We have begun to read and write in non-fiction.  The children will be creating an "expert" book.  The children will  choose a topic that they know a lot about and write long. The chapters are divided into headings and sub-headings. Ask your child about the topic they have chosen!

Mrs. Swanson’s 3rd Grade

Reading and Math Volunteer Schedule

Thursdays and Fridays January thru March

Thursday January 14       Literacy Stations  10:15 to 11:45 Erin Cox

Friday January 15           Math Stations       10:15 to 11:45 Dora Jih-Schiff

                                                                                         Carrie Shapiro

Thursday January 21       Literacy Stations    10:15 to 11:45 Maria Gemmell

Friday January 22            Math Stations         10:15 to 11:45 Lisa Pujol

Thursday January 28       Literacy Stations    10:15 to 11:45 Jen Greenberg

Friday January 9    Math Stations         10:15 to 11:45 Lisa Pujol

                                                                                          Dora Jih-Schiff

Thursday February 4        Literacy Stations    10:15 to 11:45 Maria Gemmell

Friday February 5            Math Stations         10:15 to 11:45 Michael Fong

                                                                                          Magaly Ramirez

Thursday February 11      Literacy Stations    10:15 to 11:45 Erin Cox

Friday February 12          Math Stations         10:15 to 11:45 James Allen

                                                                                          Debbie Carr Goldberg

Thursday February 25      Literacy Stations    10:15 to 11:45 Jen Greenberg

Friday February 26 Math Stations         10:15 to 11:45 Carrie Shapiro

                                                                                          Dora Jih-Schiff

Thursday March  4 Literacy Stations    10:15 to 11:45 Erin Cox

Friday March  5     Math Stations         10:15 to 11:45 Jenny Burke

                                                                                          Lisa Pujol

Thursday March     18      Literacy Stations   10:15 to 11:45 Maria Gemmell

Friday March          19     Math Stations         10:15 to 11:45 Magaly Ramirez

                                                                                          James Allen

Students have been busy writing ideas for stories in their Writer's Notebooks.  We have talked about how writers get ideas from special places, special people,  and objects. Students choose a seed idea, and nuture it into a narrative.  They are practicing writing inviting leads, including dialogue to make the characters in the story come alive, and other ways to make their story exciting and inviting.

The students will continue to write and then edit , revise, and publish. We look forward to our first publishing party and celebrating our success as published authors!

There are so many excellent children's books that it is difficult to choose favorites.  But right now the class is reading Roald Dalh's The Fantastic Mr. Fox.  Roald Dahl has written many books for children, including The Witches, James and the Giant Peach, and The BFG.

In The Fantastic Mr. Fox, we discover that Mr. Fox is pitting his wits against those of the neighboring farmers.  Since Mr. Fox spends his nights stealing from their vast storehouses, we understand their drive to stop him.  We also grow fond of him and his family and root for them to win. What will happen to Mr. Fox and his kits?

In third grade students will participate in several field trips that will increase their knowledge of San Ramon Valley's agricultural heritage. We will go to Forest Home Farms and The Tassajara One-Room School House. In science, we also learn about the Solar System, and take a trip to Chabot Space and Science Center in the Oakland hills.  The students also learn about Guide Dogs for the Blind, and we visit their facility in San Rafael.  Dates will be added as they become available.

This year the third graders will all be enrolled in music with Mrs. Knight!  A special grant has made a purchase of  new recorders for each third grader.  If your child already takes music lessons, this will enhance theur knowledge.  If your child has not yet lerned about  reading music, this will serve as an introduction.  Please make sure your child bring their recorder on our music day, so they can be an active participant in the class.

Thank you for all your support in helping make our first weeks of third grade a great success!  The children and I are setting the tone of respect for others, ... more