September 2013

Third grade is well under way.  Students are learning and using the 7 habits.  They are becoming more in charge and proactive by remembering homework.   We have become a community by setting class goals and helping each other achieve them.
In math we have worked on problem solving in addition and subtraction.  Students also learned about pictographs, bar graphs and line plots.  We are working on place value concepts currently as well as  patterning.  Students should be able to take apart a 3 digit number and tell the value of each digit.  There is a lot of new vocabulary we are working on in math. 
Our first science unit is Be a Scientist.  Students learn observation, note taking, and non fiction features.  In social studies students are working on learning the difference between personal and public problems.  We also learned how communities work together to solve problems.  Again, learning new vocabulary with this unit.
In reading we are recounting stories and working on choosing good fit books. Students write a letter each week about their independent reading book in class. They need to explain their thinking about their reading. 
Within a few weeks we hope to organize math volunteers to help in third grade.  We will have a coordinator to make a schedule and share it with anyone who showed interest in volunteering in math.  Reading volunteers will begin after conferences.  Please let me know if you are interested in volunteering for either of these.  Volunteers will take small groups from four of the third grade classrooms, including our classroom.


Third grade is working very hard.  Thank you for your continued support.

Please contact me with any pertinent information about your child, or questions at any time. I appreciate your support at home.
jpalmer@d75.org

School and Mrs. Palmer's contact information

Link to contact information

August 2013

I hope that you all had a restful summer, yet full of new learning.  I am happy to be your child's teacher this year. So you know a little bit about me:  I have taught at our district  for more than 14 years. I have 3 children and I enjoy being outdoors, traveling and spending time with my family.  My goal this year for your child is that your child loves learning and is successful. I look forward to meeting every parent and look for your partnership in this journey.  Please contact me at anytime at school with  your input about your child, in any way that can help your child be successful.

April

Can you believe that it is April?  Third graders are ready for spring MAPS testing this week and next.  We are in the midst of a science unit studying rocks and minerals. Students are using their keen observational skills to find and categorize rocks by property.  We are reading and writing about science. Keep sending in those rocks for our rock musuem!
In math we finished up our unit on measurement and are moving on to geometry.  Keep practicing elapsed time.  That is a new concept third graders are expected to master according to the common core standards.
The end of the year will be very busy. Watch your mail for alerts about special events coming up.  As always, thank you for your support and help with your child's learning.

What's New?

Students are growing by leaps and bounds in their learning.  We are increasing the challenges of reading levels and thinking with the new Common Core Standards.  Students have been working hard on using non fiction text features as a road map to comprehension in their non fiction reading.
In math we are find the relationship between multiplication and division through the use of manipulatives. 
In Science we are completing our unit on Animals.  Students simulated a cougar hunt to learn about the concept of competition in an ecosystem and interdependence.  
We appreciate all the parents who help in the classroom and at home by supporting the children.