Now that we have studied several different biomes of the world in science, this month will bring a Social Studies Unit, "Communties".  We will learn why communities developed where they did and who settled in these communities (specifically Jamestown and the thirteen colonies).  What was the purpose of the Declaration of Independence?  What caused the American Revolution?  How did we develop our Constitution?  Third graders will learn a lot of information about the history of our country.  In reading, we will read historical novels, A Lion to Guard Us and Our Stange New Land.  Be certain to ask your child what they are reading in school!  Continue to keep a calendar of your child's reading minutes at home, as well.  Remember that all reading homework may count towards the 500 minutes each month!

We have begin learning about multiplication and division "fact families" in Math.  Study the 2's, 5's, and 10's to prepare for the math time tests!  3rd graders will also move on to more difficult addition and subtraction problems.  Whew!  We will be busy.

Can 3rd graders follow directions?  We are really trying!  We will be writing good directions for making cream cheese and jelly sandwiches since November is "National Sandwich Month".  Yes, we hope we don't "spread ourselves too thin", but it is important to be able to read and write good directions!  We will also begin writing summaries in Writer's Workshop.  Ask your child what makes a good topic sentence in a summary!

Has your child talked about the germs we have been growing in petri dishes?  Once we decided which area was the "germiest" in the classroom, we tested different disinfectants to see which cleaned the area the best.  These experiments are to prepare us for "Science Boot Camp" on Thursday, November 13 at 6:00.  Your child will bring all of the data and observations home in order to complete a backboard for that night.  Watch your emails for further directions!

The November Newsletters will give details about Veteran's Day and Grandparent's Day at Wilder! 

Happy Thanksgiving!

Mrs. Nordine