May 2nd Update...

Dear Parents,

Thank you for visiting today!  The students ended our week with an exciting Careers On Wheels event right here at Kemp. We learned about the motorcycle unit of the Cobb County Police Department, Sparkles Skating Rink, SWAT unit, DEA, K-9 unit, UPS, Cobb EMC, as well as several other careers that involve vehicles.  It was a great learning experience.   Check out below to see what else we've been doing this week in Room 216!

Phonics/Grammar:  We learned the -or/-ore/-oar/ w+or sounds and the spr/str/scr blends.  We created anchor charts to help us learn the spelling patterns, we worked in our notebook to sort our words, and we played several games to memorize these words.  We also reviewed the role of adverbs and adjectives and talked specifically about the verbs and nouns that these words modify.  We completed several activities to practice adding adverbs and adjectives to our own writing to make it more descriptive.

Reading:  We read several more chapters in our Horns and Wrinkles chapter book.  We talked about how an illustration can convey the main idea of a passage and we illustrated a chapter from this book.  We read two different very challenging folktales; The Terrible Leak and How the Elephant Came to Be, from a third grade anthology and then summarized the story in our own words. We also practiced the skill of making predictions after reading a short section of a story.  We worked in small groups and finished up our independent reading material. The children are currently working on showing their growth in reading by taking a DRA (Developmental Reading Assessment) as well.

Math:  We are still practicing addition and subtraction with and without regrouping, memorizing math facts, and sharpening our skill of multiplying.  We are working on making a LAP BOOK of multiplication facts that can be used over the summer to memorize those facts.  We learned how to model multiplication using arrays, sets, repeated addition, and a number line.  Understanding what is represented through multiplication is more important than simple memorization.  This solid foundation is key as we move into division,  work with fractions and percentages, and finding area next year.  Please be mindful of your child's work that comes home and add some practice if needed.

Writing: We began doing the research for a writing assignment that we will kick off next week. We will be writing a compare/contrast book on moths and butterflies.

Science:  We learned all about the life cycle of the butterfly.  We observed as our larva formed chrysalises and then emerged as beautiful painted lady butterflies. We released our butterflies and wrote amazing haiku poems about them!

Class News and Announcements...

Congratulations to LANDON ABRAMS for being chosen as this week's CELEBRITY!  Way to go!

Congratulations to CAMDEN BREEDEN, who holds the best time for addition and subtraction facts!  That shows some hard work and determination!  Love it!!!

Congratulations to MARK COAXUM, who holds the best time for multiplication facts!  WOO HOO!

Our field trip to NCG theaters is on Tuesday.  We will be leaving the school around 9:15 for a 10:00 showing. The theaters will be closed to everyone but our grade.  Your child will have a choice of Fanta Orange soda or Sprite and we will also get popcorn.  We will return on Tuesday at 11:45 and will eat our lunches in the room. Sack lunches will be provided to children buying lunch.

Wednesday is FIELD DAY!  Please send a complete change of clothes for your child to wear after field day (including undergarments, socks, and shoes).  Please send these clothes in a bag so we can put the wet clothes in there.  Also, your child may bring a beach towel. Please apply sunscreen that morning.  

Next Friday is our Boosterthon FUN RUN!  We will be running at 9:00. Come and join the fun!