Mrs. Zirbel

Third Grade March News

March begins with “Lutheran School’s Week” and our theme this year is “securing each child’s future…for service.” Of course, this is a very important task and a shared responsibility of parents and school.  The school and family must continue to nurture belief in Christ through instruction, fellowship, worship, and communications with one another.

March is also in the season of “Lent”. This is a time of reflection and a reminder that we are by nature sinful and in need of a savior, Jesus Christ. It is a time to remember both the Calvary cross and the empty cross when Jesus is resurrected. Thank you so much for sharing these life giving messages with your child and for valuing their spiritual and academic lives.

What we’ll be learning:

1. Reading: Our theme this month is “Are we there yet?” and it explores stories from the past. We have already learned about Lindberg’s heroic flight to Paris in the selection called “Flight”. The other stories tell about Japan, a slave who learns to read, and a girl and her horse from the Great Depression Era. We will do several writing projects with these stories and research as well.
2. Math: We are learning to relate multiplication and division, learning to use double digit multiplication, and estimating large amounts. We’re also reviewing the multiplication facts. We’ll spend some time reviewing several concepts of previous units including addition, subtraction, time, money, and others. This will further prepare us for state testing coming up soon.
3. Social Studies: We will learn about westward expansion, the constitution, and how the United States was formed. We will end this month talking about the Civil War and Arkansas’ statehood.
4. Religion: Our focus this month is on the Easter story. This involves the events of Jesus and the disciples leading to the crucifixion and also Jesus’ instructions for us as believers. We will look at our “Resurrection Eggs” which are plastic eggs with tiny items inside. Each item inside the eggs tells of a different part of the story. The first is a palm branch that will help us to discuss how Jesus entered into Jerusalem and was greeted by the crowd holding palm branches. We’ll continue to open the eggs each day to discuss each message.
5.  Science: Our unit is titled “Natural Resources” and we will focus on the environment. We will also be turning our classroom into a rainforest. This will help us to learn and research about the animals of the rainforest. We will be using our research skills to write a report at the end of the month.

Just a note

1. We are desperately in need of glue sticks and pencils. We could use a classroom donation. Clorox wipes and paper towels would be an added bonus!
2. The quarter is halfway over and some children still need A.R. points. It is important to read a little each night. Twenty minutes a night makes a huge difference. Also, multiplication facts must be practiced each day. It is imperative that you test your child each day. Make it interactive by asking them on the car ride home, at the dinner table, or try putting the “hard facts” on the fridge or bathroom mirror.
3. Our parent teacher conferences will be on March 31st beginning at 1:30.
4. Remember, we’re off from March 19^th – 28^th. Happy Spring Break!
5. I would like to have some green snacks on St. Patrick’s Day(17th). If you would like to participate just simply send the “green goodies” on the 17^th. Some examples are; grapes, celery with peanut butter, green Jell-O, or any other green snacks. We’ll also make green eggs and ham in honor of Dr. Seuss.