Math

This week we focused on the use of parenthesis and how they are used in number operations.  When you see parenthesis, those equations should be done first.  Our challenge this week was to find the many ways a basketball player could earn ten points.  We also did a few math games working on learning the multiplication facts.

Theme spelling test/retest info

We took the theme 4 spelling test today, which is a combination of words

from all the lists this theme.  Our lists are becoming more challenging and

contain more complex spelling patterns as we approach the end of third

grade, and this theme test was difficult for many students.  Tests are in

backpacks today, and we will do a "retest" on WEDNESDAY (usually we do this

on Thursday, but we have our spring music concert practice on Thursday

afternoon). 

Please check in with your child to see if he/she needs to be studying the

words for the retest (I will then average the two test scores for a final

spelling score).  

Boosters provide a healthy snack

We enjoyed a healthy snack of carrots and ranch dip on Friday afternoon!  Thanks to the Boosters for providing a yummy treat for us as we strive to exercise more and eat healthfully as we participate in Live Healthy Iowa!

Reading with Mrs. Hartsock

This past week in reading we read an adventurous true story, Trapped By the Ice.  Ask your child to summarize this amazing tale for you!  We've also been working hard on our culmination projects for Little House.  Each student created something to share a favorite character or scene from the book; children created sculptures, drew pictures, and create dioramas.  This week we are working on sharing our projects by posting pictures of them on our kidblogs.

Science

Thank you for returning the science homework on time!  Thursday and Friday the kids spent their science time adding details and painting their projects.  Next week, Mr. Slabaugh will be visiting to share a new way to share projects using the ipad.  I believe they will be on line for parents to view.

Reading with Mrs. Bender

Our story this week was "Trapped in the Ice" about Shackleton's trek across Antarctica.  We watched a video about this adventure and talked a lot about the hardships the men encountered.  Skills this week was focused on outlining, finding the headings and the main ideas.

We also began our new novel Dear Levi which is about the adventures of a young boy as he travels across the Overland Trail.  It fits in perfectly with our Adventure stories from our anthology and the outlining skills as Dear Levi is a collection of letters and each entry is dated.

Math

We began chapter 7 this week which focuses on multiplication.  We spent a lot of time this week playing multiplication games.  These games can be played at home to practice.  The old math book was sent home on Friday.  There are many pages we did not get to in class.  They are an excellent way to review skills at home on the nights the kids don't have homework.  Remember to practice the multiplication facts at home.

Also, remember to help your child do their homework and return it to school the next day!

Pi Day - March 14th

We did some Pi activities during math on Thursday to celebrate Pi Day.  Pi is read 3.14 - the same date as March 14th.  (It is also Albert Einstein's birthday.)  The kids did some measuring of circumference with string and then divided it by three.  We tried using the calculators but decided we needed better measurement skills before it worked.  We also review diameter, radius and circumference.

Snow make up day

 At its meeting Monday night, the Mid-Prairie School Board voted to make up one day of school on Tuesday, April 2.  There will also be an early out on April 2 so that we may have teacher professional development that afternoon.  (This will be district PLC time in the High School Cafeteria.)  With this make up day, our last day of school will be Friday, May 31. 

(apologies from Mrs. H. regarding the email I sent to my families last week -- I was mistaken as to the scheduled last day of school (maybe wishful thinking?) . . . sorry for any confusion.

Usborne Books Reach for the Stars Reading Incentive Challenge

Be sure to check your child's bag tonight for information on the Usborne Reading Challenge that is going on NOW at KE (begins today!).  There is a yellow packet of information, and an envelope for collecting pledges. 

On the 2nd page of the yellow packet, there is a calendar on which we'd like students to log their reading minutes at home.  Please note that minutes read for the reading challenge can ALSO count for March reading goals for our reading classes.  We appreciate your help in recording minutes read, as well as returning the calendars (and pledge $) on March 26. 

Should you have any questions about the program, contact Sara O'Donnell via the info provided on the yellow packet.