May 2018
Dear Parents and Guardians,
All the students have been doing well handling the M-STEP testing. A few students are coming in late and that does affect them as well as our entire class while testing. We are beginning this test as soon as students make their lunch choice and put away their things in the morning.
Students who miss days or time will have to finish the test on Fridays or in another room with a different test proctor. PLEASE try to leave early and have your student ready for this next week on Tuesday and Thursday. On these days students will be taking the math portion of the test.
Dear Parents,
Here is a short video about the upcoming M-STEP tests that your child will start taking the first week in May: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s6YEkBQ6RVk
Here is also an information sheet for you to help your child feel prepared.
Lastly, here is a practice guide that your child may use to practice and prepare.
Our testing schedule is during the morning the first two weeks in May. (Tuesdays and Thursdays)
Thank you,
Third Grade Team
Upcoming Dates and Reminders:
- May 8th and 10th: Third Grade Math M-STEP testing (Be on time!)
- May 7th: District Art Show from 4-7pm.
- May 25th: Half Day for students and staff. Dismissal at 11:25
- May 25th p.m.-May 28th: Memorial Day Weekend - No School
Math:
We are beginning Unit 7 in math. Students will learn about different types of measurement and how to use metric and standard measurements. Vocabulary: volume, millimeters, milliliters, liters, gallons, quarts, cups, etc. R continue to practice: multiplication, division, fractions, story problems with two or more steps all in readiness for the state test coming in May:The M-STEP.
Writing/Reading: These two units go hand-in-hand. Our writing unit is building on writing a good persuasive or opinion paper. In reading we are learning what it means to learn about "Real World Issues". Our Time For Kids magazines always have a main article that is meant to teach this concept to students. Right now we are reading about the "Problem With Plastic" in America and how much trash there is on our beaches, under the ocean, in our cities etc. Another real world issue we are reading about and discussing is 'deforestation'. All students are discussing this with partners, groups and the teacher. We are forming opinions as to whether or not this is an issue students should worry about or not.
As we use the Chrome Books we are reading similar texts as well. Students are encouraged to "think deeply" about these issues, discuss and write about their ideas and opinions.
Social Studies: Right now students are learning about the Government in Michigan. We concentrate on the three parts of government, what our government is for and how citizens can create change by voting. Students are learning who our state government is and what they do for the common good. We will then make connections to our country's government which students will learn about in more depth in 4th grade.
Technology: Students continue to practice typing skill using typing.com and by typing papers and responses to varying science and social studies questions and topics. Students use technology to read varying genres and have learned safe ways to research different topics using the internet.
**All technology practice this year will be very beneficial for students taking the M-STEP (State-wide assessment) and will give them the tools needed to score higher on this computerized test.