Dear Third Grade Families,

I can’t believe we’re already into our first full week of school!

This week we begin homework assignments! From this day forward they can be found on the school website under Third Grade.

Reading logs are assigned each week and available for download on the website, embedded in links within the newsletter. Students are to read a book of their choice for a minimum of 20 minutes each evening and record their work, neatly and in pencil, on the log. Of course, students who find themselves in the middle of a great book are always encouraged to read more. Every Friday morning, students are to turn in a hard copy of their completed reading logs.

Click here to download this week’s reading log.

Please note: Our first in-class reading book will be The Stories Julian Tells by Ann Cameron. We will begin Monday, August 26th. Please make sure your child brings in his/her copy of the text this week in order to prepare for next.

This week, we will also begin Spelling Unit #1. Every week I will attach a list of the spelling words along with the spelling concept being taught in the classroom. Students are to study throughout the week in preparation for a test Friday morning. All spelling words are also listed on www.spellingcity.com for additional online home practice. Just search by school and follow the links to our class.

Click here to download this week’s spelling words.

We will also begin using our new Vocabulary Workshop books this week. Starting with Unit 1, each of these units will be taught over the course of several weeks. Upcoming tests will be marked in your child’s planner with plenty of time to review and study at home. In the planner, you will also find your child’s username and password for online practice. I highly recommend taking advantage of this resource, as it is an excellent way to reinforce words and skills learned in class.

In addition to language arts, we are pleased to begin a new math program this year. Everyday Math, our textbook series, has a student online component as well. Like Vocabulary Workshop, your child’s username and password will be marked in his/her planner this week. This site provides an interactive reference book, activities for each lesson, games, practice and vocabulary terms used in class. I also recommend taking advantage of this resource.

This week we will begin music and P.E. classes. From now on, please send your child to school wearing his/her P.E. uniform on Tuesdays and Thursdays. In third grade, students are also welcome to bring water bottles to class. I only ask that you bring reusable water bottles in order to reduce waste in the classroom and mix-ups among students. Also, please also remind your child that these are not to be shared among friends.

I look forward to meeting you Wednesday night at 6:30 for Back-to-School night!

Best,

Mrs. Espinosa