November 2009

Dear Parents and Guardians,

Math

Please continue to help your children with mastery of multiplication. Please help them to become Multiplication Masters! Quiz them on trips in the car, while you are preparing dinner, etc. We are already learning our 6 facts! Review addition and subtraction problems.  Continue to emphasize the importance of using their math vocabulary terms and practice repeated math skills using the Drops in a Bucket worksheets.  

Our current math unit is titled, "Landmarks in the Hundreds." In this math unit the children will be learning about factors (two numbers multiplied to find a product) and multiples (skip counting). This unit is a review of multiplication skills using larger numbers and it introduces division. Some key vocabulary words that your children will need to be aware of are: difference, digits, division, equation, equivalent, estimate, estimation, expression, factors, hundreds, landmark numbers, multiples, multiplication, quantities, skip counting, standard notation, and sum.

Another tool that you can support the use of is, studyisland.com. Each child has their student password for log on purposes written in their agenda. The children are assigned math activities to do online that correspond with lessons they have already been taught. This website allows them to repeatedly practice skills that they may have a weakness in. It will scaffold an assignment down until the child masters the concepts. Each child receives a blue ribbon for mastered concepts. If you see a red triangle on a skill or concept, you will know that the child needs additional support in that area. White ribbons are rewarded on remediated skills and eventually after they have retaken a skill and have mastered it... they will get a blue ribbon. If your child has earned a ribbon in an area and their score is in the 70th percentile, encourage them to retake that test again and increase their score. A score of 80% is satisfactory. Also when they use Study Island, you as the parent can see their likelihood of passing the FCAT on each portion. They will be given an overall score level for each portion that will range from a Level 1 to a Level 5. Level 3 is considered on grade level. Students scoring level 1 in an area, are considered not proficient. Student achievement on this website is documented in our classroom on a mastery chart. The following children have been recognized for the month of October as the top ten blue ribbons earners in math. Congratulations goes to: Logan O., Amber B., Austin H., Talaia M., Albren P., Catie B., Derick F., John P., Jada S. and Alyssa G. Keep up the great work!

Science and Social Studies

We are currently in our Social Studies rotation. The children have been fascinated by ancient civilizations. They have already learned about Ancient Rome and Ancient Greece in Chapter 13. We are going to learn about Ancient India, Egypt and China in Chapter 12. Please look for the children to be bringing home information in the next couple of weeks about a report they will be writing on one of the ancient civilizations. They will need to go to the library to gather research and they will be required to create a visual. Again, that is still a few weeks away.

Reminders

Just a reminder that Friday is the day we have scheduled for weekly tests. Please help your child review and be prepared when Fridays roll around so that they do not become overwhelmed. Likewise, encourage them to record a little bit each day about their nightly reading in the chapter book for their 25 book goal, so that by Friday their book reports are complete and ready for Mrs. Crabtree to review.

Special Thanks

There are no words that I can use to properly thank my homeroom parent, Mrs. A. Moore. Without her and her family's support, there may not have been a booth for this year's carnival. The booth was well decorated. I truly couldn't have done it without her. I'd also like to thank all the WONDERFUL parent volunteers who came out and painted all those faces. The kids were thrilled!!! Last, but not least, I'd like to thank Mrs. Brown, the homeroom parent from Mrs. Crabtree's room. She created a wonderful basket to represent our classrooms in the silent auction. Thanks for helping to make this carnival a success!!! I appreciate it!

Sincerely,
Ms. Smith


Announcements

Click the link Chaffee Trail Elementary School Web Page , regularly. The main page should update you of current school events, as well as give you information about the school in general, the faculty, the art and library program, and give you access to other links you may find handy. Entering the third grade Virtual Bookbag  link will give you access to all new third grade happenings. This link gives you access to the supply list, 25 book requirements, as well as current handouts associated with reading study guides, and other useful parent information.