Math and Science

Third quarter is off to a great start. We welcome two new students and the return of one who left for awhile. We are glad they are with us!

Both classes have chosen their Tribes – a group of students who can work together. The Tribes practice listening to each other, including all members, and cooperating with each other as well as appreciating each other’s talents. Ask your child the name of their Tribe and how things are going.

We have just finished our last benchmark test – Unit 6. Next week we will take the posttest and see how each student has improved. The results will help us fine tune for the state test in April.

Thanks to everyone who has provided snacks, helped at a party, signed planners and progress reports, AND gotten your student here, on time, and with homework done! Your involvement makes an incredible difference!

Math – We are reviewing all math concepts but especially estimation, patterns, and fractions. We will continue to take weekly multiplication facts tests so all need to practice five minutes every night. Some students have already mastered the 6’s while others have yet to master the 3’s.

Science – Our topic for third quarter is sound – how it is made and how it travels. Ask your child about the experiments we have already done.

Dates to remember:

Feb. 22 Spring Pictures – uniforms

Feb. 27 Rise and Shine Character Ed Assembly

Mar. 5 Jazz Concert

Mar. 7 Artists in the Schools (dulcimer)

Mar. 10 – 20 Break

Mar. 24 Back to School

Text Box: Math Alert!

August, 2007

Dear Parents,

Welcome to 3^rd grade math! Our theme for the year is ”Community.” We are all part of a community of learners! The first quarter we will be looking at the characteristics of community as it applies to math and science.

The district will be testing third graders each month with a benchmark test. This will keep our math focused on the skills necessary to pass the state-mandated test. The students will be tested on each unit of study and we will communicate those results to you on a regular basis.

We have begun the first unit and it deals with place value and patterns in numbers. We are working on numbers up to 4 digits, reading them, writing them, understanding the value of each digit in the number, adding and subtracting 100, 10, and 1 to them. We are also looking for patterns when we count by 100’s, 10’s, and 1’s. Using base 10 blocks to model numbers is another way to understand place value. We will be estimating what different numbers could equal 1000 when put together. We are also looking at doubling numbers like double 6, double 8, and how those doubles can help us solve near doubles like 7+8=15.

Here are some things you could do at home to reinforce skills:

1. Look for 3 and 4 digit numbers in the paper, at the store, on labels. Can your child read them? Do they know what digit is in each place? Can they add or subtract 100 from the number? What about adding and subtracting 10 from the number? How does the number change when you add or subtract 1?

2. Make a set of cards putting one digit from 0 to 9 on each card. Turn the cards over and have your child draw 3 cards. What is the biggest number they can make with the cards? What is the smallest number? Try 4 cards. Can they add 10 to the number, 100? How about subtracting 10 and 100?

I plan to communicate with you every time we start a new unit. Please let me know of any concerns you have.

Your support of your child can help guarantee their success! I appreciate you and look forward to hearing from you! E-mail me if you can.

Sincerely,

Mrs. Mason

masonjo@tulsaschools.org