Week 15

This week:

Fundations
We will begin Unit 6 of Fundations; the open syllable, open syllable exceptions, and soft sounds for c and g. Family resources can be found HERE.

Literacy

Students will read selections from the book Pilgrims: A Nonfiction Companion to Magic Tree House #27 by Mary Pope and also Letters from a Wampanoag.  Students will analyze the text and look for evidence to determine how the arrival of the Europeans affected the Wampanoags. 

Math
We will continue with Unit 3: Addition and Subtraction within 1,000. We will learn the standard algorithm to add and subtract 3 digit numbers with and without regrouping.

Social Studies

We will complete our Social Studies unit on Wednesday. Students will work together in small groups to answer the question: Where can we see Indigenous culture today, and how do Indigenous peoples keep their culture alive? Students will complete a Discussion Diamond to record their ideas. A discussion diamond is a simple group activity used to help students think deeply and talk respectfully with one another. First, each 3rd grader writes their own idea in a “corner” of the diamond. Then, they share and discuss their thinking in a small group. Finally, the group works together to agree on one clear idea to put in the center. It’s a structured, low-pressure way for 3rd graders to practice listening, speaking, and collaborating.

Social Emotional Learning 

In Second Step, we will complete the Bullying Prevention Unit. This week's lesson focuses on Bystander Power. Lesson concepts include: 

Bystanders are people who see or know about bullying happening to others. 

There are things bystanders can do to help stop bullying.

Bystanders can also refuse to let bullying happen.

Repeat Announcements

Warm Clothes and Footwear:
The heat is ON! Now that the heaters are running, our classroom can get quite toasty. Pro tip: students should dress in layers so they can bundle up for recess but have a lighter layer to stay comfortable indoors. If your child wears rain or snow boots to school, please send in a pair of indoor shoes, sneakers, or even slippers. They’ll be much more comfortable moving around the classroom and school in dry shoes.

Mystery Reader:
Thank you to Ms. Solomon (Sophie's mom), last week's Mystery Reader. Would you like to volunteer as our next Mystery Reader? Click HERE to sign up.

Scholastic Book Ordering:

If you would like to order books through Scholastic Book Clubs, our online ordering code is DPC2T (purchasing online is required).  SHOP OUR CLASS PAGE. By building your home library with Scholastic, you will also be helping to build our classroom library. The more books students order, the more free books we get for our classroom library!

Library Reminder: 

Our book swap day in the Media Center is every Wednesday. Please help your child remember to return their library books.

Links for more information: 

Click HERE for home support material for Unit 6 of Fundations

Click HERE for home support materials for Unit 5 of Fundations

Click HERE for home support materials for Unit 4 of Fundations

Click HERE for home support materials for Unit 3 of Fundations

Click HERE for home support materials for  Unit 2 of Fundations

Click HERE  for home support materials for Unit 1 of Fundations

Tech Tips

Many students are excited to access Clever and our Google Classroom from home. 

Directions to Access Clever from Home:

Click HERE for a handy link to Clever

Click Log in with Google

Enter student username (initials + # @students.needham.k12.ma.us)

Enter student password 

Click on ST Math App, Amplify App then Boost or other NPS approved learning apps. 

Directions to Access Google Classroom from Home:

Open a web browser (like Chrome or Safari).

Go to http://www.classroom.google.com and click "Go to Classroom."

Sign in with your school-provided Google account and password.

Special Subject Schedule

Monday -- Art

Tuesday -- P.E. & Spanish

Wednesday -- Media

Thursday -- P.E.

Friday -- Music & Spanish

Important Dates

Wednesday, December 17th-- Early Release Day, 12:15 dismissal

Friday, December 19th-- Instrumental Concert for Parents, 8:45 a.m. in the Cafeteria

Friday, December 19th-- Winter Celebration in our Classroom 

Wednesday, December 24th-Friday, January 2nd-- Winter Break

Monday, January 5th-- Classes Resume

Created 12/2025

Jennifer_ramras@needham.k12.ma.us