Quarter 3 is almost in the rear view mirror...

I can't believe it, this quarter has flown by! And in just a few days, it will be see you later quarter 3 and hello quarter 4. I feel like so much has been happening, so let me fill you in...

In language arts, we continue to focus on non-fiction text. As a class, we have talked about how fiction and non-fiction texts are alike and different. For example, fiction text has illustrations/drawings, and non-fiction text has photographs. Both, fiction and non-fiction have authors, but non-fiction text has a table of contents and a glossary. For reading strategies, we have been talking about determining the main topic of non-fiction text and identifying/sharing with others when you have learned something new from a text.

In writing, we are also focusing on non-fiction by writing about what we have learned from reading non-fiction text. This week, we are reading a book about chickens, and so far, we have learned that hens lay many eggs, mommy chickens are called hens, and that baby chicks have a tooth on their beak that they use to make their way out of the shells they are in. Some very interesting stuff, indeed.
As always, we continue to focus on using capital/lowercase letters, spacing between words, using the word wall to spell sight words, using beginning, middle, and end sounds to spell unknown words, and writing at least 2 sentences about the same topic.

In math, we continue to work on addition and subtraction stores At this point, student should be able to represent and solve addition/subtraction stories at least one for the following ways: drawing pictures, using manipulatives, acting out a story, or writing an equation.

Leprechaun Traps
Thank you, thank you for taking this 'homework' in the spirit it was intended. I know that getting projects like this can be more like homework for the parents instead of homework for your child. However, please know that this is not a grade for your child. The intention is to encourage 'problem solving' in a fun and creative way. We have talked about things that would perhaps lure a leprechaun such as gold and/or a rainbow, so have fun with it and don't stress. Most of all, your child should be excited and proud of their (not your) accomplishment.

Spring Pictures
Information went home in your child's Friday folders about Spring pictures. They will be next Tuesday, the day before we track out.

Student Led Conferences
Thank you to those of you who have already signed up for our student led conferences on April 15th. There will be 3, 10 minute rotations for each conference. Your child will be showing you what they have mastered for the following rotations: reading, writing, and math. Please note that although I will be facilitating the conferences, I will not be conferencing with you about your child. Please email me should you want to set up a parent/teacher conference at another time.

Boosterthon/Fun Run update

Thank you to everyone who participated in the Boosterthon/Fun Run on Thursday. Although it wasn't the warmest (or driest) of days, the kids had a lot of fun. And our class alone was able to raise (drum roll, please).....$1,746 in pledges. What an amazing accomplishment!!

*Note: the last day to turn in pledges in March 7th.

**Note: The kiddos chose to have one day of no homework for earning $40 a lap on the pledge-o-meter. So, for the homework that goes home today, choose one day, and make a BIG X on it. Not only will the kids love it, but it will be nice to have a day off for you, too!