Academics (Summary of this past week's learning)

Math- Students learned about probability. Probability is the chance that an event will happen. Students participated in a dice rolling investigation and then analyzed the results in a class discussion. We are learning how to identify outcomes and determine whether the probability of an event is impossible, unlikely, likely, equally likely, or certain. We learned to write probability as a fraction (e.g. 1 out of 6 or 1/6). We did two investigations and analyzed the outcomes and the chances of flipping colored counters. We discovered that as you flip a coin more and more, the data shows that the chance gets closer to it's acutal probability (1/2).

Reading- Students are doing SOL review to prepare for our upcoming test on May 10. We reviewed main idea, context clues, making inferences, predictions, and drawing conclusions. We are also focusing on reading for pleasure, as test review can present itself dull on occasion. Your child is also working on their Lexia goal to finish level 15 by the end of the year, which is the completion of third grade content. 

Word Study- We are reviewing word study concepts that we have learned this year. We reviewed homophones, multisyllabic words, and dictionary skills. 

Writing- Students are working to write a persuasive review about a store, movie, book, video game, etc. We wrote a thesis statement backed by three supporting details. Each supporting detail had three elaboration details. Students crafted their introductions this past week and will write the subsequent paragraphs next week.

Science- Students shared their soil letters with Mrs. Briggs on Monday to present their plan. We will now take a break from science and resume it later in quarter 4. The topic will be simple machines. 

Social studies- Students started learning about ancient Rome. We learned the geography of ancient Rome and how the boundaries changed over time. We learned that the Mediterranean Sea had a huge impact on how the ancient Romans lived their lives. 

Reading SOL = Wed, May 10

The reading SOL will be on May 10 and the math SOL will be on May 18. These standardized tests are computer-based. They will cover the third grade Virginia Standards in reading and math. Please try to make sure your child attends school these days. Also, make sure they get a good night's rest and a good breakfast. Remind them to try their best too. Finally, a good way to get some exposure to what the test will be like is to print out the resources I send each week through email. We have already been reviewing and practicing in class.