Math- We have begun our unit on Fractions! We will be exploring how fractions represent equal parts of a whole and using pictures, number lines, and real-life examples to better understand them. Students are practicing identifying, comparing, and creating fractions in fun and engaging ways. Keep an eye out for fraction talk at home—ask your child to share what they know about halves, thirds, and fourths!

Phonics- Students are learning how to read and spell open, simple multisyllable words. These are words where one or both syllables end in a vowel, which makes the vowel say its long sound. Students are practicing how to divide words with one consonant between two vowels, breaking the word after the first vowel to help them read it correctly. I am excited to see their confidence grow as they tackle longer words! 

Writing- This month in writing, third graders are focusing on opinion writing! Students are learning how to clearly state their opinion, give strong reasons to support it, and include examples to convince their readers. We are practicing organizing our ideas with an introduction, supporting paragraphs, and a conclusion. Ask your child about the topics they’ve been writing about—they’re becoming great persuasive writers! 

Social Studies- We are beginning our unit on immigration and cultures. Your child will participate in a variety of activities that will enable them to learn about, and better understand, our ancestors’ journeys from various homelands around the world through Ellis Island and other cities. We will be reading several books that teach about individuals’ experiences when immigrating to America in the past and present.

In order for the students to gain a better understanding of family histories, we will have each child share a family heirloom- something personal to share about his/her heritage. We will send home more information about this activity soon. 

During our study, the children will be bringing home a Family Heritage Project to complete. There will be directions attached to the choices for this project. This will require your help.  More information will be coming home soon on this project as well.

As a culminating activity, we will be having an Ellis Island Day. This will take place on Thursday,April 23th. Each child will need to select one nation of ancestry for that day. They will come dressed as immigrants and go through a mock Ellis Island immigration experience from the 1900s. We will need volunteers to help us on that day. Much more information will follow about Ellis Island Day as the time draws nearer.  Please check your child's Take Home Folder for more details.