Classroom Update: May 8, 2015

Please note that we will have Math MCAS testing next week on Wednesday, May 13^th and Friday, May 15^th. Dallin’s policy regarding MCAS candy has changed since our first round of testing. We now ask that students only bring mints for the exam. There is research that suggests that peppermint can help stimulate the brain. The change in policy also helps us to avoid any stickiness on test booklets. J Due to the exam, there will be no homework next week.

In English Language Arts, students are working on their petitions. We wrapped up our poetry unit and will be starting a new unit on biographies. Today, students received directions for a month-long biography project. This project will be completed both in school and at home. Please take time to review the directions for the assignment. Students have been asked to locate a “just right” book on their chosen subject (i.e. a book that’s not too hard or too easy). Our goal is for students to be exposed to as many diverse figures from history as possible—as a result, we ask that each student in the class studies a different person. Students must have their signed permission slip and book in hand in order for me to approve it. Subjects will be assigned on a first come, first serve basis.  Therefore, it’s recommended that students have a backup choice prepared in case their first choice has already been claimed. All materials for the project may be found in the previous post.

Thank you to those of you who were able to attend our third grade math day. Games from the event may be found a few posts down. In class, we’re continuing to practice measuring to the quarter-inch and displaying these measurements on line plots. We are also reviewing math vocabulary in preparation for the MCAS. We made flashcards using definitions from our Quizlet website (here and here).

Students learned how archaeologists use artifacts to study the past during our dig this week. Thank you to our volunteers for helping make the dig a success! During the rest of social studies this week, we continued to read about life in colonial times.