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K Nelson
knelson@annandale.k12.mn.us
320-274-8218 x1221
Best times to reach me: before 7:50, 9:20-10:00, after 3:00

                                                     

                              WELCOME TO THIRD GRADE!!

 

Dear Families:

 Welcome to another exciting year!  I look forward to working with you and your child in third grade.

 Some FYI news:

Birthdays -  We celebrate every child’s special day.  If you would like to send treats there are 25 students in our class.  Please be sure they are commercially packaged items.

Homework folders – Daily we fill in a chart outlining the day’s activities and the evening’s homework.  Please take time to go over this each evening with your child.

Home Links – Most evenings there will be a math Home Link.  Each is an extension of a skill we are, or will be, working on.  These are not designed to frustrate parents!  They are activities designed to explore possibilities; there is no one correct way for it to be done.  It is also designed to allow families time to work together.  Have fun!

Spelling – Each Monday your child will make her/his own personalized list.  The first five will be class words, coming from a high frequency list, curriculum, or usage needs.  The other five will come from each child’s writing.  Throughout the week we will practice and use these words.  Friday there is a test.  The goal is to improve daily writing.

Word A Week–Wednesday evenings we will have a word-a-week assignment.  This involves finding a short definition, writing a sentence, and creating an illustration for a “new” word. The following Friday we will discuss these words and then work on using them in conversation and writing. We are also always on the look out for Wondrous Words.  If your child/family comes across a word that is particularly cool or interesting send the word to school on the gold wondrous words sheet.

Library check out – We are scheduled for library time on Friday at 10:15.  We also encourage each child to visit the many public libraries in our area.  Reading aloud to/with your child increases fluency, vocabulary and interest.  This is a great before-bed activity.  Computer time is scheduled weekly. (Wednesday/Friday)  We will be reinforcing skills and learning new ways to use the computer.

Daily Reading Minutes – the best way to become a better reader is to read.  Third grade encourages each student to read at least 75 minutes each week outside of school. This is about 10 minutes each evening.  The day’s total is recorded in the homework folder.  A weekly total will be taken as one indicator of reading progress.

 Evening Writing – This year Bendix will be focusing on making our writing better.  We will continue to work on mechanics, spelling, and content in school, but I will be asking that students practice these skills more in an authentic setting at home.  A notebook will be coming home outlining the requirements of the evening write.

 As you can see, we will be very busy this year.  In addition to those things just described, we will be learning cursive handwriting and multiplication!  There will also be time for lots and lots of fun.

 If you have any questions please feel free to call

274-8218 x1221 or e-mail (knelson@annandale.k12.mn.us)


See the links on the left for 3rd Grade curriculum, supply lists, and additional links.

                        


                           Schedule
8:15 - Opening
    (Current Events, Birthdays, Picture books)
8:30 - Reading
9:15 - Specials
   Day One: Music
   Day Two: Phy. Ed.
   Day Three: Art
   Day Four: Phy. Ed.
10:00 - Snack and  Silent Read
10:15 -  Computer (Wednesday), Library(Friday)
10:20 - Writer's Workshop
11:00  - Math                                                                 
11:50- Lunch and Noon Play
12:50 - Story
1:15 - Word Work/Spelling                                                                             
1:40 - Social / Science / Health (T, W, Th)
   Social: Cultual Studies, Map Skills, Geography               
   Science: Measurement, Sound, Human Body                 
   Health: Let's Eat, When Bodies Have Problems, My Family, Your Family, Things You might Catch, The Better To See You
                               
   Word Work / Poetry (M, F)
2:20 - Homework Folders
2:30 - Class Novel
3:00 - Dismissal