JOHNSONS JOURNAL

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Dear Parents and Guardians,

Thank you for helping your child remember to dress
for outdoor recess. Many snow pants, coats, and boots
look alike and are sometimes left in the hallway. It may
be a good idea to write your childs name or initials
inside of each item. Thanks!
Christmas is right around the corner! Our classroom
gift exchange will be on Wednesday, December 17th.
The gift exchange will be a wrapped chapter book.
(Please keep the cost under $4.00.) Gift exchange
information can be found here.
Our Christmas party will be on Friday, December 19th
from 1:00-2:15. Thank you to Mrs. Davis for planning
the event and to the volunteers who will donate food
and time. Party sign-up information is posted here.

Reading
Students have been learning to look deeply at main
characters in the books that they read. Weve talked
about noticing how the characters act and how those
actions reveal what the characters are like on the
inside. As we read, were trying to notice what makes
characters special, look for patterns in their behaviors,
predict how they will act in certain circumstances, and
take note when they act in surprising ways.
A new fluency practice page went home with your
child today. The directions can be found here. The
goal for January is 89+ correct words per minute.

Writing
Now that we have completed our first personal
narrative, well spend some time reviewing parts of
speech and how those parts relate to what were doing

December 1, 2014

in writing. The parts that well cover include: nouns,

pronouns, adjectives, verbs, adverbs, articles, and
conjunctions. Your child may enjoy these activities.

Mathematics
We will continue to spend time on different types of
word problems. Pine River Elementary uses the same
problem-solving steps in grades 3-5. Students are
encouraged to follow those steps each time they
encounter word/story problems.
In addition to our work with story problems, students
will be introduced to the concept of multiplication
soon. They are very excited to learn about that topic.

Science
Our plant study is underway. The students are
learning to describe the functions of the plant parts:
flower, root, stem, and leaf. Next, theyll learn how to
classify plants based upon observable characteristics.
Your child may like to test out his/her green thumb
with this online plant-growing activity.

Social Studies
We are learning the names and locations of
Michigans Great Lakes. Students have learned that a
technique to remember the names of the Great Lakes
is the acronym, HOMES. Your child may wish to click
here to read more about the Great Lakes.

Spelling
Spelling lists are now coming home in both print and
cursive. Students should practice writing the words
both ways. Spelling tests will be taken entirely in
cursive after Christmas break. The spelling lists,
handwriting sheets, and games can be found here.

JOHNSONS JOURNAL!

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Recess Policy
Our schools recess policy is that the children will go
outside for recess daily unless its raining, the
temperature is under 15 degrees, or the wind chill is
below zero. Please contact our schools counselor,
Mrs. Bickel, or me if you need assistance providing
outdoor clothing for your child.

Important Dates
December 8
Report Cards Sent Home
December 17
Christmas Gift Exchange
(Click here for more information.)
December 19
PTO Popcorn Day

Our Classroom Family

2014 - 2015

December 19
Christmas Party (1:00-2:15 P.M.)
Click here for the party sign-up information.

Updated Information

December 22 - January 2
No School (Christmas Break)

The MEAP has been

replaced by the M-STEP

January 5
School Resumes

***

January 16
PTO Popcorn Day

3rd Grade Window for Testing:

May 18 - June 5

January 19
No School (Mid-Year Teacher Work Day)
February 12 & 17
Parent/Teacher Conferences
(More information coming in January.)

English Language Arts & Mathematics

(Approximately 7 hours of testing total)
Click here to read more about the testing.

A happy childhood is one of the best gifts that parents have in their power to bestow.
R. Cholmondeley