Water Cycle

Did you know 75 % of Earth is made of water?


In Science, we have been learning about the stages of the Water Cycle. Water is found in many places such as lakes, rivers, oceans, ponds, puddles, reservoirs, and many other places.

The first stage is evaporation. This is a process where the water is heated and turned into a water vapor. The sun is the main heat source for this process. Following the evaporation stage is condensation. This is where warm and cold air collide and form ice crystals that condense and form droplets of water.


These water droplets eventually become too heavy and begin to fall in the form of rain, snow, hail or sleet. This stage is called precipitation.

The next stage is percolation. The water seeps through the soil and ends up in the water table. It then flows into the streams, lakes, oceans, and other bodies of water. The process is then repeated again and again.
We even made our own models of the Water Cycle:



Great website:

http://www.epa.gov/safewater/kids/flash/flash_watercycle.html

Collecting Data

In Math, we are studying "Data." This includes how to collect, interpret and analyze information. Click on the following survey about 3rd grade to let me know about your favorite and least favorite parts of third grade. There are only 5 questions. Be sure to answer each one! Next, we will look at the data and interpret it! (You may only take the survey ONCE)

Create your free online surveys with SurveyMonkey, the world's leading questionnaire tool.

Matter

In Science, we are exploring the topic "Matter." Matter is ANYTHING THAT CAN TAKE UP SPACE. The three main types are: solids, liquids and gases. Check out the following websites and interactive games about matter:

• http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/ks2bitesize/science/materials/characteristic_materials/play.shtml


• http://www.nyu.edu/pages/mathmol/textbook/whatismatter.html


• http://www2.mcdaniel.edu/Graduate/TI/pages/LEWIS/matterweb.htm


• http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/scienceclips/ages/6_7/grouping_materials.shtml


• http://www.kidsknowit.com/educational-songs/index.php?topic=Physics

Spring Party Next Week!

We are looking forward to a Spring Party on Thursday, April 21st. We will enjoy a variety of fun activities including planting flowers in pots to take home, dying eggs and going on an Easter egg hunt. We will also have pizza for lunch! We will need volunteer families to bring in the following items:

• Plastic eggs (several bags)


• Candy (items that will not melt outside)


• Hard boiled eggs (at least 4 dozen)


• Food coloring/vinegar


• Clear cups


• Plastic spoons


• Paper plates

We will also need $2.00 per person for pizza. Please let me know if you or your child will be eating pizza so that I know how many boxes to pre-order! Hope you can join us! Thank You So Much!

FCAT SNACKS REMINDER

Just a reminder that we will need healthy snacks for FCAT Week!! Ideas include: Healthy Snacks:· Juice boxes (no sugar added)· Applesauce/ Fruit cups· “Gogurt” (Yogurt packages)· Cereal/ Granola/ “Chewy” bars· Carrots· Bananas· Muffins· Trail mix· Pretzels· Crackers (Cheese or peanut butter)· Cheerios/ dried cereals· Raisins· “100 Calorie” Snack packs· Celery with peanut butterOther suggested items:· Mini Kleenex packages· Fresh fruit· Pancake mix/ Syrup· Canned Biscuits/ Jelly· Any other “breakfast” items for before the test!

Fair Shares!

Dear Family,

Our class is starting a unit on fractions, called Fair Shares. Your child will be using fractions to make "fair shares" of things like paper "brownies" and pattern-block "cookies."

By working with these materials, your child will learn about how "wholes" come apart into fractions and how fractions fit together as wholes. We'll talk about which of two shares is larger and which fractions are really the same (for example, 1/3 is the same as 2/6).

Here are some ways you can help at home:

* When your family really is sharing food, talk about "fair shares" and help your child name fractions. If you want to split the pizza among five people, how can you split it fairly? How much does each person get?

*Cooking is another great way to learn about fractions. How can we measure 3/4 cup? Look together at how the fractions appear on a measuring cup. Doubling recipes, or cutting them in half, can help your child understand how to make new numbers with fractions.


Throughout the unit, please look over your child's homework. Ask about the fraction work the class is doing, and encourage your child to explain some of the problems to you. The purpose of this unit is for students to visualize and compare fractions, to find different combinations of fractions to make a whole, to learn which common fractions are equivalent, and to begin to use fractions to solve problems like this one:

Six people at a party shared all the cookies evenly. Each person ate 1 and 1/3 cookies. How many cookies did they eat!?

Thank you for your support and interest in your child's mathematics.

Allen Say Author Study

We have been studying the children's literature author, Allen Say for the past few weeks. We have been learning about Japanese culture and traditions. Some of his books also discuss how people in both Japan and America were affected during World War II. Students have been very intrigued by the topics! So far we have found the majority of books by Allan Say have common themes as we are learning how to compare and contrast each story.

Throughout our Author Study, we have been making predictions, inferring and learning how to summarize the books we are reading. Students each have their own "Attributes Charts" to record the genre of each story, characters, interesting words/phrases, connections, questions and themes. We are also working on writing "Responses to Literature" about his books for Writer's Workshop. During this process, students are learning valuable "FCAT" test-taking skills including interpreting higher level text with figurative language, challenging vocabulary and "diving back in for supporting details" when answering comprehension questions.

Check out websites related to Allen Say at:

• His Official Publisher’s Website: http://www.houghtonmifflinbooks.com/authors/allensay/


• Interview with Allen Say: http://www.rif.org/kids/readingplanet/bookzone/say.htm
  
• Allan Say Webcast: http://www.loc.gov/today/cyberlc/feature_wdesc.php?rec=3505

FCAT Snacks Requested

Dear Parents & Guardians,

Wow! This year is flying by so quickly! We are starting to focus on FCAT Test-taking strategies in class. As a reminder, testing will begin on Monday, April 11th and last thru Thursday, April 14th. It is very important that your child is here every day before the test for review!

In addition, I know how important it is to create a comfortable environment for students. I would like to have special snacks for the students to enjoy each morning before/ after testing. I will be here early morning on testing days to serve breakfast. The following is a list of suggested healthy snacks that can be donated. Please keep in mind that we currently have 20 students in our classroom. Thank you for any help you may be able to provide!

Healthy Snacks:
· Juice boxes (no sugar added)
· Applesauce/ Fruit cups
· “Gogurt” (Yogurt packages)
· Cereal/ Granola/ “Chewy” bars
· Carrots
· Bananas
· Muffins
· Trail mix
· Pretzels
· Crackers (Cheese or peanut butter)
· Cheerios/ dried cereals
· Raisins
· “100 Calorie” Snack packs
· Celery with peanut butter

Other suggested items:
· Mini Kleenex packages
· Fresh fruit
· Pancake mix/ Syrup
· Canned Biscuits/ Jelly
· Any other “breakfast” items for before the test!

FCAT Update

Dear Parents,

A letter was sent home last week about FCAT with useful websites and information. Here is a copy of what you need to know...

Third Grade FCAT TEST DATES:

• Monday, April 11th- Tuesday, April 12th: Reading


• Wednesday April 13th- Thursday, April 14th: Math

Beginning in the 2010-2011 school year, there will be several changes to the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT). This change occurred in response to what are called the “Next Generation Sunshine State Standards or NGSS that were adopted state-wide in 2007.

Online Resources:
o https://app1.fldoe.org/SuccessMeasures/Default.aspx
“The Success Measures application allows users to learn about the Florida standards, also referred to as the Next Generation Sunshine State Standards, and the specific assessments that will be testing that particular standard. Please choose the anticipated school year, along with the grade level and the courses you wish to research. The results will display when you select ‘Go.’”

o http://www.floridastandards.org/homepage/index.aspx
This webpage provides detailed information on each standard and benchmark tested in each subject and grade level. The “standards” tab will explain each standard and benchmark, while the “resource” tab give examples of lessons/activities for particular grade levels and subjects.

o http://fcat.fldoe.org/fcat2/
This webpage provides a general overview explaining reasons behind the changes for the 2010-2011 school year. A link titled “Test Item Specifications” gives detailed examples of what questions will look like. Another link, titled “Sample Questions and Answer Key Booklets” provides a sample FCAT for your student.

Before The Test:

1.Make sure your child attends school regularly. Remember that tests reflect the overall achievement of your child. The more often the child is in a learning situation, the more likely he/she will do well on tests.

2. Give your child encouragement. Praise him/her for the things done well throughout the year. A child who is afraid of failing is more likely to make a mistake.

3. See that your child has a well-rounded diet. A healthy body leads to a healthy, active mind.

4. See that your child completes homework assignments. Homework supports classroom instruction and can help your child increase his/her comprehension of the classroom work.

5. Meet with your child’s teacher(s) as often as possible to discuss your child’s progress. Parents and teachers should work together to benefit the child.

6. Ask the teacher(s) to suggest activities for you to do at home with your child. Such activities can help your child improve his/her understanding of school work.

7. Make sure your child is well rested on school days. Children who are tired are less likely to pay attention in class or to handle the demands of class work and tests.

8. Try not to be overly anxious about test scores. Too much emphasis on test scores can be upsetting to children.

Valentine's Day

Just a reminder, we will celebrate Valentine’s Day on Monday, February 14th if you wish to send in Valentine’s or treats for the class. Here is a current list of our students:

1. Katie
2. Daniel
3. Carlee
4. Janae
5. Reagan
6. Tyler
7. Sonny
8. Melvin
9. Mason
10. Julianna
11. Carter
12. Adrienne
13. David
14. Denaysia
15. Jesus
16. Michael
17. Sole’
18. Sophie
19. Anthony
20. William

Hope you enjoy the Valentine's Dance tonight! It will take place from 6:00-8:00 p.m.

Picture Day

Just a reminder, tomorrow is school picture day! Be sure to look your best :)

Volunteer Luncheon Tomorrow!

Thank you to all of our special volunteers! Don't forget NBE is holding a luncheon just for you tomorrow, Thursday, February 10th! If you received an invitation, please come and let us honor you! It will be held from 11-1:00 p.m. in the Gym.

Scholastic Book Fair

The Book Fair is at our school! We had the chance to walk through and make a "Wish List." Tomorrow is our day to buy things! Please make sure your child brings money if they plan to buy anything. Our class time slot is from 9:30-10:00.

**The books will be here for until the rest of this week if your child wants to buy anything before or after school.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Today we are out of school to think back about the work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. According to a Weekly Reader article we read in class, he is famous for his "I Have a Dream" speech of 1963. King worked to change laws by giving speeches and leading peaceful marches. He wanted equal rights for all people. Thanks to King and other leaders, Congress passed civil rights laws. Those laws make sure that Americans have equal rights! This means that people will get treated the same way and will be allowed to do the same things.

Solar System

We have been studying Space & the Solar System in Science. We are learning about the sun, planets, stars, moons, asteroids and comets!

Click on the following links to go to other interesting "kid-friendly" websites about space:

http://www.kidsastronomy.com/solar_system.htm

http://science.nationalgeographic.com/science/space/solar-system

http://solarsystem.nasa.gov/planets/index.cfm

http://www.kidzone.ws/planets/index.htm

Classroom Holiday Celebration

We are celebrating “Winter holidays” in our classroom on Friday, December 17th. Students are invited to come to school in their pajamas! We will be sipping hot chocolate, eating sweet cookies and watching, “The Polar Express.” Students will also participate in several holiday craft activities and will have pizza for lunch. We will need a few donations and $2.00 per person for the pizza. You are invited to join us in all of the winter fun to kick of winter break and the holidays. Hope you can make it!

President's Mile Run Challenge!

Well students, it's time to shine! You have been working so hard to run laps on our track each day we go outside for recess. Our official Mile Run with Coach Rhodin will take place next Friday, December 10th during normal PE time (8:45-9:30).

We know you are ready to do your best! Please remember to wear layered clothing in case you get hot while running and comfortable shoes/sneakers. You also should plan to bring yourself a bottled water for that day. We are so excited! Please remember to tell your parents they are welcome to come and cheer for you!

Thanksgiving Celebration

Dear Parents,

This year we would like to give students a chance to celebrate their differences. On Tuesday, November 23 our class will be having Cultural Diversity Day. However, we will need support from parents! We would like to have a class feast, following Thanksgiving traditions, but serve the foods from our students’ native countries OR foods that are favorite family recipes. We are asking that parents send in one dish to share with the class. We will also need volunteers to help set up and clean up for the feast. We would love any parents that are from another country to come and share traditions during the feast. We also will present various Reader’s Theater plays about Thanksgiving for parents before the feast.

Thank You So Much!
Miss Fisher

Mister Rogers Sweater Drive & Thanksgiving Food Donations

Students, Parents & Guardians,

November is a month to think about what we are thankful for. We are so blessed to have such supportive families and giving students at NBE! This month, we are collecting sweaters to donate to families in need. Please encourage your children to clean out their closets! We are collecting children's AND adult sweaters, sweatshirts, jackets and coats.

In addition, many of our friends and neighbors would not have a dinner for the holidays unless Beaches Emergency Assistance Ministry gave them food. We are going to help BEAM help families for Thanksgiving. Please send in any donations!

Halloween Fun

We had a great time at the Book Character Parade for Halloween. Here are the pictures to prove it!