Class Notes
We had another busy and exciting week in third grade! Students are settling into our routines, diving into new learning, and showing wonderful curiosity and teamwork.
Bring your Parents to School - October 7th, 7-7:20PM or 7:25-7:45PM
On Wednesday, October 7th, third graders are invited to bring their parents to school for a special “Bring Your Parents to School” evening! Your child will get to be the teacher and give you a little taste of a day in the life of a third grader by leading you through some of the activities we’ve been learning and doing in class. There will be two sessions: 7:00–7:20 and 7:25–7:45, and families will sign up for one session so we have plenty of room to move around, explore, and learn together. We can’t wait for our third graders to show you what they’ve been up to! More details will be shared soon.
Here’s a peek at what we’ve been working on and what’s ahead:
Reading
I will begin to administer another reading assessment called the IRLA (Independent Reading Level Assessment). This assessment will help me determine your child’s independent reading level and identify a Power Goal designed specifically to support your child’s individual reading growth and next steps.
We will continue our Magic Tree House adventure by beginning The Knight at Dawn and thinking about what stays the same and what changes when characters appear in a series. Students will make predictions, compare Jack and Annie across the two books, and use details from the text to support their thinking. We will practice using new vocabulary and work on reading with fluency and expression.
Writing
This week, students will write about their favorite character so far in the Magic Tree House series, using details from the books to support their opinions. We will learn how to combine two complete ideas into a compound sentence using conjunctions such as and, but, and so, with the correct comma. Students will also share their writing with partners, give and receive feedback, and revise their work to make it even stronger.
Word Study
This week's words include an r-controlled syllable, a consonant-le syllable or both.
carnivore, jungle, middle, perfectly, platform, purple, startle, sturdy, swirling, turtle
Math
We will solve multiplication equations and deepen our understanding of multiplication as equal groups. Students will use simple drawings and tape diagrams to represent multiplication and then connect these representations to expressions such as 6 × 4, interpreting this as “6 groups of 4.” We’ll also begin using important math vocabulary, including factor, multiple, and product.
Science
Students designed habitats for their isopods, making careful choices to give them the best chance of survival. This week, we’ll build on that experience as we explore how different habitats meet the needs of the animals that live there and how animals are specially adapted to survive in their environments. Students will become habitat experts as they work in groups to explore five different habitats—the Arctic, Desert, Rainforest, Ocean, and Freshwater. They’ll also rotate through hands-on stations exploring adaptations such as blubber, feathers, opposable thumbs, ear shape, and camouflage. We’ll discuss our observations and think about how different animal characteristics help animals survive in their habitats.
Second Step
We will begin our Second Step program this week, a social-emotional learning program that helps children develop skills for building strong relationships, managing emotions, solving problems, and making thoughtful decisions. Through engaging lessons, discussions, and activities, students will practice skills they can use both in the classroom and in their everyday lives. We’ll focus on creating a kind, caring classroom community where everyone feels safe, included, and ready to learn. The first unit focuses on being a respectful learner. Students are practicing skills such as staying focused, paying attention, and listening carefully. These strategies not only help with learning, but also show respect to others.
Thank you for your continued support at home! I am so impressed with the energy and effort your children bring to school each day. We are off to a wonderful start, and I look forward to all the learning and growth ahead.
Repeat Announcements:
Library Reminder: Our book swap day in the Media Center is every Monday. Please help your child remember to return their library books.
Third Grade Homework Expectations
3rd graders are expected to read for 20-25 minutes each night. Third graders can choose to read independently, read with a partner, listen to audiobooks or enjoy a family read aloud. The big idea is to encourage a life-long love of reading!
School Breakfast Eaters
YAY! I’ve noticed a big improvement in the number of students arriving right at 8:05, which gives them plenty of time to grab breakfast, eat, and still get settled and started on their morning work. Thank you! One little reminder: school breakfast is definitely a great way to start the day, but once breakfast is finished, it’s time to jump into our morning routine. We’re working on making those first few minutes count!
A Quick Shoe Reminder
I love a good pair of Crocs as much as anyone, but in third grade, our feet need to be playground and P.E. ready! Crocs and flip-flops can slip off while running, climbing, and playing, and they have a funny way of escaping when we’re sitting on the rug, too! Please send your child to school in secure, supportive shoes that stay on their feet so they can safely run, jump, climb, and learn. Thank you!
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!
Special Subject Schedule
Monday -- Art & Media - Please return your Media books every Monday so you can check out new books each week.
Tuesday -- P.E. & Spanish
Wednesday -- Music
Thursday -- P.E.
Friday -- Spanish
Important Dates
Wednesday, October 7th -- Early Release Day, 12:15 dismissal
Wednesday, October 7th -- Curriculum Night, 6-7:45 PM (various time slots depending on grade level)
Monday, October 12th -- No School, Indigenous Peoples Day
Wednesday, October 21st -- Early Release Day, 12:15 dismissal
Sunday, October 25th-- Trunk or Treat, 4:00-5:30
Created 9/2026
Jennifer_ramras@needham.k12.ma.us