Reading/LA- This week we are focusing on text features in informational (nonfiction) literature as well as different features of web pages. For example, heading, diagrams, pictures, captions, maps, address bar, search bar, hyperlink.) Additionally, we will continue to work on our opinion piece of writing. When it comes to grammar specifics, we are continuing our third straight week on adverbs and adjectives (comparative and superlatives). At this point in the year, we are strictly reviewing all reading/language arts skills. These have all been taught and assessed in some fashion prior to mid January.
Science/Social Studies- We will continue working on heat/magnets this week with our test being on Thursday, April 2nd. The completed study guide went home Friday, and there is also a study guide with answers on the website under the 'current unit info' section. In addition to focusing on heat/magnets, we are also continuing to read about Paul Revere. Today in class we had a student share some wonderful information he learned about Cesar Chavez (thanks to a PBS documentary). :) I love that learning was extended and enriched in the home.
As you know, we are quickly approaching the Georgia Milestones testing. This will begin April 16th and continue through May 1st. We will NOT be testing all day every day. :) In fact, there is a video on the Sweet Apple homepage of the GA Milestones meeting that was conducted by LaKenji Hastings from the county. I highly recommend watching it if you weren't in attendance as some of your questions may be answered through that video. Additionally, you were sent a link today with 'instructions' so to say on how to operate the online testing format. We have gone over that in class, and your child was able to do some practice on a generic 3-5 grade test. This was not to stress content, but to familiarize them with the testing format. This year is our first year of the GA Milestones testing, and third grade is taking the test online. Some classes will be in the lab on desktops, and some classes will be on ipads (with keyboards.) The best way to prepare for this at home (because there are no workbooks available as in years past) is to simply review some items that we have gone over throughout the school year. I look to send home information this Friday in regards to specific content. Another helpful resource is Study Island. If your child has completed the Wolfie's Challenge they are still more than able to complete regular Study Island content by clicking on the GA standards section and selecting an area they would like to work on. (Overall, our grade level is weak in point of view so that is an area I would focus on.)
*Please be sure that your child arrives to school on time in the morning with a full tummy. We will NOT have snack until testing is completed for the day.
*Make sure they are getting plenty of sleep. There will be no homework, so they won't be staying up late trying to get any assignments or projects completed. I would honestly limit screen time within an hour of so of bedtime as screen time has been known to stimulate the brain and decrease R.E.M. sleep.
*Last but not least, ENCOURAGE your child.:) This is a new endeavor for them and we (home and school) don't want to stress them out about it. We want them to be confident in their abilities and feel successful. We want to encourage them to do their very best and show what they know.