Math: Fractions! We learn a lot of new skills in 3rd grade with our fraction unit. We start the month by learning parts of a whole and parts of a set. Then, we move on to fractions on a number line, equivalent fractions, and comparing fractions. Almost all of these skills are brand new to them so we have a lot of hard work ahead of us.

Science: Forms of Energy! This unit we will be studying the various forms of energy and how to identify the forms in nature and everyday life.

Social Studies: Scientific Breakthroughs! This unit is one of my personal favorites. It gets us thinking about the true definition of "technology" and we will learn about how some major technological advances were developed such as pasteurization, vaccines, and modern medicine. We will also be challenging ourselves to develop our own unique scientific innovation that could change the future!

November 2023

November is a fun month for us and definitely one to be thankful for! This month brings a lot of new skills for your student. New skills can foster frustration and stress. I encourage you to allow your student time to decompress and relax at home especially if they express that math or writing was hard that day. Sometimes quality time together is more beneficial than homework. :) 

We will also be breaking for the Thanksgiving holiday this month. When we return during the last week of November, we will pick right back up where we left until the winter holiday. 

This month we will be taking a Reading and a Math test called an Interim. These tests are designed to see what the students have mastered so far and how I can best design my lessons to teach them as we move into the second half of the school year. This will also be an opportunity for us to mimic the feel of a STAAR testing day. We will learn the procedures and routines needed to know during the real STAAR test such as signing out for bathroom breaks, staying quiet and in their seats, and raising their hands for everything. This is all very different from our normal classroom freedoms so we will gain great experience from this practice. 

If you are interested in a quick conference for updates on your student's progress in class, let me know and we can arrange a time to chat before our winter break!

And now, a word from PTA:

Hi Nelson Family!

Our Polar Pals Holiday Shoppe is just a few weeks away!

This service gives students the opportunity to buy gifts for family and friends for the holidays. Prices will range from under $1 to $20.

Students will be able to checkout with cash, e-gift card, or both.

Want to make shopping easy and safe for your student and school volunteers? Order an e-gift card now! All gift cards will be loaded into the school’s cash register app making it simple for your student to shop and checkout without the need to bring cash.

Buy your e-gift card at:www.schoolshoppes.com/buy/polar-pals/ZRCU71