Helen Keller to begin the unit. Students will then select a historical figure to research. Essential questions for this unit include: What important people have impacted history? How did these people make a positive contribution to our country? Students will share their learning and research at the Biography Fair, which is scheduled for the morning of May 25th. More details will be provided closer to the date.
Thank you for your continued support at home!
In Math, we are continuing to study fractions. We are concentrating on comparing fractions, finding equivalent fractions and labeling fractions on a number line. Students have also discussed where we see fractions in real life. Have a conversation with your child about where we see fractions each day!
In Social Studies, we are beginning our unit on People and their Resources. Students will be conducting their own assembly line and learning about different community workers and the services they provide. We have also begun to discuss the city of Chicago. We have been amazed at the knowledge our students have about the “Windy City”.
We will be starting our “Historical Figures” unit in Language Arts. Students will listen to a read-aloud of the biography of Helen Keller to begin the unit. Students will then select a historical figure to research. Essential questions for this unit include: What important people have impacted history? How did these people make a positive contribution to our country? Students will share their learning and research at the Biography Fair, which is scheduled for the morning of May 25th. More details will be provided closer to the date.
Thank you for your continued support at home!
Guest Readers Help Make 3rd Grade Reading Celebration Special--Updated 3/5/18
The third graders had a great time celebrating Read Across America in honor of Dr. Seuss’s Birthday on Thursday, March 1st. We appreciate all of our special guest readers who were able to join us; you helped make this day a success!
As we enter the third trimester of the school year we are very proud of all of the progress our students have made. Reports of Student Progress will be distributed on March 8th.
In Reading we completed our folktale and fairy tale unit. We have been working on finding evidence in a text to help us answer questions. Students also have a new high frequency word list for the third trimester. Please make sure you are practicing these words at home! Don’t forget that students can access Spelling City at home as a resource to practice these words.
In Science, students have been learning about inherited and learned traits. Students were able to "create" their own dog using traits from two different breeds! Our next Science scope will focus on animal adaptations. To support this learning, students will take a field trip to the Morton Arboretum on April 13th.
Get ready for some powerful learning about area and perimeter! Students will learn how multiplication and area are connected. Please continue to make sure your child is practicing math facts at home with flashcards or by using an online resource such as: MobyMax or XtraMath!
PARCC Testing will begin during the week of April 2nd, after Spring Break. Students will engage in tests in Reading and Math. We will be preparing students for these tests in school throughout the month of March. Please take some time at home to help students with additional practice.
Thank you for your continued support! We have a lot to look forward to during the last few months of school. Keep up the excellent work third graders!
As we enter the third trimester of the school year we are very proud of all of the progress our students have made. Reports of Student Progress will be distributed on March 8th.
In Reading we completed our folktale and fairy tale unit. We have been working on finding evidence in a text to help us answer questions. Students also have a new high frequency word list for the third trimester. Please make sure you are practicing these words at home! Don’t forget that students can access Spelling City at home as a resource to practice these words.
In Science, students have been learning about inherited and learned traits. Students were able to "create" their own dog using traits from two different breeds! Our next Science scope will focus on animal adaptations. To support this learning, students will take a field trip to the Morton Arboretum on April 13th.
Get ready for some powerful learning about area and perimeter! Students will learn how multiplication and area are connected. Please continue to make sure your child is practicing math facts at home with flashcards or by using an online resource such as: MobyMax or XtraMath!
PARCC Testing will begin during the week of April 2nd, after Spring Break. Students will engage in tests in Reading and Math. We will be preparing students for these tests in school throughout the month of March. Please take some time at home to help students with additional practice.
Thank you for your continued support! We have a lot to look forward to during the last few months of school. Keep up the excellent work third graders!
Third Graders Focused on Skill Mastery for Second Trimester--Updated 01/30/2018
Welcome back! Happy New Year! We have a lot of learning coming up for this month.
In Math, we are continuing to work on the unit titled Properties of Multiplication and Division. Students are starting to see the relationship between multiplication and division. They should be able to represent multiplication through arrays, number bonds, and fact families. Students can practice the skills learned in class at home through online resources such as Zearn, Moby Max, Xtra Math and Prodigy. Don’t forget about using flash cards! It is essential that your child practices building their fact fluency everyday at home.
In Science, we will focus on inheritance and traits. Students will be expected to analyze and interpret data to provide evidence that plants and animals have traits that they inherit from their parents. Students will also explore the variation that exists within groups of similar organisms.
During Reading students will be reading various selections of folktales, fairy tales, and myths. As a friendly reminder, students should be reading a minimum of 20 minutes each night. However, we do encourage students to read for a longer period of time and discuss what they read with family members. You can ask your child to explain the problem and solution in the story, describe the traits of the characters and make predictions about what may happen next in the story.
Please continue to check your child’s take home folder and/or assignment notebook daily. Also, please be sure that your child is dressed appropriately for the weather. It is important that they have snow pants, boots, scarf, gloves and a winter hat everyday, as they do go outside for recess.
Thank you for your continued support and we look forward to a successful second trimester!
In Math, we are continuing to work on the unit titled Properties of Multiplication and Division. Students are starting to see the relationship between multiplication and division. They should be able to represent multiplication through arrays, number bonds, and fact families. Students can practice the skills learned in class at home through online resources such as Zearn, Moby Max, Xtra Math and Prodigy. Don’t forget about using flash cards! It is essential that your child practices building their fact fluency everyday at home.
In Science, we will focus on inheritance and traits. Students will be expected to analyze and interpret data to provide evidence that plants and animals have traits that they inherit from their parents. Students will also explore the variation that exists within groups of similar organisms.
During Reading students will be reading various selections of folktales, fairy tales, and myths. As a friendly reminder, students should be reading a minimum of 20 minutes each night. However, we do encourage students to read for a longer period of time and discuss what they read with family members. You can ask your child to explain the problem and solution in the story, describe the traits of the characters and make predictions about what may happen next in the story.
Please continue to check your child’s take home folder and/or assignment notebook daily. Also, please be sure that your child is dressed appropriately for the weather. It is important that they have snow pants, boots, scarf, gloves and a winter hat everyday, as they do go outside for recess.
Thank you for your continued support and we look forward to a successful second trimester!
3rd Graders Get Personal with Narrative Writing Practice--Updated 12/4/2017
Wow! Can you believe it’s December already? Time is flying by so quickly. Third graders have been busy this month preparing for our Holiday Music Program as well as learning about many new topics such as Life Cycles, Writing Personal Narratives, and Holidays Around the World. MAP Testing will take place during the week of December 11th.
In Math, we are reviewing telling time to the minute. We are also reviewing three digit addition and subtraction. Students can practice these skills at home through online resources such as Front Row, Prodigy, Zearn, and Moby Max. Be sure to encourage your child to continue to practice their fact fluency as well.
Our students have enjoyed writing their Personal Narratives and we encourage them to continue to write about their lives and personal experiences. Here are some prompts to get them started:
Please continue to check your child’s take home folder daily. Thank you for your continued support!
In Math, we are reviewing telling time to the minute. We are also reviewing three digit addition and subtraction. Students can practice these skills at home through online resources such as Front Row, Prodigy, Zearn, and Moby Max. Be sure to encourage your child to continue to practice their fact fluency as well.
Our students have enjoyed writing their Personal Narratives and we encourage them to continue to write about their lives and personal experiences. Here are some prompts to get them started:
- Write about a time you learned something new.
- Write about a family tradition.
- Write about a special family memory.
Please continue to check your child’s take home folder daily. Thank you for your continued support!
3rd Graders Enjoy Investigating Life Cycles--Updated 11/8/2017
The third graders are in full swing this fall and continue to work hard in the classroom each day. We have been working on a variety of activities in all curricular areas.
In Math, we have completed our introductory unit on multiplication and division. We will revisit these concepts as the year progresses. We have begun our next unit on place value, time, and measurement. It is important that students practice their facts each night to help build their fact fluency. Several resources, which can be accessed on students’ Chromebooks, can help students practice their facts. These online resources include MobyMax, XtraMath, Front Row Ed, and Zearn.
In Social Studies, we have wrapped up our unit about Early America and Government. Students have begun our study of cultures, customs, and holidays around the world. We started the month by decorating with papeles picados for Día de los Muertos. As the fall and winter months arrive, students will be learning about more holidays and customs around the world.
In Reading, we have completed two novel studies on Balto and the Great Race and Stone Fox. The novel studies focused on vocabulary development and comprehension skills. Students were able to compare and contrast the stories to develop a deeper understanding of both texts.
In Science, students will be investigating Life Cycles. In class we are observing the life cycles of different plants by planting various types of seeds. As an extension to our study of animals and their habitats, third graders enjoyed an in-school field trip with Dave DiNaso and His Traveling World of Reptiles.
Third graders have also enjoyed working in our MakerSpace on STEM (Science Technology Engineering and Math) activities. Ask your child about writing code on Bitsbox, coding with Dot and Dash to make it through a maze, and building a Spider Web Bridge!
Thank you for your continued support. We look forward to meeting with you in at conferences in November!
In Math, we have completed our introductory unit on multiplication and division. We will revisit these concepts as the year progresses. We have begun our next unit on place value, time, and measurement. It is important that students practice their facts each night to help build their fact fluency. Several resources, which can be accessed on students’ Chromebooks, can help students practice their facts. These online resources include MobyMax, XtraMath, Front Row Ed, and Zearn.
In Social Studies, we have wrapped up our unit about Early America and Government. Students have begun our study of cultures, customs, and holidays around the world. We started the month by decorating with papeles picados for Día de los Muertos. As the fall and winter months arrive, students will be learning about more holidays and customs around the world.
In Reading, we have completed two novel studies on Balto and the Great Race and Stone Fox. The novel studies focused on vocabulary development and comprehension skills. Students were able to compare and contrast the stories to develop a deeper understanding of both texts.
In Science, students will be investigating Life Cycles. In class we are observing the life cycles of different plants by planting various types of seeds. As an extension to our study of animals and their habitats, third graders enjoyed an in-school field trip with Dave DiNaso and His Traveling World of Reptiles.
Third graders have also enjoyed working in our MakerSpace on STEM (Science Technology Engineering and Math) activities. Ask your child about writing code on Bitsbox, coding with Dot and Dash to make it through a maze, and building a Spider Web Bridge!
Thank you for your continued support. We look forward to meeting with you in at conferences in November!
3rd Graders Establish Routines for Success at School and Home--Updated 10/3/2017
Third grade is flying by! We are already halfway through the first trimester, and so much learning has been taking place. First of all, thank you for making "Bring Your Parents to School Night" such a huge success. It is vital that students, teachers, and families work together to focus on student achievement together!
In Math, we are working on learning about the properties of multiplication and division and solving problems with units of 2 - 5 and 10. It is essential that students practice math facts (addition, subtraction, multiplication) at home every night for a minimum of ten minutes. Students can practice facts a variety of ways including: Moby Max Fact Fluency, XtraMath or with flashcards.
In Language Arts, students have been reading a variety of texts from our reading anthology series. We have also been reading Balto and the Great Race. Ask your child to summarize what we have read so far!
In Writing we have focused on building the writing community and writing personal narratives. Students have been working on writing interesting leads and learning about dialogue as well. We will be taking our first writing piece through the writing process over the next few weeks.
Lastly, the Chromebook is an excellent resource that students should be using at home to assist with their reading and math skills. MobyMax, Prodigy, Raz-Kids, Zearn, and Epic are online resources that students are familiar with that will reinforce what they are learning in class. It is also important that you continue to check your child’s assignment notebook on a daily basis. Please make sure you sign the assignment notebook each night after your child has completed all of their homework and please remind your child to charge their Chromebook.
Thank you for your continued support and please contact your child’s teacher if you have any questions!
In Math, we are working on learning about the properties of multiplication and division and solving problems with units of 2 - 5 and 10. It is essential that students practice math facts (addition, subtraction, multiplication) at home every night for a minimum of ten minutes. Students can practice facts a variety of ways including: Moby Max Fact Fluency, XtraMath or with flashcards.
In Language Arts, students have been reading a variety of texts from our reading anthology series. We have also been reading Balto and the Great Race. Ask your child to summarize what we have read so far!
In Writing we have focused on building the writing community and writing personal narratives. Students have been working on writing interesting leads and learning about dialogue as well. We will be taking our first writing piece through the writing process over the next few weeks.
Lastly, the Chromebook is an excellent resource that students should be using at home to assist with their reading and math skills. MobyMax, Prodigy, Raz-Kids, Zearn, and Epic are online resources that students are familiar with that will reinforce what they are learning in class. It is also important that you continue to check your child’s assignment notebook on a daily basis. Please make sure you sign the assignment notebook each night after your child has completed all of their homework and please remind your child to charge their Chromebook.
Thank you for your continued support and please contact your child’s teacher if you have any questions!
Second Step Teaches Skills for Learning in Third Grade--Updated 9/1/17
Third Grade is off to a great start! We have had a wonderful time building our learning community and getting to know one another. Everyday students participate in class meetings, which are a positive way for students to feel safe sharing their feelings. We will also be continuing the Second Step Program in all classrooms. Students will continue developing their social-emotional skills—including making friends, managing emotions, and solving problems. These skills will help them achieve both social and academic success!
In Math, third graders will begin to learn about properties of multiplication and division and solving problems. We will also be reviewing addition and subtraction from second grade as well as continuing to practice our basic math facts!
During Social Studies, students began to learn about Early America and explorers. Ask your child what the seven continents and four oceans are!
In Language Arts, we read our first story, Nights of the Pufflings. In Word Study third graders will be reviewing what nouns are. We are excited to learn more about different types of nouns and create “Noun Town.” Students will also be introduced to third grade high frequency words.
It is important to check your child’s assignment notebook on a daily basis and make sure your child has completed all of their homework. The students need to always remember to charge their chromebook and follow the digital citizenship expectations that have been reviewed in class. We look forward to a fantastic first trimester in third grade!
In Math, third graders will begin to learn about properties of multiplication and division and solving problems. We will also be reviewing addition and subtraction from second grade as well as continuing to practice our basic math facts!
During Social Studies, students began to learn about Early America and explorers. Ask your child what the seven continents and four oceans are!
In Language Arts, we read our first story, Nights of the Pufflings. In Word Study third graders will be reviewing what nouns are. We are excited to learn more about different types of nouns and create “Noun Town.” Students will also be introduced to third grade high frequency words.
It is important to check your child’s assignment notebook on a daily basis and make sure your child has completed all of their homework. The students need to always remember to charge their chromebook and follow the digital citizenship expectations that have been reviewed in class. We look forward to a fantastic first trimester in third grade!
Study of Chicago and Navy Pier Field Trip Highlights of 3rd Grade--Updated 4/27/17
We are approaching the final weeks of third grade! We can’t believe how quickly the school year has gone by. The students have grown so much academically and socially. We are very proud of them!
During Reading, students have been busy reading biographies of historical figures. Each student has chosen a person to research for the Biography Fair which will be held on Wednesday, May 24th. Students are learning how to take notes and how to organize information into chronological order. Students will be working on a variety of projects that provide information about their historical figure. In Writing, students are turning their notes about their historical figure into paragraphs to create a biography. We have also been working hard on Young Author Stories and are excited to share them when Oakbrook School visits us this month!
In Math, we finished our study of collecting and displaying data. Our next unit will focus on geometry and measurement word problems. Please remember students should still be practicing basic addition, subtraction, multiplication and division facts nightly. Students will be taking the end of the year fact fluency assessments over all four operations over the next few weeks. Some helpful math websites include: TenMarks, MobyMax, and IXL. These websites provide fun and interactive ways to get your child to practice their facts at home!
We have begun our final Social Studies unit on the history of Chicago. The students will be learning all about our fabulous city. We are looking forward to our field trip to Navy Pier on Thursday, May 25th. Students will be learning current and historical facts about Chicago on this field trip while cruising along the shoreline of Lake Michigan!
To ensure that your student has the necessary materials each week, please remind your child to have their library books returned on their check-out day at Westview. We also encourage you to ask your child questions about their day and give them suggestions on how to stay organized.
Thank you for your continued support at home. We truly appreciate it!
Friendly reminders:
During Reading, students have been busy reading biographies of historical figures. Each student has chosen a person to research for the Biography Fair which will be held on Wednesday, May 24th. Students are learning how to take notes and how to organize information into chronological order. Students will be working on a variety of projects that provide information about their historical figure. In Writing, students are turning their notes about their historical figure into paragraphs to create a biography. We have also been working hard on Young Author Stories and are excited to share them when Oakbrook School visits us this month!
In Math, we finished our study of collecting and displaying data. Our next unit will focus on geometry and measurement word problems. Please remember students should still be practicing basic addition, subtraction, multiplication and division facts nightly. Students will be taking the end of the year fact fluency assessments over all four operations over the next few weeks. Some helpful math websites include: TenMarks, MobyMax, and IXL. These websites provide fun and interactive ways to get your child to practice their facts at home!
We have begun our final Social Studies unit on the history of Chicago. The students will be learning all about our fabulous city. We are looking forward to our field trip to Navy Pier on Thursday, May 25th. Students will be learning current and historical facts about Chicago on this field trip while cruising along the shoreline of Lake Michigan!
To ensure that your student has the necessary materials each week, please remind your child to have their library books returned on their check-out day at Westview. We also encourage you to ask your child questions about their day and give them suggestions on how to stay organized.
Thank you for your continued support at home. We truly appreciate it!
Friendly reminders:
- Open House is Thursday, May 4th
- Family Fitness Night is Thursday, May 11th
- Registration packets are due by Friday, May 12th
Third Graders Research in Advance of Annual Biography Fair--Updated 4/3/17
We are now in the final trimester of third grade! Students will begin PARCC testing on April 5th. We are proud of our students for trying their best and staying positive during these tests.
In Math, we are continuing to study fractions. We are concentrating on comparing fractions, finding equivalent fractions and labeling fractions on a number line. Students have also discussed where we see fractions in real life. Have a conversation with your child about where we see fractions each day!
In Social Studies, we are beginning our unit on People and their Resources. Students will be conducting their own assembly line and learning about different community workers and the services they provide.
We are also starting our “Historical Figures” unit in Language Arts. Students will first read the biography of Helen Keller to begin the unit and enjoy a visit from a professional presenter to learn more about this amazing woman's life. Many thanks to the PTO for supporting this cultural arts assembly for 3rd graders. Students will then select a historical figure to research. Essential questions for this unit include:
Thank you for your continued support at home!
In Math, we are continuing to study fractions. We are concentrating on comparing fractions, finding equivalent fractions and labeling fractions on a number line. Students have also discussed where we see fractions in real life. Have a conversation with your child about where we see fractions each day!
In Social Studies, we are beginning our unit on People and their Resources. Students will be conducting their own assembly line and learning about different community workers and the services they provide.
We are also starting our “Historical Figures” unit in Language Arts. Students will first read the biography of Helen Keller to begin the unit and enjoy a visit from a professional presenter to learn more about this amazing woman's life. Many thanks to the PTO for supporting this cultural arts assembly for 3rd graders. Students will then select a historical figure to research. Essential questions for this unit include:
- What important people have impacted history?
- How did these people make a positive contribution to our country?
Thank you for your continued support at home!
Third Grade Classrooms Ready for Fraction Action! -- Updated 3/7/2017
The third graders had a great time celebrating "Read Across America" in honor of Dr. Seuss’s Birthday on Thursday, March 2nd. We appreciate all of our special guest readers who were able to join us; you helped make this day a success!
As we enter the third trimester of the school year we are very proud of all of the progress our students have made. Reports of Student Progress will be distributed on March 16th.
In Reading, we completed up our folktale and fairytale unit. We have been working on finding evidence in a text to help us answer questions. Students also have a new high frequency word list for the third trimester. Please make sure you are practicing these words at home! Don’t forget that students can access Spelling City at home as a resource to practice these words.
In Science, students have been learning about inherited and learned traits. Students were able to create their own dog using traits from two different breeds. Our next science scope will focus on animal adaptations. To support this learning, students will take a field trip to the Morton Arboretum on April 7th.
Get ready for some Fraction Action! Third graders already know a lot about fractions and we will continue to learn more about them in math. Ask your child about fractions on number lines and what they know about numerators and denominators. Please continue to make sure your child is practicing math facts at home with flashcards or by using an online resource such as: MobyMax, TenMarks, or XtraMath!
PARCC Testing will begin during the week of April 3rd. Students will engage in tests in reading and math. We will be preparing students for these tests in school throughout the month of March. Please take some time at home to help students with additional practice.
Thank you for your continued support! We have a lot to look forward to during the last few months of school. Keep up the excellent work third graders!
As we enter the third trimester of the school year we are very proud of all of the progress our students have made. Reports of Student Progress will be distributed on March 16th.
In Reading, we completed up our folktale and fairytale unit. We have been working on finding evidence in a text to help us answer questions. Students also have a new high frequency word list for the third trimester. Please make sure you are practicing these words at home! Don’t forget that students can access Spelling City at home as a resource to practice these words.
In Science, students have been learning about inherited and learned traits. Students were able to create their own dog using traits from two different breeds. Our next science scope will focus on animal adaptations. To support this learning, students will take a field trip to the Morton Arboretum on April 7th.
Get ready for some Fraction Action! Third graders already know a lot about fractions and we will continue to learn more about them in math. Ask your child about fractions on number lines and what they know about numerators and denominators. Please continue to make sure your child is practicing math facts at home with flashcards or by using an online resource such as: MobyMax, TenMarks, or XtraMath!
PARCC Testing will begin during the week of April 3rd. Students will engage in tests in reading and math. We will be preparing students for these tests in school throughout the month of March. Please take some time at home to help students with additional practice.
Thank you for your continued support! We have a lot to look forward to during the last few months of school. Keep up the excellent work third graders!
Multiplication & Area Key Math Topics for 3rd Grade Mastery--Updated 2/6/2017
We are more than halfway through the second trimester and the third graders are learning a lot! In Math, third graders are continuing to work on the multiplication and area unit that includes the foundations for understanding area, concepts of area measurement, arithmetic properties using area models and applications of area using side lengths of figures. Please continue to practice math facts daily at home to improve your child’s fact fluency. Students can practice math facts by using flashcards or by using Moby Max Fact Fluency online. Students are working towards earning a multiplication sundae which will earn them a real ice cream sundae at the end of the year if they master all their multiplication facts from 0-10!
In Language Arts, we have been focusing on our storytelling unit. Students have been reading a variety of fairy tales and folktales from around the world. Some of the fairy tales include different versions of Cinderella, The Three Little Pigs and Little Red Riding Hood. Identifying the fairy tale elements and comparing and contrasting fairy tales are some of the skills we have focused on. Here are some questions to ask your child about the fairy tales and folktales they have read:
In Science students are finishing up learning about inheritance and traits. Please ask your child about the puppy breed that they created! We will be going on a field trip to the Morton Arboretum in April -- please look for more information about the field trip in the near future. We were recently able to experience an awesome school-wide assembly called SuperHero Science. We are so appreciative of our wonderful PTO who made this assembly possible for us!
Thank you again for your continued support at home. Reading and practicing math facts with your child for at least 20 minutes each day will assist your child with reaching their end of the year goals!
In Language Arts, we have been focusing on our storytelling unit. Students have been reading a variety of fairy tales and folktales from around the world. Some of the fairy tales include different versions of Cinderella, The Three Little Pigs and Little Red Riding Hood. Identifying the fairy tale elements and comparing and contrasting fairy tales are some of the skills we have focused on. Here are some questions to ask your child about the fairy tales and folktales they have read:
- What is the moral of the story?
- What lesson did you learn from the story?
In Science students are finishing up learning about inheritance and traits. Please ask your child about the puppy breed that they created! We will be going on a field trip to the Morton Arboretum in April -- please look for more information about the field trip in the near future. We were recently able to experience an awesome school-wide assembly called SuperHero Science. We are so appreciative of our wonderful PTO who made this assembly possible for us!
Thank you again for your continued support at home. Reading and practicing math facts with your child for at least 20 minutes each day will assist your child with reaching their end of the year goals!
Third Grade Features Folk Tales & Fairytale Fun--Updated 1/5/2017
Welcome back! Happy New Year! We have a lot of learning coming up for this month!
In Math, we are continuing to work on the unit titled Properties of Multiplication and Division. Students are starting to see the relationship between multiplication and division. They should be able to represent multiplication through arrays, number bonds, and fact families. Students can practice the skills learned in class at home through online resources such as Zearn and Moby Max. Don’t forget about using flash cards! It is essential that your child practices building their fact fluency everyday as well.
In Science, we will focus on inheritance and traits. Students will be expected to analyze and interpret data to provide evidence that plants and animals have traits that they inherit from their parents. Students will also explore the variation that exists within groups of similar organisms.
During Reading, students will be reading various selections of folktales, fairy tales and myths.
As a friendly reminder, students should be reading a minimum of 20 minutes each night. However, we do encourage students to read for a longer period of time and discuss what they read with family members. You can ask your child to explain the problem and solution in the story, describe the traits of the characters and make predictions about what may happen next in the story.
Please continue to check your child’s take home folder and/or assignment notebook daily. Also, please be sure that your child is dressed appropriately for the weather. It is important that they have snow pants, boots, scarf, gloves and a winter hat everyday as they do go outside for recess.
Thank you for your continued support and we look forward to a successful second trimester!
In Math, we are continuing to work on the unit titled Properties of Multiplication and Division. Students are starting to see the relationship between multiplication and division. They should be able to represent multiplication through arrays, number bonds, and fact families. Students can practice the skills learned in class at home through online resources such as Zearn and Moby Max. Don’t forget about using flash cards! It is essential that your child practices building their fact fluency everyday as well.
In Science, we will focus on inheritance and traits. Students will be expected to analyze and interpret data to provide evidence that plants and animals have traits that they inherit from their parents. Students will also explore the variation that exists within groups of similar organisms.
During Reading, students will be reading various selections of folktales, fairy tales and myths.
As a friendly reminder, students should be reading a minimum of 20 minutes each night. However, we do encourage students to read for a longer period of time and discuss what they read with family members. You can ask your child to explain the problem and solution in the story, describe the traits of the characters and make predictions about what may happen next in the story.
Please continue to check your child’s take home folder and/or assignment notebook daily. Also, please be sure that your child is dressed appropriately for the weather. It is important that they have snow pants, boots, scarf, gloves and a winter hat everyday as they do go outside for recess.
Thank you for your continued support and we look forward to a successful second trimester!
3rd Graders Encouraged to Write about Family Traditions at Home--Updated 12/5/16
Wow! Can you believe it’s December already? Time is flying by so quickly. Third graders have been busy this month preparing for our Holiday Music Program as well as learning about many new topics such as units of measurement, Writing Personal Narratives, and Holidays Around the World. MAP Testing will begin this week and will conclude before Winter Break.
In Math, we are continuing to work on using number lines to help find elapsed time, and using different units of measurement to solve number stories. Students can practice these skills at home through online resources such as Zearn, and Moby Max. Be sure to encourage your child to continue to practice their fact fluency as well.
We finished our first science unit where we were able to see the life cycle of different plants in action! The students also created their own three dimensional version of a variety of different life cycles. We will begin a new science unit after we return from winter break.
Our students have enjoyed writing their Personal Narratives and we encourage them to continue to write about their lives and personal experiences. Here are some prompts to get them started:
Please continue to check your child’s take home folder and/or assignment notebook daily. Thank you for your continued support!
In Math, we are continuing to work on using number lines to help find elapsed time, and using different units of measurement to solve number stories. Students can practice these skills at home through online resources such as Zearn, and Moby Max. Be sure to encourage your child to continue to practice their fact fluency as well.
We finished our first science unit where we were able to see the life cycle of different plants in action! The students also created their own three dimensional version of a variety of different life cycles. We will begin a new science unit after we return from winter break.
Our students have enjoyed writing their Personal Narratives and we encourage them to continue to write about their lives and personal experiences. Here are some prompts to get them started:
- Write about a time you learned something new.
- Write about a family tradition.
- Write about a special family memory.
Please continue to check your child’s take home folder and/or assignment notebook daily. Thank you for your continued support!
3rd Graders Begin Study of Culture, Customs, and Holidays--Updated 11/08/2016
The third graders are in full swing this fall and continue to work hard in the classroom each day. We have been working on a variety of activities in all curricular areas.
In Math, we have completed our introductory unit on multiplication and division. We will revisit these concepts as the year progresses. We have begun our next unit on measurement and place value. It is important that students practice their facts each night to help build their fact fluency. Many resources on the Chromebook can help students practice their facts, including MobyMax, TenMarks, and Zearn.
In Social Studies, we have wrapped up our unit about early America and the original Thirteen Colonies through nonfiction books. Students have begun our study of cultures, customs, and holidays around the world. We started the month decorating with papeles picados for Día de los Muertos. As the fall and winter months arrive, students will be learning about more holidays and customs around the world.
During Language Arts, we have been reading a variety of texts that tie in with our Social Studies unit. We are incorporating many strategies that aid students in comprehension. Students are able to go into detail about story elements, describe how illustrations help tell a story, and explain a situation through a character’s point of view. You can ask your child to use these strategies when they read their reading books at home each night.
In Science, students will be investigating Life Cycles. As an extension to our study of animals and their habitats, third graders will enjoy an in-school field trip with Dave DiNaso and His Traveling World of Reptiles!
Thank you for your continued support. We look forward to meeting with you in person at conferences in November!
In Math, we have completed our introductory unit on multiplication and division. We will revisit these concepts as the year progresses. We have begun our next unit on measurement and place value. It is important that students practice their facts each night to help build their fact fluency. Many resources on the Chromebook can help students practice their facts, including MobyMax, TenMarks, and Zearn.
In Social Studies, we have wrapped up our unit about early America and the original Thirteen Colonies through nonfiction books. Students have begun our study of cultures, customs, and holidays around the world. We started the month decorating with papeles picados for Día de los Muertos. As the fall and winter months arrive, students will be learning about more holidays and customs around the world.
During Language Arts, we have been reading a variety of texts that tie in with our Social Studies unit. We are incorporating many strategies that aid students in comprehension. Students are able to go into detail about story elements, describe how illustrations help tell a story, and explain a situation through a character’s point of view. You can ask your child to use these strategies when they read their reading books at home each night.
In Science, students will be investigating Life Cycles. As an extension to our study of animals and their habitats, third graders will enjoy an in-school field trip with Dave DiNaso and His Traveling World of Reptiles!
Thank you for your continued support. We look forward to meeting with you in person at conferences in November!
Routines Provide Practice Opportunities in Third Grade--Updated 9/27/2016
Third grade is flying by! We are already halfway through the first trimester, and so much learning has been taking place. First of all, thank you for making Bring Your Parents to School Night such a huge success. It is vital that students, teachers, and families work together to focus on student achievement together!
In Math, we are working on learning about the properties of multiplication and division and solving problems with units of 2 - 5 and 10. It is essential that students practice math facts (addition, subtraction, multiplication) at home every night for a minimum of ten minutes. Students can practice facts a variety of ways including: Moby Max Fact Fluency, XtraMath or with flashcards.
In Language Arts, students have been reading a variety of texts from our reading anthology series. They are working on the skills of summarizing as well as asking and answering the 5W questions (who, what, where, when, why). You can continue to practice these skills at home by asking your child questions after they read. Some questions that you can ask are: Who are the characters in the story? What is the problem in the story? How do you think the story will end? Why do you think the author gave the story its title? We will be reading Balto and The Great Race in the upcoming weeks.
In Writing, we have focused on building the writing community. Students have been exposed to a variety of literature and informational text to help them generate writing ideas. Students will be taking their first writing piece through the writing process over the next few weeks.
Lastly, the Chromebook is an excellent resource that students should be using at home to assist with their reading and math skills. MobyMax, Raz-Kids, Zearn and TenMarks are online resources that students are familiar with that will reinforce what they are learning in class. It is also important that you continue to check your child’s assignment notebook on a daily basis. Please make sure you sign the assignment notebook each night after your child has completed all of their homework and please remind your child to charge their Chromebook.
Thank you for your continued support and please contact your child’s teacher if you have any questions!
In Math, we are working on learning about the properties of multiplication and division and solving problems with units of 2 - 5 and 10. It is essential that students practice math facts (addition, subtraction, multiplication) at home every night for a minimum of ten minutes. Students can practice facts a variety of ways including: Moby Max Fact Fluency, XtraMath or with flashcards.
In Language Arts, students have been reading a variety of texts from our reading anthology series. They are working on the skills of summarizing as well as asking and answering the 5W questions (who, what, where, when, why). You can continue to practice these skills at home by asking your child questions after they read. Some questions that you can ask are: Who are the characters in the story? What is the problem in the story? How do you think the story will end? Why do you think the author gave the story its title? We will be reading Balto and The Great Race in the upcoming weeks.
In Writing, we have focused on building the writing community. Students have been exposed to a variety of literature and informational text to help them generate writing ideas. Students will be taking their first writing piece through the writing process over the next few weeks.
Lastly, the Chromebook is an excellent resource that students should be using at home to assist with their reading and math skills. MobyMax, Raz-Kids, Zearn and TenMarks are online resources that students are familiar with that will reinforce what they are learning in class. It is also important that you continue to check your child’s assignment notebook on a daily basis. Please make sure you sign the assignment notebook each night after your child has completed all of their homework and please remind your child to charge their Chromebook.
Thank you for your continued support and please contact your child’s teacher if you have any questions!
Spotlight on Third Grade: Great Start to a Great Year! --Updated Sept. 7, 2016
Third Grade is off to a great start! We have had a wonderful time building our learning community and getting to know one another. Each day students participate in a class meeting where they share comments, questions or concerns. Class meetings are a positive way for students to feel safe sharing their feelings.
We are excited to start the 2nd Step Program in all classrooms. Students will continue developing their social-emotional skills—including making friends, managing emotions, and solving problems. These skills will set them on the path for social success and academic readiness.
In Math, students have been reviewing second grade skills with geometry. We will begin learning about properties of multiplication and division and solving problems with units of two through five and ten. Please remember to practice addition and subtraction facts daily with your child to improve their math fact fluency!
In Social studies the third graders have been focusing on Early America. We are learning about the continents and oceans, as well as the original thirteen colonies!
Students were recently assessed on their third grade high frequency words. Please continue to practice any words your child missed on the assessment. We began our reading unit with a non-fiction piece about Pufflings. Ask your child if he or she can tell you new facts about Nights of the Pufflings!
In Writing, students will be exposed to a variety of genres and will begin writing about things that interest them. During shared reading students have been reading stories about animals. They have practiced identifying the 5W’s (who, what, where, when, why). Please remember to read each night with your child and talk about what they read.
The third graders were VERY excited to begin using their Chromebooks! All of us have learned what it means to be a “Digital Citizen,” and we are looking forward to using these in the classroom this year!
It is important to check your child’s assignment notebook on a daily basis. Please make sure you sign the assignment notebook each night after your child has completed all of their homework.
We look forward to a fantastic first trimester in third grade!
We are excited to start the 2nd Step Program in all classrooms. Students will continue developing their social-emotional skills—including making friends, managing emotions, and solving problems. These skills will set them on the path for social success and academic readiness.
In Math, students have been reviewing second grade skills with geometry. We will begin learning about properties of multiplication and division and solving problems with units of two through five and ten. Please remember to practice addition and subtraction facts daily with your child to improve their math fact fluency!
In Social studies the third graders have been focusing on Early America. We are learning about the continents and oceans, as well as the original thirteen colonies!
Students were recently assessed on their third grade high frequency words. Please continue to practice any words your child missed on the assessment. We began our reading unit with a non-fiction piece about Pufflings. Ask your child if he or she can tell you new facts about Nights of the Pufflings!
In Writing, students will be exposed to a variety of genres and will begin writing about things that interest them. During shared reading students have been reading stories about animals. They have practiced identifying the 5W’s (who, what, where, when, why). Please remember to read each night with your child and talk about what they read.
The third graders were VERY excited to begin using their Chromebooks! All of us have learned what it means to be a “Digital Citizen,” and we are looking forward to using these in the classroom this year!
It is important to check your child’s assignment notebook on a daily basis. Please make sure you sign the assignment notebook each night after your child has completed all of their homework.
We look forward to a fantastic first trimester in third grade!
Learning Opportunities Continue through End of Third Grade--Updated 5/1/2016
We are approaching the final weeks of third grade! We can’t believe how quickly the year has gone by. The students have grown so much academically and socially. We are very proud of them!
During Reading, students have been busy reading biographies of historical figures. Each student has chosen a person to research for the Biography Fair (May 25th). We are learning how to take notes and how to organize our information. Students will be working on a variety of projects that provide information about their historical figure. In Writing, students are turning their notes about their historical figure into paragraphs to create a biography.
In Math, we are continuing to study fractions. Please remember students should still be practicing their facts nightly until mastered. Students will be taking the end of the year Fact Test over all 4 operations. Some helpful websites are TenMarks, MobyMax, and IXL. This is a fun and interactive way to get your child to practice their facts at home!
We have begun our Social Studies unit on the History of Chicago. The students are enjoying learning all about our fabulous city. We are all looking forward to our field trip to Navy Pier on Thursday, May 26th. Students will be learning current and historical facts about Chicago on this trip.
To ensure that your student has the necessary materials each week, please remind your child to have their library books returned on their check out day at Westview. Try to ask your student questions about their day and give them suggestions on how to stay organized.
Thank you for your continued support at home. We truly appreciate it!
During Reading, students have been busy reading biographies of historical figures. Each student has chosen a person to research for the Biography Fair (May 25th). We are learning how to take notes and how to organize our information. Students will be working on a variety of projects that provide information about their historical figure. In Writing, students are turning their notes about their historical figure into paragraphs to create a biography.
In Math, we are continuing to study fractions. Please remember students should still be practicing their facts nightly until mastered. Students will be taking the end of the year Fact Test over all 4 operations. Some helpful websites are TenMarks, MobyMax, and IXL. This is a fun and interactive way to get your child to practice their facts at home!
We have begun our Social Studies unit on the History of Chicago. The students are enjoying learning all about our fabulous city. We are all looking forward to our field trip to Navy Pier on Thursday, May 26th. Students will be learning current and historical facts about Chicago on this trip.
To ensure that your student has the necessary materials each week, please remind your child to have their library books returned on their check out day at Westview. Try to ask your student questions about their day and give them suggestions on how to stay organized.
Thank you for your continued support at home. We truly appreciate it!
Exciting Projects and Events Await 3rd Graders--Updated 04/04/2016
We are now in the final trimester of third grade! Students have recently finished taking the PARCC tests. We are proud of our students for trying their best and staying positive during the last few weeks of testing.
In Math, we are continuing to study fractions. We are concentrating on comparing fractions, finding equivalent fractions and labeling fractions on a number line. Students have also discussed where we see fractions in real life. Have a conversation with your child about where you see fractions each day!
In Social Studies, we are beginning our unit on Chicago. Toward the end of May, we will visit Navy Pier to go on a boat ride to see the amazing architecture that Chicago offers. Some questions to ask your child throughout the unit are:
Right after spring break, we are starting our “Historical Figures” unit in Language Arts. Students will first read the biography of Helen Keller to begin the unit. Students will then select a historical figure to research. Essential questions for this unit include:
Thank you for your continued support at home!
In Math, we are continuing to study fractions. We are concentrating on comparing fractions, finding equivalent fractions and labeling fractions on a number line. Students have also discussed where we see fractions in real life. Have a conversation with your child about where you see fractions each day!
In Social Studies, we are beginning our unit on Chicago. Toward the end of May, we will visit Navy Pier to go on a boat ride to see the amazing architecture that Chicago offers. Some questions to ask your child throughout the unit are:
- How has Chicago developed in the last 100 years?
- What were some effects of the Great Chicago Fire?
Right after spring break, we are starting our “Historical Figures” unit in Language Arts. Students will first read the biography of Helen Keller to begin the unit. Students will then select a historical figure to research. Essential questions for this unit include:
- What important people have impacted history?
- How did these people make a positive contribution to our country?
Thank you for your continued support at home!
Fractions and Fact Mastery Key to Third Grade Math Success--Updated 3/07/2016
The third graders had a fantastic time celebrating Read Across America Day and Dr. Seuss’s birthday on Wednesday, March 2nd. We appreciate all of our special guest readers that joined us that day; you helped make this day a success!
The third grade students have been working hard! We are entering the third trimester of the school year and we are very proud of all of the progress our students have made!
Next week, beginning on March 9th, the third grade students will take the PARCC test, which we have been preparing for in school. Thank you to all of our families that have been working hard at home in order to help the students get extra practice for the tests!
In Reading we recently finished up our folktale and fairy tale unit. We have been working on finding evidence in a text to help us answer questions. Students also have a new high frequency word list for the third trimester. Please make sure you are practicing these words at home! Don’t forget that students can access Spelling City at home as a resource to practice these words.
Science has been filled with planet research in Mrs. Willson, Mrs. Wagner and Mrs. Perry’s classes! Each of the third graders chose a specific planet they would like to learn more about. We will continue our study of planets throughout the next couple of weeks. Students will be creating a presentation on their planet to share with their classmates! In Mrs. Tokarczyk and Ms. Geary’s classes, students have been learning about traits and adaptations. Students were able to create their own dog using traits from two different breeds!
What fraction of the day have we spent on fractions? Third graders already know a lot about fractions and we will continue to learn more about them in math! Ask your child about fraction number lines and what they know about numerators and denominators! Please continue to make sure your child is practicing math facts at home with flashcards or by using an online resource such as: MobyMax, TenMarks or XtraMath!
Thank you for your continued support! We have a lot to look forward to during the last few months of school. Keep up the excellent work third graders!
The third grade students have been working hard! We are entering the third trimester of the school year and we are very proud of all of the progress our students have made!
Next week, beginning on March 9th, the third grade students will take the PARCC test, which we have been preparing for in school. Thank you to all of our families that have been working hard at home in order to help the students get extra practice for the tests!
In Reading we recently finished up our folktale and fairy tale unit. We have been working on finding evidence in a text to help us answer questions. Students also have a new high frequency word list for the third trimester. Please make sure you are practicing these words at home! Don’t forget that students can access Spelling City at home as a resource to practice these words.
Science has been filled with planet research in Mrs. Willson, Mrs. Wagner and Mrs. Perry’s classes! Each of the third graders chose a specific planet they would like to learn more about. We will continue our study of planets throughout the next couple of weeks. Students will be creating a presentation on their planet to share with their classmates! In Mrs. Tokarczyk and Ms. Geary’s classes, students have been learning about traits and adaptations. Students were able to create their own dog using traits from two different breeds!
What fraction of the day have we spent on fractions? Third graders already know a lot about fractions and we will continue to learn more about them in math! Ask your child about fraction number lines and what they know about numerators and denominators! Please continue to make sure your child is practicing math facts at home with flashcards or by using an online resource such as: MobyMax, TenMarks or XtraMath!
Thank you for your continued support! We have a lot to look forward to during the last few months of school. Keep up the excellent work third graders!
Assembly Line Helps 3rd Grade Students Work Together--Updated 02/01/2016
We hope everyone is staying warm this winter!
In Math, third graders are continuing to work on the multiplication and division unit that includes both concepts of the operations, and then the application of it in real life situations. Please continue to practice facts daily at home to improve your child’s fact fluency.
We’ve also started talking about fractions in math. Students will be making models of fractions, identifying fractions on a number line, and comparing fractions. Fractions are an important math concept, and you can certainly help at home. An easy way to help your child at home is by following a recipe and letting them explore with measuring cups and spoons!
In Language Arts, we have been focusing on our storytelling unit. Students have been reading a variety of fairy tales from around the world. Some of the fairy tales include different versions of Cinderella, The Three Little Pigs and Little Red Riding Hood. Identifying the fairy tale elements and comparing and contrasting fairy tales are the skills we have focused on.
Here are some questions to ask your child about the fairy tales they have read:
In Social Studies, we learned about service workers and assembly lines. Classes participated in their own assembly lines to see how they make work easier.
We were also able to experience an awesome all-school assembly recently where Matt Wilhelm, a BMX bike rider, talked about perseverance and not giving up on your goals. He showed us many of his tricks he does with his bike and we even were able to see him do a jump over Mrs. King, Ms. Geary, & Mr. Buttimer (photo below)! We are so appreciative of our wonderful PTO who made this fun event possible for us!
Thank you for your continued support at home. Reading and practicing math facts together for at least 20 minutes each day will help your child reach their third grade goals!
- 3rd Grade Team
In Math, third graders are continuing to work on the multiplication and division unit that includes both concepts of the operations, and then the application of it in real life situations. Please continue to practice facts daily at home to improve your child’s fact fluency.
We’ve also started talking about fractions in math. Students will be making models of fractions, identifying fractions on a number line, and comparing fractions. Fractions are an important math concept, and you can certainly help at home. An easy way to help your child at home is by following a recipe and letting them explore with measuring cups and spoons!
In Language Arts, we have been focusing on our storytelling unit. Students have been reading a variety of fairy tales from around the world. Some of the fairy tales include different versions of Cinderella, The Three Little Pigs and Little Red Riding Hood. Identifying the fairy tale elements and comparing and contrasting fairy tales are the skills we have focused on.
Here are some questions to ask your child about the fairy tales they have read:
- What is the moral of the story?
- What lesson did you learn from the story?
- How were the different Cinderellas alike and different?
In Social Studies, we learned about service workers and assembly lines. Classes participated in their own assembly lines to see how they make work easier.
We were also able to experience an awesome all-school assembly recently where Matt Wilhelm, a BMX bike rider, talked about perseverance and not giving up on your goals. He showed us many of his tricks he does with his bike and we even were able to see him do a jump over Mrs. King, Ms. Geary, & Mr. Buttimer (photo below)! We are so appreciative of our wonderful PTO who made this fun event possible for us!
Thank you for your continued support at home. Reading and practicing math facts together for at least 20 minutes each day will help your child reach their third grade goals!
- 3rd Grade Team
Third Graders Explore Relationship Between Multiplication & Division-updated 1/5/16
Welcome back! Happy New Year! We have a lot of learning coming up for this month.
In Math, we are continuing to work on the Properties of Multiplication and Division. Students are starting to see the relationship between multiplication and division. They should be able to represent both through arrays, number bonds, and fact families. Students can practice these skills at home through online resources such as Zearn, Moby Max, Ten Marks, and Front Row Ed. Don’t forget about using those flash cards! It is essential that your child practice their fact fluency everyday as well.
In Social Studies, we will focus on people and their resources. After learning about Henry Ford and the assembly line, students will write their own informational piece about a related topic. After we conclude this unit in Social Studies, we will be redirecting our instruction back to Science.
During Reading, students will be reading various selections of folktales, fairy tales and myths.
As a friendly reminder, students should be reading a minimum of 20 minutes each night along with completing a reading log response that is at least 2-3 sentences in length. However, we do encourage students to read for a longer period of time and write longer responses!
Please continue to check your child’s take-home folder and/or assignment notebook daily. Also, please be sure that your child is dressed appropriately for the weather. It is important that they have snow pants, boots, scarf, gloves and winter hat everyday as they do go outside for recess. Thank you for your continued support!
In Math, we are continuing to work on the Properties of Multiplication and Division. Students are starting to see the relationship between multiplication and division. They should be able to represent both through arrays, number bonds, and fact families. Students can practice these skills at home through online resources such as Zearn, Moby Max, Ten Marks, and Front Row Ed. Don’t forget about using those flash cards! It is essential that your child practice their fact fluency everyday as well.
In Social Studies, we will focus on people and their resources. After learning about Henry Ford and the assembly line, students will write their own informational piece about a related topic. After we conclude this unit in Social Studies, we will be redirecting our instruction back to Science.
During Reading, students will be reading various selections of folktales, fairy tales and myths.
As a friendly reminder, students should be reading a minimum of 20 minutes each night along with completing a reading log response that is at least 2-3 sentences in length. However, we do encourage students to read for a longer period of time and write longer responses!
Please continue to check your child’s take-home folder and/or assignment notebook daily. Also, please be sure that your child is dressed appropriately for the weather. It is important that they have snow pants, boots, scarf, gloves and winter hat everyday as they do go outside for recess. Thank you for your continued support!
Third Grade Students Enjoy Holidays Around the World--Updated 12/8/2015
Wow! Can you believe it’s December already? Time is flying by so quickly. Third graders have been busy this month preparing for our Holiday Music Program as well as learning about many new topics such as Properties of Multiplication and Division, Writing Personal Narratives, and Holidays Around the World. MAP Testing will begin this week and will conclude before Winter Break.
In Math, we are continuing to work on the Properties of Multiplication and Division. Students can practice these skills at home through online resources such as Zearn, Moby Max, Ten Marks, and Front Row Ed. Be sure to encourage your child to continue to practice their fact fluency as well.
Our students have enjoyed writing their Personal Narratives and we encourage them to continue to write about their lives and personal experiences. Here are some prompts to get them started:
We will conclude our unit on Holidays Around the World before Winter Break. Students enjoyed learning about Christmas, Las Posadas, Hanukkah, St. Lucia Day, and Kwanzaa just to name a few! Our next topic in Social Studies focuses on People and Their Resources. We will be learning about Henry Ford and the assembly line and create our own assembly line in the classroom.
Please continue to check your child’s take home folder and/or assignment notebook daily. Thank you for your continued support!
In Math, we are continuing to work on the Properties of Multiplication and Division. Students can practice these skills at home through online resources such as Zearn, Moby Max, Ten Marks, and Front Row Ed. Be sure to encourage your child to continue to practice their fact fluency as well.
Our students have enjoyed writing their Personal Narratives and we encourage them to continue to write about their lives and personal experiences. Here are some prompts to get them started:
- Write about a time you learned something new.
- Write about a family tradition.
- Write about a special family memory.
We will conclude our unit on Holidays Around the World before Winter Break. Students enjoyed learning about Christmas, Las Posadas, Hanukkah, St. Lucia Day, and Kwanzaa just to name a few! Our next topic in Social Studies focuses on People and Their Resources. We will be learning about Henry Ford and the assembly line and create our own assembly line in the classroom.
Please continue to check your child’s take home folder and/or assignment notebook daily. Thank you for your continued support!
Real World Examples Teach 3rd Graders Multiplication Concept-Updated 11/2/2015
The third graders are in full swing this fall and continue to work hard in the classroom each day! We have been working on a variety of activities in all areas of our curriculum.
In Math, we are beginning our unit on multiplication and division. Students will be learning a variety of ways to show multiplication and division. The concepts taught in this unit are essential building blocks for the math students will be learning later this year and next year. We will also be using literature to help enhance our math concepts. One Hundred Hungry Ants and The Best of Times both explain multiplication using real-life examples. It is important that students practice their facts each night to help build their fact fluency. Many resources on the Chromebook can help students practice their facts, including MobyMax, TenMarks and Khan Academy.
In Writing, students have been composing their personal narrative. Students are writing a true story about themselves while focusing on a clear beginning, middle, and end. We have also been practicing revision by adding sensory details and dialogue to make their writing more interesting. Ask your child what they are writing about and what details they have added!
During Reading, we have been reading a variety of texts that tie in with our Social Studies unit. We are incorporating many strategies that aid students in comprehension. Students are able to go into detail about story elements, describe how illustrations help tell a story, and explain a situation through a character’s point of view. You can ask your child to use these strategies when they read their reading books at home each night.
In Social Studies, students have been working on geography skills such as locating and labeling continents and oceans on a world map. Students have been learning many interesting facts about early America and the original Thirteen Colonies through nonfiction eBooks. We have also been studying and researching explorers and how their actions have contributed to our country today.
Please remember to check your child’s take-home folder and assignment notebook each night.
Thank you for your continued support. We look forward to meeting with you in at conferences in November!
In Math, we are beginning our unit on multiplication and division. Students will be learning a variety of ways to show multiplication and division. The concepts taught in this unit are essential building blocks for the math students will be learning later this year and next year. We will also be using literature to help enhance our math concepts. One Hundred Hungry Ants and The Best of Times both explain multiplication using real-life examples. It is important that students practice their facts each night to help build their fact fluency. Many resources on the Chromebook can help students practice their facts, including MobyMax, TenMarks and Khan Academy.
In Writing, students have been composing their personal narrative. Students are writing a true story about themselves while focusing on a clear beginning, middle, and end. We have also been practicing revision by adding sensory details and dialogue to make their writing more interesting. Ask your child what they are writing about and what details they have added!
During Reading, we have been reading a variety of texts that tie in with our Social Studies unit. We are incorporating many strategies that aid students in comprehension. Students are able to go into detail about story elements, describe how illustrations help tell a story, and explain a situation through a character’s point of view. You can ask your child to use these strategies when they read their reading books at home each night.
In Social Studies, students have been working on geography skills such as locating and labeling continents and oceans on a world map. Students have been learning many interesting facts about early America and the original Thirteen Colonies through nonfiction eBooks. We have also been studying and researching explorers and how their actions have contributed to our country today.
Please remember to check your child’s take-home folder and assignment notebook each night.
Thank you for your continued support. We look forward to meeting with you in at conferences in November!
3rd Grade Students Benefit from Parent Support at Home--Updated 10/6/2015
Third grade is flying by! We are already halfway through the first trimester, and so much learning has been taking place. First of all, thank you for making Curriculum Night such a huge success. It is vital that students, teachers, and parents work together to focus on student achievement together!
In Math, students have been working hard to tell time to the nearest minute and calculate elapsed time. These skills can be reinforced at home. Some ways you can help your child tell time are to ask your child what time it is at different points of the day, ask how long a certain activity was (dinner, soccer practice, reading at night, etc.), or ask what time you have to leave in order to be somewhere else on time. Bringing in real-life scenarios will help your child grasp these concepts which will be important throughout the rest of their lives.
In Language Arts, students have been reading Balto and the Great Race. They are working on the skills of summarizing as well as asking and answering the 5W questions (who, what, where, when, why). You can continue to practice these skills at home by asking your child questions after they read. Some questions that you can ask are: Who are the characters in the story? What is the problem in the story? How do you think the story will end? Why do you think the author gave the story its title?
Lastly, the Chromebook is an excellent resource that students should be using at home to assist with their Reading and Math skills. It is essential that students practice math facts (addition, subtraction, multiplication) at home every night and read a minimum of twenty minutes. MobyMax, Raz-Kids, and TenMarks are all online resources that students are familiar with that will reinforce what they are learning in class. It is also important that you continue to check your child’s assignment notebook on a daily basis. Please make sure you sign the assignment notebook each night after your child has completed all of their homework and please remind your child to charge their Chromebook. Thank you for your continued support!
In Math, students have been working hard to tell time to the nearest minute and calculate elapsed time. These skills can be reinforced at home. Some ways you can help your child tell time are to ask your child what time it is at different points of the day, ask how long a certain activity was (dinner, soccer practice, reading at night, etc.), or ask what time you have to leave in order to be somewhere else on time. Bringing in real-life scenarios will help your child grasp these concepts which will be important throughout the rest of their lives.
In Language Arts, students have been reading Balto and the Great Race. They are working on the skills of summarizing as well as asking and answering the 5W questions (who, what, where, when, why). You can continue to practice these skills at home by asking your child questions after they read. Some questions that you can ask are: Who are the characters in the story? What is the problem in the story? How do you think the story will end? Why do you think the author gave the story its title?
Lastly, the Chromebook is an excellent resource that students should be using at home to assist with their Reading and Math skills. It is essential that students practice math facts (addition, subtraction, multiplication) at home every night and read a minimum of twenty minutes. MobyMax, Raz-Kids, and TenMarks are all online resources that students are familiar with that will reinforce what they are learning in class. It is also important that you continue to check your child’s assignment notebook on a daily basis. Please make sure you sign the assignment notebook each night after your child has completed all of their homework and please remind your child to charge their Chromebook. Thank you for your continued support!
Third Graders Focus on Building Classroom Communities--Updated 9/8/2015
Third Grade is off to a great start! We have had a wonderful time building our learning community and getting to know one another. Everyday students participate in class meetings, which are a positive way for students to feel safe sharing their feelings. We will also be continuing the 2nd Step Program in all classrooms. Students will continue developing their social-emotional skills—including making friends, managing emotions, and solving problems. These skills will help them achieve both social and academic success!
In Math, third graders will continue to work on number sense skills throughout trimester one. Students will be learning about place value to the thousands place, comparing numbers and adding and subtracting numbers within 1,000. Please continue to practice addition and subtraction facts daily with your child.
During Science, students began to learn about plants and how they grow. We will also be learning about animals and their habitats. After our science unit we will switch gears to social studies and begin learning about Early America!
In Language Arts, we read our first story, Nights of the Pufflings. We have been focusing on the 5 W’s (who, what, where, when, why) while discussing the story. In Word Study, third graders have been reviewing what nouns are. We are excited to learn more about different types of nouns and create “Noun Town.” Students have also been introduced to third grade high frequency words. Please refer to the Curriculum Night packet for fun ways to practice these words with your child!
It is important to check your child’s assignment notebook on a daily basis. Please make sure you sign the assignment notebook each night after your child has completed all of their homework. We look forward to a fantastic first trimester in third grade!
In Math, third graders will continue to work on number sense skills throughout trimester one. Students will be learning about place value to the thousands place, comparing numbers and adding and subtracting numbers within 1,000. Please continue to practice addition and subtraction facts daily with your child.
During Science, students began to learn about plants and how they grow. We will also be learning about animals and their habitats. After our science unit we will switch gears to social studies and begin learning about Early America!
In Language Arts, we read our first story, Nights of the Pufflings. We have been focusing on the 5 W’s (who, what, where, when, why) while discussing the story. In Word Study, third graders have been reviewing what nouns are. We are excited to learn more about different types of nouns and create “Noun Town.” Students have also been introduced to third grade high frequency words. Please refer to the Curriculum Night packet for fun ways to practice these words with your child!
It is important to check your child’s assignment notebook on a daily basis. Please make sure you sign the assignment notebook each night after your child has completed all of their homework. We look forward to a fantastic first trimester in third grade!
Third Graders End Year with Study of Historical Figures--updated June 1, 2015
The month of May was dedicated to our “Historical Figures” unit in Language Arts. Students worked hard researching a historical figure through various resources, including books from Westview’s library, Destiny Quest and books from the Wood Dale Public Library. Students then used all the information they found to create projects that they displayed at the Biography Fair. Thank you to all the families who helped support the Biography Fair by providing project materials and coming to Westview to see the fair in action.
Third graders have just completed the Geometry unit in Math. Students identified attributes of quadrilaterals. Throughout the whole third grade year, students have been building their fact fluency. It is important that students are able to fluently recall basic math facts so that they can attain higher-order math skills. It is essential that you continue to practice these facts at home over the summer.
In Social Studies we finished our unit on Chicago. Our culminating activity was a historical boat tour through downtown Chicago and a visit to Navy Pier. We appreciate all of the volunteers that chaperoned this field trip.
It is hard to believe that summer is right around the corner. Please continue to read daily over break. The Wood Dale Public Library offers a Summer Reading Program. For more information on the program, check out the Wood Dale Public Library website: http://www.wooddalelibrary.org/. Students will have access to MobyMax, TenMarks and Khan Academy during the summer. We encourage students to use these resources throughout the summer months in order for them to be prepared for the fourth grade. Have a wonderful summer break!
Third graders have just completed the Geometry unit in Math. Students identified attributes of quadrilaterals. Throughout the whole third grade year, students have been building their fact fluency. It is important that students are able to fluently recall basic math facts so that they can attain higher-order math skills. It is essential that you continue to practice these facts at home over the summer.
In Social Studies we finished our unit on Chicago. Our culminating activity was a historical boat tour through downtown Chicago and a visit to Navy Pier. We appreciate all of the volunteers that chaperoned this field trip.
It is hard to believe that summer is right around the corner. Please continue to read daily over break. The Wood Dale Public Library offers a Summer Reading Program. For more information on the program, check out the Wood Dale Public Library website: http://www.wooddalelibrary.org/. Students will have access to MobyMax, TenMarks and Khan Academy during the summer. We encourage students to use these resources throughout the summer months in order for them to be prepared for the fourth grade. Have a wonderful summer break!
3rd Graders Explore 2D and 3D Objects in Math Class--Updated May 4, 2015
This spring has been very busy for the third graders at Westview School! Students have been working hard each day in all areas of our curriculum.
During Reading, students have been busy reading biographies of historical figures. Each student has chosen a person to research for the Biography Fair (May 27th). We are learning how to take notes and how to organize our information. Students will be working on a variety of projects that provide information about their historical figure. In Writing, students are turning their notes about their historical figure into paragraphs to create a biography.
In Math, students have been learning all about Geometry. In 3rd grade students are expected to know that shapes in different categories may share attributes. Students worked in groups to create 2D and 3D shapes using marshmallows and toothpicks. Please remember students should still be practicing their facts nightly until mastered. Students will be taking the end of the year Fact Test over all 4 operations. Some helpful websites are TenMarks, MobyMax, and IXL. This is a fun and interactive way to get your child to practice their facts at home!
During Science, we are wrapping up our unit on health, hygiene, and digestion. We have also been creating healthy eating plans and learning what happens to food after we eat it. Students have been drawing and labeling the parts of the digestive system.
We will be starting our Social Studies unit on the History of Chicago next week. We will be taking a field trip to Navy Pier on Friday, May 29th. Students will be learning current and historical facts about Chicago on this trip.
Please continue to check and sign your child’s assignment notebook each night. To ensure that your student has the necessary materials each week, please remind your child to have their library books returned on their check out day at Westview. Try to ask your student questions about their day and give them suggestions on how to stay organized.
Thank you for your continued support at home. We truly appreciate it!
During Reading, students have been busy reading biographies of historical figures. Each student has chosen a person to research for the Biography Fair (May 27th). We are learning how to take notes and how to organize our information. Students will be working on a variety of projects that provide information about their historical figure. In Writing, students are turning their notes about their historical figure into paragraphs to create a biography.
In Math, students have been learning all about Geometry. In 3rd grade students are expected to know that shapes in different categories may share attributes. Students worked in groups to create 2D and 3D shapes using marshmallows and toothpicks. Please remember students should still be practicing their facts nightly until mastered. Students will be taking the end of the year Fact Test over all 4 operations. Some helpful websites are TenMarks, MobyMax, and IXL. This is a fun and interactive way to get your child to practice their facts at home!
During Science, we are wrapping up our unit on health, hygiene, and digestion. We have also been creating healthy eating plans and learning what happens to food after we eat it. Students have been drawing and labeling the parts of the digestive system.
We will be starting our Social Studies unit on the History of Chicago next week. We will be taking a field trip to Navy Pier on Friday, May 29th. Students will be learning current and historical facts about Chicago on this trip.
Please continue to check and sign your child’s assignment notebook each night. To ensure that your student has the necessary materials each week, please remind your child to have their library books returned on their check out day at Westview. Try to ask your student questions about their day and give them suggestions on how to stay organized.
Thank you for your continued support at home. We truly appreciate it!
Special Projects & Events Pack Last Trimester of 3rd Grade--Updated April 6, 2015
The third graders have been working very hard this month! They recently finished up the first round of PARCC testing and are looking forward to many exciting projects during the last trimester of third grade!
During Reading we have been reading fantasy stories. Students have enjoyed identifying the characteristics within each story that makes them fantasy. Our next big project will be biographies in which students choose someone to research. Our Biography Fair will be held on Wednesday, May 27th. Look for more information in the near future about this event!
Please remember that reading twenty minutes each night is still an expectation for your child. Students should also be writing detailed reading journal responses (at least five sentences per response) each night to enhance their comprehension. Please also encourage your child to read a variety of literature and informational text. In addition, please continue to study the third grade high frequency words each week.
In Science, students have been studying simple machines. Students learned how simple machines make work easier. Our next Science unit will cover matter and energy. Students will learn about solids, liquids and gases. We will be taking a field trip to the Museum of Science and Industry on Friday, April 10th.
In Math, students recently finished learning about fractions. They are now learning about measurement and data. It is expected that students can measure to the inch, half-inch and quarter-inch using a ruler. Students should continue to practice their multiplication and division facts daily in order to improve their fact fluency.
The end of the year will be here before you know it! Keep up the excellent work third graders!
During Reading we have been reading fantasy stories. Students have enjoyed identifying the characteristics within each story that makes them fantasy. Our next big project will be biographies in which students choose someone to research. Our Biography Fair will be held on Wednesday, May 27th. Look for more information in the near future about this event!
Please remember that reading twenty minutes each night is still an expectation for your child. Students should also be writing detailed reading journal responses (at least five sentences per response) each night to enhance their comprehension. Please also encourage your child to read a variety of literature and informational text. In addition, please continue to study the third grade high frequency words each week.
In Science, students have been studying simple machines. Students learned how simple machines make work easier. Our next Science unit will cover matter and energy. Students will learn about solids, liquids and gases. We will be taking a field trip to the Museum of Science and Industry on Friday, April 10th.
In Math, students recently finished learning about fractions. They are now learning about measurement and data. It is expected that students can measure to the inch, half-inch and quarter-inch using a ruler. Students should continue to practice their multiplication and division facts daily in order to improve their fact fluency.
The end of the year will be here before you know it! Keep up the excellent work third graders!
Fraction Concepts Important for Third Grade Success--Updated March 3, 2015
Third graders have been working hard! We are entering the third trimester of the year and we are very proud of all of the progress our students have made! In one week, beginning on March 9th, the third grade students will take the PARCC test which we have been preparing for in school. Thank you to all of our families that have been working hard at home in order to help the students feel ready to take the test!
In Reading we finished up our folk tale and fairy tale unit. We have been working on finding evidence in a text to help us prove answers to questions. Students also have a new high frequency word list for the last trimester. Please make sure you are practicing these words at home!
Science has been filled with planet research! Each of the third graders chose a specific planet they would like to learn more about. We will continue our study of planets throughout the next couple of weeks. Then they will be creating a presentation through Board Builder to share with their classmates!
What fraction of the day have we spent on fractions? Third graders already know a lot about fractions and we will continue to learn more in math! Ask your child about fraction number lines and what they know about numerators and denominators! Please continue to make sure your child is practicing his/her math facts at home on MobyMax or with flashcards!
Thank you for your continued support! We have a lot to look forward to during the last few months of school. Please do not hesitate to ask your child’s teacher if you have any questions or concerns.
Keep up the excellent work third graders!
In Reading we finished up our folk tale and fairy tale unit. We have been working on finding evidence in a text to help us prove answers to questions. Students also have a new high frequency word list for the last trimester. Please make sure you are practicing these words at home!
Science has been filled with planet research! Each of the third graders chose a specific planet they would like to learn more about. We will continue our study of planets throughout the next couple of weeks. Then they will be creating a presentation through Board Builder to share with their classmates!
What fraction of the day have we spent on fractions? Third graders already know a lot about fractions and we will continue to learn more in math! Ask your child about fraction number lines and what they know about numerators and denominators! Please continue to make sure your child is practicing his/her math facts at home on MobyMax or with flashcards!
Thank you for your continued support! We have a lot to look forward to during the last few months of school. Please do not hesitate to ask your child’s teacher if you have any questions or concerns.
Keep up the excellent work third graders!
Third Graders to Explore Milky Way, Space, & Planets--Updated 02/03/2015
Brr! We hope everyone has stayed warm in this cold and snowy winter!
In Math, third graders are finishing up the multiplication and division unit that includes both concepts of the operations and then the application of it in real life situations. Please continue to practice facts daily at home to improve your child’s fact fluency. Our next unit in math is fractions. Students will be making models of fractions, identifying fractions on a number line, and comparing fractions. Fraction Fun and Fraction Action are two books that we will be reading in math to help understand and relate the concept of fractions to the real world. Fractions are an important math concept, and you can certainly help at home. An easy way to help your child at home is by following a recipe and letting them explore with measuring cups and spoons!
In Language Arts, we have been focusing on our storytelling unit. Students have been reading a variety of fairy tales from around the world. Some of the fairy tales include different versions of Cinderella, The Three Little Pigs and Little Red Riding Hood. Identifying the fairy tale elements and comparing and contrasting fairy tales are the skills we have focused on. Some questions to ask your child about the fairy tales they have read include:
We are just beginning our new Science unit, which will have students explore the Milky Way galaxy and space. They will be exploring by using hands-on activities to deepen their understanding, including a phases of the moon activity. Students will also be working on a self-selected planet report in which they will be creating an informational piece about their planet.
Thank you for your continued support at home. Reading and practicing math facts together for at least 20 minutes each day will help your child reach their third grade goals!
-3rd Grade Team
In Math, third graders are finishing up the multiplication and division unit that includes both concepts of the operations and then the application of it in real life situations. Please continue to practice facts daily at home to improve your child’s fact fluency. Our next unit in math is fractions. Students will be making models of fractions, identifying fractions on a number line, and comparing fractions. Fraction Fun and Fraction Action are two books that we will be reading in math to help understand and relate the concept of fractions to the real world. Fractions are an important math concept, and you can certainly help at home. An easy way to help your child at home is by following a recipe and letting them explore with measuring cups and spoons!
In Language Arts, we have been focusing on our storytelling unit. Students have been reading a variety of fairy tales from around the world. Some of the fairy tales include different versions of Cinderella, The Three Little Pigs and Little Red Riding Hood. Identifying the fairy tale elements and comparing and contrasting fairy tales are the skills we have focused on. Some questions to ask your child about the fairy tales they have read include:
- What is the moral of the story?
- What lesson did you learn from the story?
- How were the different Cinderella stories alike and different?
We are just beginning our new Science unit, which will have students explore the Milky Way galaxy and space. They will be exploring by using hands-on activities to deepen their understanding, including a phases of the moon activity. Students will also be working on a self-selected planet report in which they will be creating an informational piece about their planet.
Thank you for your continued support at home. Reading and practicing math facts together for at least 20 minutes each day will help your child reach their third grade goals!
-3rd Grade Team
Third Graders to Learn about Impact of Assembly Line--Updated January 8, 2015
Happy New Year! Welcome back to school!
After two weeks of vacation, the third graders are ready to get back to work and start 2015 with new goals, challenges, and celebrations! We are proud of the efforts our students put forth on their winter MAP tests in December. Please watch for your child’s MAP scores and be sure to review their goals for improvement.
In December, students enjoyed learning about winter holidays celebrated in different parts of the world. Students learned about Christmas, St. Lucia Day, Las Posadas, Hanukkah, Ramadan, and Kwanzaa. Our next unit of study in language arts will focus on fairy tales from different cultures around the world. Students will learn about point of view and character motivation. In anticipation of this unit, ask your child to retell some of the traditional fairy tales and be ready to compare and contrast them to the stories that will be introduced.
Our next topic in Social Studies focuses on people and their resources. We will be learning about Henry Ford and the assembly line and students will create a product in our classroom using an assembly line. You can help prepare your child for this next unit of study by having them predict how common household items are produced.
In Math, students will begin applying the concepts of multiplication and division into real life situations. The following unit will focus on fractions. Demonstrating your use of multiplication, division, and fractions in your daily life will help your child become better prepared for these next units of study.
Thank you for continuing to work with us to ensure your child has a successful year in third grade. Thank you for your continued support at home!
After two weeks of vacation, the third graders are ready to get back to work and start 2015 with new goals, challenges, and celebrations! We are proud of the efforts our students put forth on their winter MAP tests in December. Please watch for your child’s MAP scores and be sure to review their goals for improvement.
In December, students enjoyed learning about winter holidays celebrated in different parts of the world. Students learned about Christmas, St. Lucia Day, Las Posadas, Hanukkah, Ramadan, and Kwanzaa. Our next unit of study in language arts will focus on fairy tales from different cultures around the world. Students will learn about point of view and character motivation. In anticipation of this unit, ask your child to retell some of the traditional fairy tales and be ready to compare and contrast them to the stories that will be introduced.
Our next topic in Social Studies focuses on people and their resources. We will be learning about Henry Ford and the assembly line and students will create a product in our classroom using an assembly line. You can help prepare your child for this next unit of study by having them predict how common household items are produced.
In Math, students will begin applying the concepts of multiplication and division into real life situations. The following unit will focus on fractions. Demonstrating your use of multiplication, division, and fractions in your daily life will help your child become better prepared for these next units of study.
Thank you for continuing to work with us to ensure your child has a successful year in third grade. Thank you for your continued support at home!
3rd Graders Explore Real-Life Examples of Multiplication--Updated 11/24/2014
November flew by in third grade and we are well on our way into the second trimester. Thank you for making conferences such a huge success! It is important that students, teachers, and parents work together to create goals and focus on student achievement as a team.
In Language Arts, we have been working on a unit entitled People and Their Resources. We started by looking at various texts in order to enhance our understanding of how different cultures celebrate different holidays. Since then, during shared and guided reading, we have read several informational texts from Raz-Kids about similar topics. Students are able to access these books on their Chromebooks, so they can continue to read them at home.
In Math, we are diving deep into the concepts of multiplication and division. Students have been making arrays to show their multiplication skills. We also have been using literature to help enhance our math concepts. One Hundred Hungry Ants and The Best of Times both explain multiplication using real-life examples. Another area that we have been working on is learning how to write using math vocabulary. We have been busy using our math journals to write how we are solving problems and why we are using those strategies to solve the problems.
It is essential that students practice their math facts (addition, subtraction, multiplication and division) at home every night. The mastery of basic math facts is the building block for higher-level mathematical reasoning skills. Some different ways that students can practice these skills include MobyMax Fact Master, XtraMath, Ten Marks, Khan Academy, fact triangles and flashcards.
Thank you for your continued support at home!
In Language Arts, we have been working on a unit entitled People and Their Resources. We started by looking at various texts in order to enhance our understanding of how different cultures celebrate different holidays. Since then, during shared and guided reading, we have read several informational texts from Raz-Kids about similar topics. Students are able to access these books on their Chromebooks, so they can continue to read them at home.
In Math, we are diving deep into the concepts of multiplication and division. Students have been making arrays to show their multiplication skills. We also have been using literature to help enhance our math concepts. One Hundred Hungry Ants and The Best of Times both explain multiplication using real-life examples. Another area that we have been working on is learning how to write using math vocabulary. We have been busy using our math journals to write how we are solving problems and why we are using those strategies to solve the problems.
It is essential that students practice their math facts (addition, subtraction, multiplication and division) at home every night. The mastery of basic math facts is the building block for higher-level mathematical reasoning skills. Some different ways that students can practice these skills include MobyMax Fact Master, XtraMath, Ten Marks, Khan Academy, fact triangles and flashcards.
Thank you for your continued support at home!
Point of View Impacts How Third Graders Experience Learning--Updated 11/03/2014
The third graders are in full swing this Fall and continue to work hard in the classroom each day. We have been working on a variety of activities in all areas of our curriculum.
In Math, we are continuing to work on multiplication and division. Students have learned a variety of ways to show multiplication and division sentences. We have been practicing our facts using fact families, flashcards, and many of our interactive resources on our Chromebooks like MobyMax, Khan Academy, and TenMarks.
In Writing, students have been composing their first five paragraph essay. We finished our research on an animal and are now turning our facts into paragraphs! Ask your child what new facts they learned about the animal he/she researched!
During Reading, we have been reading a variety of texts that tie in with our Social Studies unit. We are incorporating many strategies that aid students in comprehension. Students are able to explain story elements, tell how illustrations help tell a story, and explain a situation through a character’s point of view.
In Social Studies, students have been working on geography skills such as locating and labeling continents and oceans on a world map. Students have been learning many interesting facts about early America and the original 13 Colonies through nonfiction eBooks. We have also been studying and researching explorers and how their actions have contributed to our country today.
Please continue to review and sign your child’s assignment notebook each night. To ensure that your student has the necessary materials each week, please remind your child to have their library books returned on their check out day at Westview. Ask your student questions about their day and give them suggestions on how to stay organized. Thank you for your continued support at home. We truly appreciate it!
In Math, we are continuing to work on multiplication and division. Students have learned a variety of ways to show multiplication and division sentences. We have been practicing our facts using fact families, flashcards, and many of our interactive resources on our Chromebooks like MobyMax, Khan Academy, and TenMarks.
In Writing, students have been composing their first five paragraph essay. We finished our research on an animal and are now turning our facts into paragraphs! Ask your child what new facts they learned about the animal he/she researched!
During Reading, we have been reading a variety of texts that tie in with our Social Studies unit. We are incorporating many strategies that aid students in comprehension. Students are able to explain story elements, tell how illustrations help tell a story, and explain a situation through a character’s point of view.
In Social Studies, students have been working on geography skills such as locating and labeling continents and oceans on a world map. Students have been learning many interesting facts about early America and the original 13 Colonies through nonfiction eBooks. We have also been studying and researching explorers and how their actions have contributed to our country today.
Please continue to review and sign your child’s assignment notebook each night. To ensure that your student has the necessary materials each week, please remind your child to have their library books returned on their check out day at Westview. Ask your student questions about their day and give them suggestions on how to stay organized. Thank you for your continued support at home. We truly appreciate it!
Elapse Time and Summarizing Skills Practiced by Third Graders--Updated 10/06/14
Third grade is flying by! It is already halfway through the first trimester, and so much learning has been taking place. First of all, thank you for making Curriculum Night such a huge success. It is vital that the students, teachers, and parents work together to focus on student achievement as a team!
In Math, students have been working hard to tell time to the nearest minute and find elapsed time. This skill can also be reinforced at home. Some ways you can help your child tell time are to ask your child what time it is at different points of the day, ask how long a certain activity was (dinner, soccer practice, reading at night, etc), or ask what time you have to leave in order to be somewhere else on time. Bringing in real-life scenarios will help students grasp this concept that will be so important to them throughout the rest of their lives.
In Language Arts, students have been reading Balto. They are also working on the skills of summarizing as well as asking and answering 5W questions (who, what, where, when, why). You can continue to use these skills at home by asking your child those questions when he or she reads every night. After your child reads each night, some questions that you can ask are: Who are the characters in the story? What is the problem in your story? How do you think the story will end? Why do you think the author gave this story that title?
Chromebooks have arrived for the third graders! Students have been learning the expectations for working with and taking of the Chromebooks. There are excellent online resources that students should be using at home to aid with their reading and math skills. It is essential that students practice their math facts at home every night and read at least twenty minutes every night. MobyMax, Raz-Kids, and TenMarks are all resources that students are familiar with and should be using at home.
Thank you for your continued support at home!
In Math, students have been working hard to tell time to the nearest minute and find elapsed time. This skill can also be reinforced at home. Some ways you can help your child tell time are to ask your child what time it is at different points of the day, ask how long a certain activity was (dinner, soccer practice, reading at night, etc), or ask what time you have to leave in order to be somewhere else on time. Bringing in real-life scenarios will help students grasp this concept that will be so important to them throughout the rest of their lives.
In Language Arts, students have been reading Balto. They are also working on the skills of summarizing as well as asking and answering 5W questions (who, what, where, when, why). You can continue to use these skills at home by asking your child those questions when he or she reads every night. After your child reads each night, some questions that you can ask are: Who are the characters in the story? What is the problem in your story? How do you think the story will end? Why do you think the author gave this story that title?
Chromebooks have arrived for the third graders! Students have been learning the expectations for working with and taking of the Chromebooks. There are excellent online resources that students should be using at home to aid with their reading and math skills. It is essential that students practice their math facts at home every night and read at least twenty minutes every night. MobyMax, Raz-Kids, and TenMarks are all resources that students are familiar with and should be using at home.
Thank you for your continued support at home!
Building Positive Classroom Communities Focus in 3rd Grade--Updated 9/4/2014
Third Grade is off to a great start! We have had a wonderful time building our learning community and getting to know one another. Each day students participate in a class meeting where they share comments, questions or concerns. Class meetings are a positive way for students to feel safe sharing their feelings. This year we are excited to start the 2nd Step Program in all classrooms. Students will continue developing their social-emotional skills—including making friends, managing emotions, and solving problems. These skills will set them on the path for social success and academic readiness.
In Math, students have been reviewing addition and subtraction of double-digit numbers. They will continue to work on number sense skills throughout trimester one. Students will be learning about place value to the thousands place, comparing numbers and adding and subtracting numbers up to four-digits. Please continue to practice addition and subtraction facts daily with your child.
During Science, students have been learning about plants and how they grow. We will also be learning about animals and their habitats. After our study of plants and animals, students will be moving their focus to social studies.
In Language Arts, students were recently assessed on their third grade high frequency words. Please continue to practice any words your child missed on the assessment. Each week students will be given four or five new third grade high frequency words. Please refer to the Curriculum Night packet for fun ways to practice these words with your child.
In Writing, students have been exposed to a variety of genres and have been writing about things that interest them. During shared reading students have been reading stories about animals. They have practiced identifying the 5W’s (who, what, where, when, why). Please remember to read each night with your child and talk about what they read.
It is important to check your child’s assignment notebook on a daily basis. Please make sure you sign the assignment notebook each night after your child has completed all of their homework. We look forward to a fantastic first trimester in third grade!
In Math, students have been reviewing addition and subtraction of double-digit numbers. They will continue to work on number sense skills throughout trimester one. Students will be learning about place value to the thousands place, comparing numbers and adding and subtracting numbers up to four-digits. Please continue to practice addition and subtraction facts daily with your child.
During Science, students have been learning about plants and how they grow. We will also be learning about animals and their habitats. After our study of plants and animals, students will be moving their focus to social studies.
In Language Arts, students were recently assessed on their third grade high frequency words. Please continue to practice any words your child missed on the assessment. Each week students will be given four or five new third grade high frequency words. Please refer to the Curriculum Night packet for fun ways to practice these words with your child.
In Writing, students have been exposed to a variety of genres and have been writing about things that interest them. During shared reading students have been reading stories about animals. They have practiced identifying the 5W’s (who, what, where, when, why). Please remember to read each night with your child and talk about what they read.
It is important to check your child’s assignment notebook on a daily basis. Please make sure you sign the assignment notebook each night after your child has completed all of their homework. We look forward to a fantastic first trimester in third grade!
Third Grade Students to Keep Learning During Summer Months--Updated 06/03/14
The month of May was dedicated to our “Historical Figures” unit in Language Arts. Students worked hard researching a historical figure through various resources, including books from Westview’s library, Destiny Quest on their iPads, and books from the Wood Dale Public Library. Students then used all the information they found to create several projects that they then displayed at the annual Biography Fair. Thank you to all the parents who helped support the Biography Fair by providing project materials and coming to Westview to see the fair in action. Your support helped the biography fair to be a success!
Third graders have also just completed the Measurement and Data unit in Math. Students practiced measuring with a ruler and creating line plots with the data they found. Students also came up with strategies to find the area and perimeter of various polygons. Ask your student about the different strategies he or she knows to find both area and perimeter. Throughout the whole third grade year, students have also been building their basic math fact fluency. It is important that students are able to fluently recall basic math facts so that they can attain higher-order math skills. It is essential that you continue to practice these facts at home every day for their future success in math.
It is hard to believe that summer is right around the corner. Please continue to read daily over the summer break with your child. The Wood Dale Public Library has a “Paws to Read” Summer Reading Program. For more information on the program, check out the Wood Dale Public Library website: http://www.wooddalelibrary.org/. Students will also continue to have access to MobyMax and KhanAcademy during the summer months; we encourage students to use these resources throughout the summer months in order for them to be prepared for the fourth grade!
Third graders have also just completed the Measurement and Data unit in Math. Students practiced measuring with a ruler and creating line plots with the data they found. Students also came up with strategies to find the area and perimeter of various polygons. Ask your student about the different strategies he or she knows to find both area and perimeter. Throughout the whole third grade year, students have also been building their basic math fact fluency. It is important that students are able to fluently recall basic math facts so that they can attain higher-order math skills. It is essential that you continue to practice these facts at home every day for their future success in math.
It is hard to believe that summer is right around the corner. Please continue to read daily over the summer break with your child. The Wood Dale Public Library has a “Paws to Read” Summer Reading Program. For more information on the program, check out the Wood Dale Public Library website: http://www.wooddalelibrary.org/. Students will also continue to have access to MobyMax and KhanAcademy during the summer months; we encourage students to use these resources throughout the summer months in order for them to be prepared for the fourth grade!
Projects Culminate Final Weeks of Third Grade--Updated 05/05/2014
This spring has been very busy for the third graders at Westview School! Students have been working hard each day in all areas of our curriculum.
During reading students have been busy reading biographies of historical figures. Each student has chosen a person to research for the Biography Fair (May 23rd). We are learning how to take notes and how to organize our information. Students will be working on a variety of projects that give information about their historical figure. In Writing, students are turning their notes about their historical figure into paragraphs to create a biography.
In Math, students have been very busy gathering and interpreting data. Students worked in groups to collect data and represent their data using bar graphs and pictographs. We have also been measuring objects around the classroom and creating line plots based on our measurements. Students should be practicing their math facts each night. Some helpful apps are Multiplication Baseball, Math Ball, and Beat the Computer. This is a fun and interactive way to get your child to practice their facts at home!
During science we are wrapping up our unit on health, hygiene, and digestion. We did an experiment where we left an egg in cola over night to see what happened. We observed that the cola turned the egg brown and was able to be cleaned with a toothbrush and tooth paste. We have also been creating healthy eating plans and learning what happens to food after we eat it. Students have been drawing and labeling the parts of the digestive system.
We will be starting our Social Studies unit on the History of Chicago next week. We will be taking a field trip to Navy Pier on Friday, May 30th. Students will be learning current and historical facts about Chicago on this trip. Please remember to return your child’s field trip permission slip along with the money as soon as possible.
Please also continue to check and sign your child’s assignment notebook each night. To ensure that your student has the necessary materials each week, please remind your child to have their library books returned on their check out day at Westview. Try to ask your student questions about their day and give them suggestions on how to stay organized. Thank you for your continued support at home. We truly appreciate it!
During reading students have been busy reading biographies of historical figures. Each student has chosen a person to research for the Biography Fair (May 23rd). We are learning how to take notes and how to organize our information. Students will be working on a variety of projects that give information about their historical figure. In Writing, students are turning their notes about their historical figure into paragraphs to create a biography.
In Math, students have been very busy gathering and interpreting data. Students worked in groups to collect data and represent their data using bar graphs and pictographs. We have also been measuring objects around the classroom and creating line plots based on our measurements. Students should be practicing their math facts each night. Some helpful apps are Multiplication Baseball, Math Ball, and Beat the Computer. This is a fun and interactive way to get your child to practice their facts at home!
During science we are wrapping up our unit on health, hygiene, and digestion. We did an experiment where we left an egg in cola over night to see what happened. We observed that the cola turned the egg brown and was able to be cleaned with a toothbrush and tooth paste. We have also been creating healthy eating plans and learning what happens to food after we eat it. Students have been drawing and labeling the parts of the digestive system.
We will be starting our Social Studies unit on the History of Chicago next week. We will be taking a field trip to Navy Pier on Friday, May 30th. Students will be learning current and historical facts about Chicago on this trip. Please remember to return your child’s field trip permission slip along with the money as soon as possible.
Please also continue to check and sign your child’s assignment notebook each night. To ensure that your student has the necessary materials each week, please remind your child to have their library books returned on their check out day at Westview. Try to ask your student questions about their day and give them suggestions on how to stay organized. Thank you for your continued support at home. We truly appreciate it!
Third Grade Science Study Includes Simple Machines--Updated April 7, 2014
The third graders have been working very hard this past month! They finished up ISAT testing and are looking forward to many exciting projects during the last trimester of third grade!
During Reading, we focused on folktales and read different versions of Little Red Riding Hood and The Three Little Pigs. We have also been reading fantasy stories. Students have enjoyed identifying the characteristics within each story that makes them fantasy. Our next big project will include biographies where students choose someone to research. Our Biography Fair will be on Friday, May 23rd, during which our students will share what they have learned with the Westview School community! Look for more information in the near future about this event!
Please remember that reading twenty minutes each night is still an expectation. Students should also be writing quality reading responses each night to enhance their comprehension. In addition, please continue to study the third grade high frequency words each week.
In Science, students recently finished researching a planet of their choice and writing a five paragraph expository essay. We are now studying simple machines. Students learned how simple machines make work easier. Our next science unit will include the study of matter and energy and students will learn about solids, liquids and gases.
In Math, students continue learning about measurement and data. It is expected that students can tell time to the nearest minute and calculate elapsed time. Students should continue to practice their multiplication and division facts daily in order to earn their ice cream sundaes at the end of the year.
The end of the year will be here before you know it! Keep up the excellent work Third Graders!
During Reading, we focused on folktales and read different versions of Little Red Riding Hood and The Three Little Pigs. We have also been reading fantasy stories. Students have enjoyed identifying the characteristics within each story that makes them fantasy. Our next big project will include biographies where students choose someone to research. Our Biography Fair will be on Friday, May 23rd, during which our students will share what they have learned with the Westview School community! Look for more information in the near future about this event!
Please remember that reading twenty minutes each night is still an expectation. Students should also be writing quality reading responses each night to enhance their comprehension. In addition, please continue to study the third grade high frequency words each week.
In Science, students recently finished researching a planet of their choice and writing a five paragraph expository essay. We are now studying simple machines. Students learned how simple machines make work easier. Our next science unit will include the study of matter and energy and students will learn about solids, liquids and gases.
In Math, students continue learning about measurement and data. It is expected that students can tell time to the nearest minute and calculate elapsed time. Students should continue to practice their multiplication and division facts daily in order to earn their ice cream sundaes at the end of the year.
The end of the year will be here before you know it! Keep up the excellent work Third Graders!
Third Graders Explore Writing Process with Milky Way Galaxy--Updated 03/04/2014
Well ISATs have arrived! The third grade students are well prepared! In third grade we have discussed various test-taking strategies, how to cope with test anxiety, and relaxation methods! Students have also been practicing extended responses in both reading and math. Throughout ISAT tests, students are encouraged to get a good night’s sleep, eat a healthy breakfast, and come to school with positive attitude! Students are also allowed to chew mint, sugar-free gum! We are confident that all students will try their hardest!
Aside for preparing for these assessments, students have been working hard to understand the concepts of fractions. Third graders should be able to order and compare fractions, identify a picture that represents a given fraction, explain fractions as equivalents and understand a fraction as a number on a number line. After fractions, students will start a new unit about Measurement and Data.
In Science, students continue to explore the Milky Way Galaxy and space. Students are currently working on a self-selected planet report. Students will also be writing an expository piece on their planet throughout writing.
Last and most importantly, the Third Grade Team would like to thank all of the volunteer readers from Read Across America Day. The teachers and students appreciate you taking time out of your day, to share one of your favorite stories!
Aside for preparing for these assessments, students have been working hard to understand the concepts of fractions. Third graders should be able to order and compare fractions, identify a picture that represents a given fraction, explain fractions as equivalents and understand a fraction as a number on a number line. After fractions, students will start a new unit about Measurement and Data.
In Science, students continue to explore the Milky Way Galaxy and space. Students are currently working on a self-selected planet report. Students will also be writing an expository piece on their planet throughout writing.
Last and most importantly, the Third Grade Team would like to thank all of the volunteer readers from Read Across America Day. The teachers and students appreciate you taking time out of your day, to share one of your favorite stories!
iPads Provide Opportunity to Extend Learning for 3rd Graders--updated 01/31/14
February 27th marks the end of the 2nd trimester of the school year. The 3rd graders have been busy working on a Storytelling unit and enjoying some traditional and “not-so-traditional” fairy tales! Each student will be selecting a fairy tale and presenting the story elements as well as the moral of the story to the class.
Read More About It! Have your child search on RAZ-Kids, Follett Enlight, and Tumble Books for additional fairy tales to enjoy!
We will kick off our Solar System unit by visiting the Adler Planetarium on Thursday, February 6th. Be sure to visit www.adlerplanetarium.org to learn more.
Read More About It! Have your child log into PebbleGo to access several articles about Exploring Space, Our Solar System, Planets, and Stars.
Fractions are Fun! We continue to explore fractions and their everyday uses. Consider reviewing the use of fractions while in the kitchen with your child!
Read More About It! The children have enjoyed some of the following stories about fractions: Fraction Action by Loreen Leedy, Full House: An Invitation to Fractions by Dayle Ann Dodds, and Whole-y Cow! Fractions are Fun by Taryn Souders.
Please continue to have your child practice their math facts at home each night. Mastering basic math facts is a necessary building block for higher-level mathematical reasoning skills. Try logging into MobyMax and use Fact Master to monitor which facts your child still needs to practice.
Thank you for your continued support at home!
Read More About It! Have your child search on RAZ-Kids, Follett Enlight, and Tumble Books for additional fairy tales to enjoy!
We will kick off our Solar System unit by visiting the Adler Planetarium on Thursday, February 6th. Be sure to visit www.adlerplanetarium.org to learn more.
Read More About It! Have your child log into PebbleGo to access several articles about Exploring Space, Our Solar System, Planets, and Stars.
Fractions are Fun! We continue to explore fractions and their everyday uses. Consider reviewing the use of fractions while in the kitchen with your child!
Read More About It! The children have enjoyed some of the following stories about fractions: Fraction Action by Loreen Leedy, Full House: An Invitation to Fractions by Dayle Ann Dodds, and Whole-y Cow! Fractions are Fun by Taryn Souders.
Please continue to have your child practice their math facts at home each night. Mastering basic math facts is a necessary building block for higher-level mathematical reasoning skills. Try logging into MobyMax and use Fact Master to monitor which facts your child still needs to practice.
Thank you for your continued support at home!
3rd Graders to Publish Personal Narrative Stories--Updated January 13, 2014
Happy New Year! Welcome back to school! All of our third graders did an excellent job on their winter MAP tests in December. After two weeks off, the third graders are ready to get back to work and start 2014 with new goals, challenges, and celebrations!
After working on multiplication during our last Math unit, we will be switching our focus to fractions. Third graders already have basic knowledge of fractions but we will be finding equivalent fractions and comparing, and determining the size of a fraction.
Third graders are continuing to write their personal narratives that we were working on before winter break. We learned in December, that a personal narrative is a story written about your own life. Many students chose to write about a special vacation, a new brother or sister, the first day of school, or a fun birthday party! They will be taking one narrative that they have written through the entire writing process, focusing on revising, editing, and publishing. We always look forward to sharing our writing with each other too!
We are finishing up learning about a few more winter holidays celebrated in different parts of the world. Students enjoyed learning about Las Posadas, Hannukah, Ramadan, & Kwanzaa just to name a few! Our next topic in Social Studies focuses on people and their resources. We will be learning about Henry Ford and the assembly line. We will be sending home a form for volunteers to bring in different items to help us with our own assembly line in the classroom! After finishing our social studies unit, we will be switching gears to science where third graders will learn about patterns in the sky as well as the planets in our solar system.
Please continue to read with your child at home. Students should also be practicing their math facts each night using Moby Max as well as working on their cursive handwriting. Thank you for continuing to work with us to ensure your child has a successful year in third grade!
After working on multiplication during our last Math unit, we will be switching our focus to fractions. Third graders already have basic knowledge of fractions but we will be finding equivalent fractions and comparing, and determining the size of a fraction.
Third graders are continuing to write their personal narratives that we were working on before winter break. We learned in December, that a personal narrative is a story written about your own life. Many students chose to write about a special vacation, a new brother or sister, the first day of school, or a fun birthday party! They will be taking one narrative that they have written through the entire writing process, focusing on revising, editing, and publishing. We always look forward to sharing our writing with each other too!
We are finishing up learning about a few more winter holidays celebrated in different parts of the world. Students enjoyed learning about Las Posadas, Hannukah, Ramadan, & Kwanzaa just to name a few! Our next topic in Social Studies focuses on people and their resources. We will be learning about Henry Ford and the assembly line. We will be sending home a form for volunteers to bring in different items to help us with our own assembly line in the classroom! After finishing our social studies unit, we will be switching gears to science where third graders will learn about patterns in the sky as well as the planets in our solar system.
Please continue to read with your child at home. Students should also be practicing their math facts each night using Moby Max as well as working on their cursive handwriting. Thank you for continuing to work with us to ensure your child has a successful year in third grade!
Arrays Provide 3rd Graders with Understanding of Math Concepts--Updated 12/2/13
November flew by in third grade and we are well on our way into the second trimester. Thank you for making conferences such a huge success. It is important that the students, teachers, and parents work together to create goals and focus on student achievement as a team!
In Language Arts, which is incorporated into our Social Studies curriculum, we have been working on a unit entitled "Our Country." We started by looking at various texts in order to enhance our learning about the United States. Since then, during shared and guided reading, we have read several informational texts from Raz-Kids about the United States government and our national symbols. Students are able to pull up these books on their iPads so they can continue to read them at home.
In Math, we are diving deep into the concepts of multiplication and division. Students have been making arrays to show both their multiplication and division skills. We also have been using literature to help enhance our math concepts. One Hundred Hungry Ants and The Best of Times both explain multiplication using real-life examples. Another area that we have been working on is learning how to write in math terms. We have been busy using our math journals to write what we are solving and why we are using those strategies to help us solve.
It is essential that students practice their math facts at home every night (see article below). The mastery of basic math facts is a necessary building block for higher-level mathematical reasoning skills. Some different ways that students can practice these skills include Mobymax Fact Master, fact triangles, flashcards, and iPad math game apps such as Hungry Fish, Math Ball and Top-It.
Thank you for your continued support at home!
In Language Arts, which is incorporated into our Social Studies curriculum, we have been working on a unit entitled "Our Country." We started by looking at various texts in order to enhance our learning about the United States. Since then, during shared and guided reading, we have read several informational texts from Raz-Kids about the United States government and our national symbols. Students are able to pull up these books on their iPads so they can continue to read them at home.
In Math, we are diving deep into the concepts of multiplication and division. Students have been making arrays to show both their multiplication and division skills. We also have been using literature to help enhance our math concepts. One Hundred Hungry Ants and The Best of Times both explain multiplication using real-life examples. Another area that we have been working on is learning how to write in math terms. We have been busy using our math journals to write what we are solving and why we are using those strategies to help us solve.
It is essential that students practice their math facts at home every night (see article below). The mastery of basic math facts is a necessary building block for higher-level mathematical reasoning skills. Some different ways that students can practice these skills include Mobymax Fact Master, fact triangles, flashcards, and iPad math game apps such as Hungry Fish, Math Ball and Top-It.
Thank you for your continued support at home!
Math Fact Practice Essential for 3rd Grade Success--Updated 11/06/2013
The third graders continue to work hard in the classroom each day. We have been working on a variety of activities across all areas of our curriculum.
In Math, we are continuing to work on place value skills that involve ones, tens, hundreds and thousands. With those specific values, we have also been working on rounding, 3 digit addition and 3 digit subtraction, using key words in story problems, and multiplying numbers by multiples of ten. Students should be practicing their math facts every night. Some helpful apps are: Math Ball, Hungry Fish, Tric Trac, and Top It. This is a fun and interactive way to get your child to practice their facts at home.
In Writing, students have been composing persuasive essays. Third graders have learned that every opinion needs to be supported by descriptive reasons. Students have been learning how to format and write paragraphs including introductions and conclusions. Students will be publishing one persuasive essay, which will be shared with you towards the end of the month.
During Reading, we have been reading a variety of texts that align with our social studies unit. We are incorporating many strategies that aid students in comprehension. Students are able to explain story elements, tell how illustrations help tell a story, and explain a situation through a character’s point of view.
In Social Studies, students have been working on geography skills such as locating and labeling continents and oceans on a world map. Students have been learning many interesting facts about early America and the original 13 Colonies through nonfiction eBooks. We have also been studying and researching explorers and how their actions have contributed to what our country is today.
Please continue to check and sign your child’s assignment notebook each night. In order to ensure that your student has the necessary materials each week, please remind your child to have their library books returned on their check out day. Try to ask your child questions about their day and give them suggestions on how to stay organized. Thank you for your continued support at home--we truly appreciate it!
In Math, we are continuing to work on place value skills that involve ones, tens, hundreds and thousands. With those specific values, we have also been working on rounding, 3 digit addition and 3 digit subtraction, using key words in story problems, and multiplying numbers by multiples of ten. Students should be practicing their math facts every night. Some helpful apps are: Math Ball, Hungry Fish, Tric Trac, and Top It. This is a fun and interactive way to get your child to practice their facts at home.
In Writing, students have been composing persuasive essays. Third graders have learned that every opinion needs to be supported by descriptive reasons. Students have been learning how to format and write paragraphs including introductions and conclusions. Students will be publishing one persuasive essay, which will be shared with you towards the end of the month.
During Reading, we have been reading a variety of texts that align with our social studies unit. We are incorporating many strategies that aid students in comprehension. Students are able to explain story elements, tell how illustrations help tell a story, and explain a situation through a character’s point of view.
In Social Studies, students have been working on geography skills such as locating and labeling continents and oceans on a world map. Students have been learning many interesting facts about early America and the original 13 Colonies through nonfiction eBooks. We have also been studying and researching explorers and how their actions have contributed to what our country is today.
Please continue to check and sign your child’s assignment notebook each night. In order to ensure that your student has the necessary materials each week, please remind your child to have their library books returned on their check out day. Try to ask your child questions about their day and give them suggestions on how to stay organized. Thank you for your continued support at home--we truly appreciate it!
Third Graders Focus on Place Value in Math--Updated 09/27/2013
The third graders are in full swing this Fall and continue to work hard each day. We have been working on a variety of new activities that address our curriculum goals.
In Math, we are continuing to work on place value skills that include ones, tens, hundreds and thousands. We have also been working on rounding, addition, subtraction, number puzzles, using key words in story problems and looking at numbers in standard, expanded and written form.
In Language Arts, we have been writing stories that are based on personal experiences and linking them to high interest literature within our Being a Writer program. The students are being introduced to the revising, editing and publishing stages of the writing process. In Reading, we have been reading both literature and informational texts. Through these stories, students practice the different reading comprehension strategies. Students have also been working on their reading response journal at home. Please make sure your student is reading each night (for a minimum of 20 minutes) and completing the reading response journal assignment.
In Science, the students finished the unit on “Life Cycles of Plants” and are moving forward to new lessons on “Life Cycles of Animals” and “How Plants and Animals Interact.” We are focusing on food chains, food webs, consumers and producers. We will be moving on to Social Studies in the next couple of weeks.
Please continue to check and sign your child’s assignment notebook each night. Ask your child questions about their day and give them suggestions on how to stay organized. Thank you for your continued support at home, we truly appreciate it!
In Math, we are continuing to work on place value skills that include ones, tens, hundreds and thousands. We have also been working on rounding, addition, subtraction, number puzzles, using key words in story problems and looking at numbers in standard, expanded and written form.
In Language Arts, we have been writing stories that are based on personal experiences and linking them to high interest literature within our Being a Writer program. The students are being introduced to the revising, editing and publishing stages of the writing process. In Reading, we have been reading both literature and informational texts. Through these stories, students practice the different reading comprehension strategies. Students have also been working on their reading response journal at home. Please make sure your student is reading each night (for a minimum of 20 minutes) and completing the reading response journal assignment.
In Science, the students finished the unit on “Life Cycles of Plants” and are moving forward to new lessons on “Life Cycles of Animals” and “How Plants and Animals Interact.” We are focusing on food chains, food webs, consumers and producers. We will be moving on to Social Studies in the next couple of weeks.
Please continue to check and sign your child’s assignment notebook each night. Ask your child questions about their day and give them suggestions on how to stay organized. Thank you for your continued support at home, we truly appreciate it!
Third Grade Classes Focus on Building Positive Learning Communities--updated 9/3/13
Third Grade is off to a great start! We have had a wonderful time building our learning community and getting to know one another. Each day students participate in a class meeting where they share comments, questions or concerns. Class meetings are a positive way for students to feel safe sharing their feelings.
In Math, students have been working with using the number grid to find patterns and relationships between numbers. They will continue to work on number sense skills throughout trimester one. Students will be learning about place value to the thousands place, comparing numbers and adding and subtracting numbers up to four-digits. Please continue to practice addition and subtraction facts daily with your child.
During Science, students have been learning about plants and how they grow. We will also be learning about animals and their habitats. After our study of plants and animals, students will be moving their focus to social studies.
In Language Arts students were recently assessed on their third grade high frequency words. Please continue to practice any words your child missed on the assessment. Each week students will be given four or five new third grade high frequency words. Please refer to the Curriculum Night packet for fun ways to practice these words with your child.
In Writing, students have been exposed to a variety of genres and have been writing about things that interest them. During reading students have been reading stories based on animals. They have practiced identifying the 5W’s (who, what, where, when, why) and QAR or Question Answer Relationships. Please remember to read each night with your child and talk about what they read.
It is important to check your child’s assignment notebook on a daily basis. Please make sure you sign the assignment notebook each night after your child has completed all of their homework. We look forward to a fantastic first trimester in third grade!
In Math, students have been working with using the number grid to find patterns and relationships between numbers. They will continue to work on number sense skills throughout trimester one. Students will be learning about place value to the thousands place, comparing numbers and adding and subtracting numbers up to four-digits. Please continue to practice addition and subtraction facts daily with your child.
During Science, students have been learning about plants and how they grow. We will also be learning about animals and their habitats. After our study of plants and animals, students will be moving their focus to social studies.
In Language Arts students were recently assessed on their third grade high frequency words. Please continue to practice any words your child missed on the assessment. Each week students will be given four or five new third grade high frequency words. Please refer to the Curriculum Night packet for fun ways to practice these words with your child.
In Writing, students have been exposed to a variety of genres and have been writing about things that interest them. During reading students have been reading stories based on animals. They have practiced identifying the 5W’s (who, what, where, when, why) and QAR or Question Answer Relationships. Please remember to read each night with your child and talk about what they read.
It is important to check your child’s assignment notebook on a daily basis. Please make sure you sign the assignment notebook each night after your child has completed all of their homework. We look forward to a fantastic first trimester in third grade!