With February upon us, the third grade class is leaving outer space which we have been immersed in studying. We are on our way to China as we wish all of you Gung Hay Fat Choy or happy Chinese New Year! We will be learning about China, the customs and traditions of the New Year festival, and many other aspects of Chinese culture. Our studies will incorporate map and geography skills, reading comprehension strategies, creative writing activities, art projects, and some exciting SMART Board lessons. It promises to be an enjoyable trip as we look at one of the world's oldest cultures as China celebrates the year 4710 on its calendar.
February is also Black History Month. Our class will be learning about African American history as well as the contributions of African Americans in all aspects of society. We will be taking a special look at Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad which had several stations in the Chicago area. We will learn about the founding of Chicago which began with a trading post run by Jean Baptist Point Du Sable, an African American. The third graders will also look at their own dreams for their future and write about what they hope to achieve in life. We will learn that Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s dream is for all people, and it is up to each of us to carry that dream forward.
In Religion, we are learning about the Holy Trinity with a special emphasis on the Holy Spirit. We are deepening our prayer lives and learning how to ask God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit to help us live as good Christians. Our class has familiarized itself with the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit and how each gift helps us live the gospel message on a daily basis.
Multiplication remains the main emphasis of our math curriculum. We have covered the basic facts through eleven. The students are now working on building their accuracy and speed. The goal is to be able to do 100 basic multiplication facts in three minutes or less. Timed tests are being given to help students monitor their progress. Continue to practice the basic facts with your child every night for at least fifteen minutes, and review the timed tests your child brings home.
With the arrival of the third quarter, there has been a change in our spelling routine. All 18 lesson words are now required words. Spelling contracts remain the one way to achieve extra credit points on a test. Bonus words are no longer available. We have also resumed doing spelling sentences. Each week, your child will be required to write sentences for ten list words of his/her choice. The list word must be underlined or highlighted in each sentence. The sentence must be error free in order to receive credit (spelling, capitalization, punctuation, grammar). This allows for the application of spelling and writing principles we have been working on since the beginning of the year. It also encourages students to become familiar with and use available resources such as dictionaries and thesauruses.
Our class continues to collect aluminum pop can tabs to benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities. The proceeds received from recycling the pop tabs helps to defray the expenses of children needing long term medical care and housing. This is the second year the third grade class has been involved with this worthwhile service project. Please support our efforts by saving your pop tabs and sending them to school!
February is shaping up as a month of diversified learning. The third grade class is looking forward to the new challenges ahead as we leave the outer reaches of the universe to follow the stars of the Underground Railroad. We can't wait for our journey to begin!
