As I watched
students reading a book about Harriet Tubman on Friday, I was really struck by
how excited EVERY student was to learn the information contained on the pages
of the books. I saw students helping
each other, taking turns, and discussing ideas.
In that moment I felt so proud of the growth of our students. They are definitely starting to “feel” like
third graders. This quarter is FULL of
rich content and I am looking forward to another week of learning.
Literature: This
week we will read more tall tales, including “Pecos Bill” and “Casey
Jones.” Since tall tales are so much fun
to read, students are going to try their hands at writing their own tall tales
this week. We will guide writing using
an organizer and developing ideas throughout the week. Students will write their final drafts in
class on Friday.
Grammar/Riggs: Students will learn how to diagram
prepositional phrases in this coming week.
We will also be learning new Riggs words.
Science: We will be learning about a few different
simple machines this week. We’ll start
the week off by continuing our discussion on the inclined plane. Next we will explore the characteristics and
uses of a wedge. At the end of the week,
we will discuss the screw and how it is used. This Thursday, your child took home a simple
machine project letter. Please read this
over and let me know if you have any questions.
We will have discussed 3 of the 6 simple machines in more depth after this
coming week, so hopefully our discussions will spark some ideas for inventions.
History: This past
Friday, we read about Harriet Tubman and her role in helping many slaves escape
on the Underground Railroad. We will
begin this week by learning more about how the Underground Railroad helped slaves
find freedom. Then we will take a few
days to focus on Abraham Lincoln’s life and his presidency. At the end of the week, students will learn
the characteristics of the Union and the Confederacy as well as their leaders. I promised students I would check on the
Civil War reenactment that takes place at Piccacho Peak each year. I have found that this year’s event took
place a few weeks ago, but if your child is interested in what we learn this
year, this event might be something for your family to enjoy together in the
future. http://azstateparks.com/Parks/PIPE/
Important Notes:
-This Tuesday, March
25, is the spring music concert! You may
drop your 2nd grader off at 5:00 in the auditorium at Grace Community Church
before the 5:30 concert time.
-Students will be
taking the Stanford 10 standardized tests the week of April 7. Please do not schedule any dentist/doctor
appointments for those days. We also
cannot have any parent volunteers that week.
- We will not have
reading groups this Thursday,
-Send in your
child’s copy of Charlotte’s Web this week. We will begin to read it next week.
-There is NO Riggs
Tutoring this week because of our concert.
We will not assign homework on Tuesday night.
- Math tutoring for tomorrow
Monday, March 23 is canceled because I will be home with an ill daughter. I’m looking forward to a regular schedule
next week!
Warmly,
Ms. Norris
