Ms. Aldrich, Mrs. Criss and Ms. Clement

Important Dates & Reminders

• Friday, November 3rd: Early Release Day, End of Quarter 1
• Monday, November 6th: No School for Students, School Planning Day
• Tuesday, November 7th: No School for Students, Teacher Work Day
• Wednesday, November 8th: First Day of Quarter 2
• Friday, November 10th: Veteran’s Day Assembly
• Wednesday, November 15th: Thanksgiving Luncheon for Families
• Thursday, November 16th: Quarter 1 Report Cards go home
• Wednesday, November 22nd-Friday, November 24th: No School, Fall Break

Language Arts What are we learning?

Reading Unit: Non-Fiction

Students will be able to...

• Incorporate all parts of the text to understand the information and messages the author is communicating.
• Develop theories about a topic and revise those theories as they read and learn more. 
• Be aware that their theories about a topic can change the way they understand the world.
• Develop theories and concepts through discussion.

 

Writing Unit: Non-Fiction 

Students will be able to… 

• Plan the organization of their piece, revising that plan as they discover the focus. 
• Develop some parts of their writing more fully than others to communicate the important information. 
• Craft their nonfiction pieces for a specific audience, taking into account the reader’s knowledge about the topic.

Home/School Connection

Questions to ask your student:

• What are your thoughts about the _____? 
•  What does/did the author want you to learn from ____?
• What is this book really about?
• What is the author trying to teach you?
• What is the author really trying to say?

 

Math What are we learning?

We’ll be starting Fractions this month

 

• Math Unit: Fractions

Students will be able to… 

• Name and write fractions and mixed numbers represented by a model. 
• Represent fractions and mixed numbers with models and symbols. 
• Compare fractions having like and unlike denominators, using words and symbols (>, <, =, or ≠), with models. 

Home/School Connection

Things to do with your student:

• If student has access to the computer, have them practice fractions on Reflex math
• Use real life examples when possible -  when cutting a pizza, cake, etc. 

Science What are we learning?

• Science Unit: Water Cycle- Students will be able to…

• identify how our choices and behaviors can impact our local water as part of the larger water cycle.

 

Social Studies What are we learning?

• Social Studies Unit: Geography
  • Students will use globes and maps to locate, describe, and 

compare major rivers, mountain ranges, and geographic features of Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, South America, Australia, and Antarctica. 

AAP Corner What are we learning?

 Students will be able to understand that…

• Change can be cyclical
• Change is everywhere
• Change can be positive or negative
• Change happens over time
• Changes are caused by people or naturally
• Changes can be predictable or unpredictable

Home/School Connection

Questions to ask your student:

• How does the concept of change connect to me, the world, or what I am learning?
• How do relationships connect to me, the world, or what I am learning?

 

Specials:

What are we learning? &  Home/School Connections:

• Library: 3rd graders will begin an inquiry unit, developing questions about animals they are interested in and using multiple sources to search for information.
• PE: The first quarter is almost to a close! Thank you to all families for being strong co-teachers with us. 
  • Students in grades 3^rd-6^th have begun using their PE binders; increasing their literacy skill practice during physical education classes!
  • Regarding pacing, we have completed our “Rules/Routines” and “Throwing/Catching” units with all grade levels. Now, all students will move into their “Fitness Unit.” Learners will better understand how their bodies work, the components of fitness, and different ways to track activity/stay active. As always, Mr. Bergin ([email protected]) and Ms. Brod ([email protected]) are here for any questions or concerns.
• Music: 
  • Ms. Shaw’s 3^rd graders: Finished up Hot cross Buns on the recorder, now working on Au Claire de Lune.
  • Mr. Sawasky: All grades will be celebrating Native American Heritage Month in November by exploring some of our history as a nation and its original people and culture.
  •  Grades 3-6 will be exploring how rhythms and melody come together to create a song as we practice in small groups and as a class, playing instruments in an ensemble.
• Art: In the Forestdale art program, the primary goal is to create an environment in which every student feels confident, safe, and supported by Ms. Barrett and by the other students. The goal is that each student will reach a level of technical mastery and self-confidence that allows them to take risks with their own artwork and create work that they value.
  • In November all students will be wrapping up their PAINTING units and doing planning drawings for the upcoming COLLAGE units! 
  • 3^rd graders created paintings of Cars Around Town. They learned about cool and warm colors, composing a painting and overlapping.
  • All students’ paintings are delightful. They would look great in a frame, hanging on the wall – or at least on the refrigerator!
  • Thank you to all families for returning the Parent Interview Forms for each Art unit! Students in grades 1^st - 6^th continue to use their Art Planning and Reflection Books, increasing their literacy skill practice during art classes!
  • As always, Ms. Barrett ([email protected]) is here for any questions or concerns regarding the art program.
• STEAM: 
  • In Quarter 2, 3^rd grade STEAM students will practice computer science concepts as they create code for their Ozobot Bit robots.  Students will apply their learning in science as they create programs for Ozobot to move through the stages of the water cycle.

 

ESOL - English for Speakers of Other Languages

During the month of November, we are highlighting the language of inquiring. Here are some questions you can ask your students to help them practice how to inquire.

• What are you wondering about?
• What questions do you have about that?
• I wonder why __________?
• Who __________?
• What __________?
• When __________?
• Where __________?
• Why __________?
• How __________?

Looking for books to read at home with your students? Unite for Literacy has free audio books with many language options to choose from! You can access them at https://www.uniteforliteracy.com/.