I know your child is going to HATE this, but, for the next four weeks I would like them to take ONE UTIPS test every day.  This will prepare them for the end of year testing.  It really helps them understand the format of the test and gives them an opportunity to ask you questions on items they do not understand.  I will publish ALL the tests I have created.  They can do any test they want to do.  They can do as many as they want.  Many they have already done.  They can redo if they would like.  If they will just do one as they wake up every morning while off track, then they can play the rest of the day.  We test the first full week after we come back on track.  We will not have much time to review.  If they will stick with me through this, I will not have any more UTIPS for the rest of the year as a reward for the hard work they do while off track. 

This week we will be practicing for some of our upcoming tests.  Also, your student has been working very hard on a poem book and an ABC class book.  These books will be hard bound by a company.  You will receive one hard bound poetry book for free.  The class will receive one hard bound ABC book for free.  If you would like to order more of either of these books you may do so.  A note will go home this week so please look for it.  The money is due Monday, April 29.  I have to mail the books the next day to get them to the publisher.  Please do not expect to turn in the money late.  Please remember, you will receive ONE poetry book for free.  You only need to pay if you want another one, or if you want an ABC book.

You will notice spelling for the week is not a concept.  The rest of the year we will be doing spelling words that ALL third graders should know.  Some may be too easy, some more difficult.  Please know that your child may often be able to spell the word for a test, but in their writing I am noticing they are spelling them wrong.  I am choosing words I am often seeing spelled wrong.

Some important dates coming up:

April 29:  DIBELS Testing (this is a reading fluency test done in the library)

April 29:  All Take Home Reading Books need to be turned in.  The take home library will be closed while we are off track so we need to get those turned in.

April 29:  Money is due for the books written by your student

June 3-June 6:  End of Year Testing.  Two days of tests will be done in Language Arts and two days of tests will be done in math.  UTIPS is the best way to study for these tests.

Spelling for April 22-26: Everything Except Exciting Favorite First Friendly Getting General Governor Have Hidden Hole Hopeless I’m Impossible Independent Journal Knew Know Laughed Words are on spellingcity.com Under Third Grade Words #2 if you want to practice there. Words will also be written in their planners.

UTIPS Homework: Tests are whatever ones you want.  Do one a day!!!

Keyboarding Help: The school has used a free internet program called Dance Mat typing. bbc.co.uk/schools/typing

Reading Days: Remember to record your reading days!!! Your child needs to read 20 minutes or more to count as a day.