Grade 3 Weekly Update Week of January 16, 2012

Unit of Inquiry Students are well into their reproductions and are really are enjoying it. They will be finishing next week. We are in the midst of writing research papers as well. In addition, we are continuing to talk about different types of art and the elements of art. There are some great conversations happening in class about why artists create art, what influences them, and why people like to look at art. This week we will begin to go over talking points in preparation for the exhibition on the 2nd . We will also be practicing the I Love Art 2012 song. We have a field trip scheduled for Wednesday, January 18. The permission slip should be returned today. We can only take a limited number of chaperones. We will have a guided tour of one of two exhibits there. We will have lunch at school (a bit later than usual). Please send 1 Euro on that day for your child to buy a souvenir postcard. We will be finishing up our artist reports in language arts. We will also be working on editing skills, and reviewing editing symbols. We will also be continuing with word study and poetry. Additionally, we will be focusing on making inferences during our reading. This is something you can easily practice at home as you share a story or television program by asking questions, such as Why do you think s/he did that?, What do you think will happen next? What can you tell about this character based on what you have read in the story? We will be continuing work on division this week. Practicing facts and also working with money will be a highlight. We would like for you to continue to have your child practicing basic facts each night for 5 minutes. It is important for them to understand that knowing facts will help in many other facets of mathematics. ECAs begin this week!!!! Please be aware that after school activities begin this week. Be sure that we know how your child is getting home. Also be sure that your child knows how they are getting home. Dear Parents, During the course of the year, students in the Elementary School (Grades 1-5) are invited to share a song or piece of music at our matinees. There are two more scheduled this year: Thursday, January 19 (3:15-4:00 in the MPR) Wednesday, April 18 (3:15-4:00 in the MPR) A matinee is basically a short concert where students that are taking lessons or are otherwise inspired to perform can play or sing for an audience. At BBIS, our Elementary School concerts and performances during the school year generally reflect what we are learning collectively in the classroom, so these matinees are designed to provide an opportunity for students to shine individually or as a small Andi Jamet andi.jamet@bbis.de David Sexsmith david.sexsmith@bbis.de Erika Victor erika.victor@bbis.de

Language Arts

Math

Other

Grade 3 Weekly Update Week of January 16, 2012

group. Please e-mail Brent Lund Bruning (brent.lundbruning@bbis.de) by Wednesday, January 17 if your child would like to take part in the matinee this Thursday. Please indicate what instrument and what piece will be played and help your child prepare for the concert. In order to keep the concert a reasonable length, we ask that students choose fairly short pieces. Even if your child is a beginner, this is a supportive and understanding audience, so please encourage him or her to take part. If you are interested in coming to the matinee as an audience member, just show up and enjoy the music! Let me know if you have any questions. Brent Lund Bruning In the art room The students are doing a fantastic job preparing for the art show. If students finish their artwork early, they will be creating a second piece in a similar style. y The goal of this 5-week project is to imitate the researched-artist's style in some way, but to also take artistic risks by altering the colors, materials, shapes, forms, etc. to make it unique and original. Students are given teacher-recommended materials and techniques, but are also encouraged to question these recommendations if they have better ideas/solutions. Mistakes are encouraged and celebrated so that the students can see how inspiration can come from unexpected results. Mistakes are also a sign of risk-taking and artistic courage, to step out of "the familiar." In the end, the students are expected to not only have an original piece of art to present at their art show, but also to gain greater confidence in their own abilities as a young artist. y We will also be piloting a computer program called VoiceThread which will allow students to take a picture of their finished artwork and record their voice at the same time. This will be our method of reflection for this project. When completed, you will be able to access your childs reflection online, and share it with friends and family who cannot make it to the art show. y For some pictures of the creation process, see the website http://www.rootedvisions.com/grade-3.html (password: lehmbau) o (More pictures will be added soon) Save the date: Thursday, February 2- Grade 3 Art Exhibit- Parents are invited to the opening at 8:30-9:00 (but if you cant make it until later in the day, please come when you can!). This will take place in the Heizhaus.. Your child will present as the artist or culture s/he has chosen. Some sort of costume is requested- it does not have to be much. y David Sexsmith david.sexsmith@bbis.de Erika Victor erika.victor@bbis.de

Looking Ahead

Andi Jamet andi.jamet@bbis.de

Grade 3 Weekly Update Week of January 16, 2012

Up-coming events: Jan. 18th Jan. 19th Jan. 27th Jan. 31st Principals Coffee Morning (Camilles Office 8:10) ES matinee (MPR 3:15) Progress reports and portfolios go home PTA bake sale

Andi Jamet andi.jamet@bbis.de

David Sexsmith david.sexsmith@bbis.de

Erika Victor erika.victor@bbis.de