A Note From Your Third  Grade Teachers
Third Grade Connections
October 20th, 2016

Dear Third Grade Families,

We hope you have recovered from Pumpkin Festival weekend and are well on your way to preparing for Halloween and Thanksgiving.

Third grade has been in high gear lately, with two field trips and interesting class activities. Thank you so much to everyone who drove to the San Mateo History Museum and Arata's Pumpkin Farm. We know they happened close together, so we appreciate your time.

Sincerely, 

Your Third Grade Team
Kathe Bybee and Jen Guevara

What We Have Been Up To
Reader's Workshop
In Reader's Workshop students started learning and practicing how to write responses to their reading.  Teachers modeled how to use letter format to communicate thinking about the books the kids are reading. Please keep encouraging your child to read those "just right" books every day and record in the planner.

Writer's Workshop
During Writer's Workshop, third graders began studying the craft of writing and looking at pieces to take through the writing process. They read works by other authors to inspire them (also known as Mentor's Text). Over the next few weeks, third graders will be drafting, revising, editing, and publishing their stories.  
Math
Over the last two weeks in Math Workshop, the children worked on solving word problems and activities with counting and writing money amounts. They played games to reinforce their strategies with addition and subtraction. Next, the children will explore place value concepts.
Word Study
The classes started word study with a program called Words their Way.  So far students sorted and played a game with ee, ea, oa, ai long vowel patterns.
Social Studies
At the museum, students learned even more about the natural resources by studying the Ohlone life.  they will use this knowledge to study this tribe ( and others) in depth.
Science
Observations and pumpkins have dominated science. The children learned how to observe using their five senses. They then took this information and observed the pumpkins they got at Arata's Pumpkin Farm in detail. Third graders have also been investigating the physical properties of matter and the characteristics of solids, liquids, and gas.
Character Education / Mindfulness
Third Graders spend part of every day participating in mindfulness exercises. They also enjoy activities studying how the brain works in the Mind Up program.
Ask Your Child About
  • Ask your child the difference between an observation and inference.
  • Ask your child how to play Race for a Dollar.
  • Ask your child what "craft"means in writing.
  • Ask your child what the three states of matter are.
  • Ask your child what the difference is between mindful and unmindful responses and how it affects focus and kindness. 
Upcoming Events
Halloween Celebration
Monday, October 31st

We will begin our Halloween Celebration with a  K-8  A ssembly in the gym at  8:30 a.m., followed by a  Costume  Parade across the blacktop and around the field. Parents are welcome to attend. This will be a great opportunity for students to showcase their costumes and for parents to take photos! 

All students should come to school in their costumes. Please make sure your child brings a labeled bag to take his/her costume safely home, as well as comfortable clothes to participate in regular school activities after the festivities.

As a reminder, we are a K-8 community and students are asked to wear school appropriate costumes. Please remember to leave weapons and/or other costume props that violate school rules at home. 

After the all-school parade, Third Grade will be having a Halloween Classroom Party - crafts chemistry projects and healthy snacks in  Room 11 & 12 from 10:20-11:40 a.m. Please check out the sign up here if you would like to help. It should be a spooktacular time!

Thank You
Thanks to all who were able to join us to walk in the Annual Pumpkin Festival Parade! Special thanks to Tina Lourenco, Heather Sandel, Karen Doherty and their team for all their dedication creating the float and costumes.
Volunteer Opportunities
Calling All Volunteers

Third graders will be cutting into their pumpkins on  Friday, October 28th  to further investigate in math, science, and fun. We could use a few adult helpers to help out. Please contact  [email protected]   or  [email protected]  if you could spare an hour in the afternoon to help.    
How to Reach Us
  • If questions ever arise, please do not hesitate to reach out! We are available by email at [email protected] and/or [email protected]. Email is our preferred method of communication. We will check our email after school daily. 
  • If there is an emergency, please call Cathy at the front desk, at 650.712.9892.
Photo Galleries
Third Grade

Third Grade
Learning Buddies

Do you have photos you'd be willing to share with the school? Please upload them here, or email them at [email protected].  Thank you!
SEA CREST SCHOOL  |  seacrestschool.org  |  650.712.9892
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