Hello Families!

I hope you all had a nice Thanksgiving break, and are ready to send your kids back to school.  I’m still shocked we had a snow day today.  I hope it’s not a sign of a long winter!

This week, we’ll continue week 2 of our third reading unit of the year.  Our stories this week will feature Abraham Lincoln, and the positive impact he made on society.  We’ll practice visualization, cause and effect and idioms, among other skills.  The kids will have a spelling list this week, as well as a reading homework assignment.

In Math, we’ll switch our focus from addition to subtraction by the end of the week.  The third grade had an Intervention session with subtraction earlier in the year, so hopefully this will be a nice review of what they have already practiced.  In my Math class, I anticipate homework on the following evenings.

Tuesday-Homework 3-10

Wednesday-Homework 3-11

Thursday- No Homework

Friday-Homework 3-12

In Writing, we’re in the homestretch of our research reports.  This week my class will write their rough drafts, and possibly begin their final drafts.

Our Second Step curriculum shifts to a series of anti-bullying lessons starting this week.  I’m excited to talk about this subject with the kids, and reinforce how to prevent bullying at school and home.

Thanks for reading, and have a great week!

Eric Wachter

Hello Families!

This week, the kids will begin Unit 3, Week 2 in reading.  We will have a spelling list, but I’ll save those words until we return from Thanksgiving break.  This week we’ll practice a few skills, but save the bulk of week 2 work for when we return.

In Math, we’ll review rounding, and continue to practice addition with larger numbers.  I’m really proud of how the kids have grasped rounding so far, as it’s traditionally a tricky concept.  We’ll likely have a homework assignment Monday evening, but not on Tuesday.  I think they deserve a nice long break!  🙂

In Writing, we will continue to process of writing a research report.  Most kids have either started their rough draft or will do so soon.  It’s always neat to see their hard work come together in a report!

The kids will bring home a book order form tonight.  There are several forms to look over, if you’re interested.  Or, you can also order online with the provided class code.  There are some really good deals to choose from, and any purchases help me buy more books for the class.  The forms and orders are due on November 27th.

Just a reminder, tomorrow is “Pajama Day” at school.  The kids are welcome to wear their PJs for earning another 10,000 blue coupons!  If you child does partake, please don’t send them with slippers.  Those don’t work too well on the playground.  🙂

I hope you all have a great break, and get some time to enjoy your family and friends.  I am so thankful to be your child’s teacher, and I wish all of you a great holiday.

Thanks for reading!

Eric Wachter

Hello Families!

I hope you didn’t freeze this weekend, as winter made itself known!  Brrrrr!

This week the kids will begin Unit 3 in Reading.  We will practice visualization, problem solving and synonyms, in a number of folktale stories this week.  You can expect a spelling list for unit 3, week 1 to come this evening.

You can also expect the first literacy homework assignment to come home Monday.  The kids practiced how to do this assignment last week, and they should be able to complete most of it independently.  However, there are five 1-minute fluency reads, and your child will need someone to time them as they read.  This assignment isn’t due until Friday, but your child is welcome to bring it back to school before Friday, if finished.  If your child loses their paper, you can find an extra copy under the Homework tab of our class web site.

In Math, we’ll begin to practice rounding numbers.  This is traditionally a hard concept, so I’m going to be cautious about assigning homework.  Later in the week, the kids will begin reviewing addition.  If the lessons go according to plan, you can expect assignments coming home on the following nights.

Monday-Homework 3-5

Tuesday-Homework 3-6

Wednesday-Homework 3-7 (This lesson may get bumped to Thursday, depending on the rounding lessons)

Thursday-Homework 3-8

Friday-Homework 3-9

In Writing, we’re continuing the research process, and will likely finish up our notes this week.  Next up will be a rough draft, followed by a final draft.  Our Second Step lesson this week is about Making Friends, and obviously the kids will learn some strategies to make and keep friends.

Thanks for reading and have a great week!

Eric Wachter

Good Day Families!

This week your child will take their reading Unit 2 Test.  We’ll spread the test out over a few days so it’s not so overwhelming.  There will be no new curriculum this week, so the kids will have a break from spelling to focus on the test.

In Math, we’ll begin Unit 3.  This week, the kids will learn about place value, and begin to round numbers.  Rounding can be a very difficult concept for some kids, so completing nightly review homework will be extra important.  I anticipate my Math class will have homework on the following nights.

Monday – Unit 2 Reteach/No Homework

Tuesday – Homework 3-1

Wednesday – Homework 3-2

Thursday – Homework 3-3

Friday – Homework 3-4

In writing class, we’ve begun the process of writing a research report on a dinosaur.  The kids are learning how to take notes from a text, as well as searching online.  We’ll continue this process for the next week or so, as we gather information.

This week’s Second Step lesson is called “Showing Compassion.”  We’ll learn what that means, and practice how to show compassion for our friends.  Attached to the weekly email is the home activity sheet for that lesson, should you choose to discuss the lesson at home.

This week also begins a canned food drive for Thanksgiving.  Your child is welcome to bring canned food or non-perishable items to school any day this week, should you choose to donate.

Thanks for reading and have a great week!

Eric Wachter