Embedded Files
3rd Grade Newsletter
Expeditionary Learning (EL) Reading & Writing
For more information on the EL standards and curriculum, go to http://curriculum.eleducation.org/
We are currently learning in Module 1: Overcoming Challenges Near and FAr
This module uses literature and informational text to introduce students to the power of literacy and how people around the world overcome learning challenges. It is intentionally designed to encourage students to embrace a love of literacy and reading. In Unit 1, students begin to build their close reading skills; they hear stories read aloud, read works in their entirety, and read more challenging excerpts closely. Throughout their readings, students determine the gist, identify the central message, and consider what key details convey that message in the text. In Unit 2, students consider how geography and where one lives in the world affects how one accesses books. Students continue building knowledge and vocabulary related to world geography as they study excerpts from My Librarian Is a Camel by Margriet Ruurs, which describes how librarians overcome geographic challenges to get children's books. Students apply their learning by writing a simple informative paragraph about how people access books around the world, focusing on the role of specific librarians or organizations they studied. Finally, in Unit 3 students focus more on what it means to be a proficient and independent reader. They continue to read literature about characters who are motivated to learn to read and overcome struggles to do so. Students assess their challenges as readers, and identify strategies to overcome those challenges. This unit includes a heavy emphasis on building reading fluency. Students write a reading contract in the form of a three-paragraph informative essay, in which they describe two of their learning challenges and some strategies to overcome those challenges. As part of the final performance task, they make an eye-catching reading strategies bookmark to help them remember those strategies as they read independently throughout the rest of the year.
Math
Our first math unit is titled, “Introducing Multiplication”. Here are the skills we will be focusing on:
In this unit, students interpret and represent data on scaled picture graphs and scaled bar graphs. Then they learn the concept of multiplication.
This is the first of four units that focus on multiplication. In this unit, students explore scaled picture graphs and bar graphs as an entry point for learning about equal-size groups and multiplication.
In grade 2, students analyzed picture graphs in which one picture represented one object and bar graphs that were scaled by single units. Here, students encounter picture graphs in which each picture represents more than one object and bar graphs that are scaled by 2, 5, or 10 units. The idea that one picture can represent multiple objects helps to introduce the idea of equal-size groups. Students relate two factors and a product. Later in the unit, students see situations in which the total number of objects is known but either the number of groups or the size of each group is not known. Problems with a missing factor offer students a preview to division. Throughout the unit, students should have access to connecting cubes or counters, as they may choose to use such tools to represent and solve problems.
Check out this video for more family support with our current math unit:
Social Studies - Our current unit of study is “Civic Responsibility”. We will focus on the following skills during this unit:
The student will recognize or recall specific vocabulary (for example, civil discourse, rights, responsibilities, respect, respectful conversation) and perform basic processes such as:
Give examples of the relationship between rights and responsibilities.
Restate the view or opinion of others with their reasoning when it is different from one’s own.
Recognize the value of respecting the rights and views of others.
Explain why personal responsibilities are important.
Understand that a respect for the views of others helps to learn and understand various perspectives, thoughts, and cultures. For example: environmentalists, industry, and government work together to solve issues around energy and other resources.
Understand that virtues, such as honesty, mutual respect, cooperation, and attentiveness to multiple perspectives, should be used when they interact with each other on public matters.
Explain how to take the opportunity to make positive changes in their community.
Identify examples of personal responsibility (for example, taking advantage of opportunities for education, adhering to certain ethical standards, caring for family members, making good financial choices).
Identify examples of civic responsibility (for example, obeying the law, respecting the rights of others, participating in elections, paying taxes).
Science- Our current unit of study is “Life Cycles”. We will focus on the following skills during this unit:
Students begin this unit with the understanding that plants and animals have unique life cycles that are responsible for their existence. Because they can survive, mate and reproduce, many organisms have inherited traits ( characteristics ) that are from their parents and they sometimes vary. The characteristics or traits are both inherited and due to environmental factors. This is a continuation from their learning in 1st grade. What is new is that the characteristics described above provide advantages in survival.
Students begin this unit with the understanding that plants and animals have unique life cycles that are responsible for their existence. Because they can survive, mate and reproduce, many organisms have inherited traits ( characteristics ) that are from their parents and they sometimes vary. The characteristics or traits are both inherited and due to environmental factors. This is a continuation from their learning in 1st grade. What is new is that the characteristics described above provide advantages in survival.
Technology:
Students will be working on Zearn (math skills), keyboarding skills, Google Classroom, Amplify, Typing Club, Epic!, Google Sites, Powtoons, Google Maps, and using Google Documents.
GT Information:
Important Dates and Events:
August 28, 2026: Round 2 enrollment for the 2026-27 school year closes
26-27 School Year Dates
8/17/26 - Watermelon Welcome from 3:00-4:30pm
*Emails with teacher assignments will be sent the morning of August 17
*Please bring supplies to drop off and meet your teacher at the Watermelon Welcome!
8/19/26 - First Day of 2026-27 School Year for Students
2026-27 Family Calendar
8/21 - Conifer HS Lobos Football Season Kick-off @ 5:30pm(more info below)
8/28 & 8/31 - Modified Contact/Assessment Days
- Students come to school by appointment only
8/26 - Elementary Band and Orchestra Info night for 4th & 5th graders
9/2/26 - Back to School Night from 5:00-6:30pm
9/7 - No school for Labor Day
9/18 - No School for Teacher Workday
10/1 - School Picture Day
10/2 - Fun Run & Field Day
10/6 & 10/8 - Parent-Teacher Conferences from 3-7pm
10/12 - 10/13 - No school for Fall Break
11/4 - Fall Picture Retake Day
11/23 - 11/27 - No school for Thanksgiving Break
12/4 - Modified Contact/Assessment Day
12/21 - 1/5 - No School for Winter Break
Homework
Third grade reading expectation - 15-20 minutes of reading four nights a week.
Math - Every Friday your child will receive pages of math homework. He/She will have a full week to complete this assignment. Please be sure your child turns it in the following Friday. The skills in the assignment have been covered in class, so your child should need minimal help with this. Students are encouraged to practice the basic multiplication and division facts.
Optional Homework:
Keyboarding Practice - Students can use the online site, Typing Club, to practice their skills.
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