Weekly Update

Hello Third Grade Families!

Welcome Back and Happy New Year! I hope everyone had a relaxing holiday break. I enjoyed some time with my family and my husband's family in South Florida. I'm excited to see all of the students back at school this week. I missed everyone!

Please save the following dates on your calendar:

Tuesday, Jan. 7 - Papa John's night

Friday, Jan 10 - Report Cards posted online https://parentvue.cobbk12.org/

Monday, Jan. 20 - MLK Jr. Day NO SCHOOL

Tuesday, Jan 21 - Science Fair Projects due

Here's a look at our learning this week:

In reading, our focus will be understanding point of view and perspectives. We will learn that different characters can have different perspectives on the same topic and also that we may not always agree with a character's opinion or an author's opinion. 

I have some book suggestions that go perfectly with the topic of point of view if you're interested in reading with your child. First, the book (and movie), Wonder by RJ Palacio, has a great message! "Wonder is about 10-year-old August Pullman, who has a genetic facial difference. After being homeschooled, he enters school for the first time in fifth grade and has to cope with a range of reactions to his unusual appearance, as well as a lot of typical middle school drama. Some kids use hateful language, and some people suggest that Auggie is mentally deficient. These situations are upsetting, as are other hardships that Auggie's family endures, including loss of a beloved family pet. However, goodness wins out, and readers should find it inspiring and uplifting. A high school couple kisses a few times, and Auggie observes some seventh-grade kids smoking, although these scenes in are very minimal. The book was adapted for the 2017 film starring Julia Roberts, Owen Wilson and Jason Tremblay." The story is told from different characters' points of view. It really is a moving story and I highly recommend it. Some of the text can be a little challenging, so it may be best to read it with your child. I have a copy of the book and movie if anyone wants to borrow either. 

My other recommendation is The Candy Makers by Wendy Mass. In this story, "Four children have been chosen to compete in a national competition to find the tastiest confection in the country. Who will invent a candy more delicious than the Oozing Crunchorama or the Neon Lightning Chew? 
Logan, the Candymaker's son, who can detect the color of chocolate by touch alone?
Miles, the boy who is allergic to merry-go-rounds and the color pink? 
Daisy, the cheerful girl who can lift a fifty-pound lump of taffy like it's a feather? 
Or Philip, the suit-and-tie wearing boy who's always scribbling in a secret notebook?
This sweet, charming, and cleverly crafted story, told from each contestant's perspective, is filled with mystery, friendship, and juicy revelations." I also have a copy of this book if you would like to borrow it.

It really is a treat for both children and parents when you find a good book to read together!

In writing, we will begin a new genre. Our focus during the 3rd quarter will be opinion/persuasive writing. We will start with a few short pieces this week. We will learn that once you form an opinion, you need to develop reasons & examples to support your opinion. Eventually, we will write longer opinion pieces.

Our grammar focus this week will be on possessive nouns. By the end of the week, your child may be up for this challenge game https://www.quia.com/rr/377189.html

Homework will resume this week. Weekly math review will be sent home on Monday to be returned by Friday. Spelling words will be sent home on Monday and should be studied as needed in preparation for Friday's quiz. Students should be reading for at least 20 minutes each night. 

Don't forget to return the December reading challenge by Wednesday.

As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please let me know.

Thank you!