Mrs. McGovern's Classroom Connection

We require four book reports in the second semester of Third Grade. This information has been sent home as well.
....Bring in your book for approval so you can begin reading.
FORMAT:
Name.........................................................................Date
Reading......................................................................Gr. 3 Rm

.............................Book Report...........................................

Title:_________________________________(underline title)
Author:
Characters:
Summary:

My suggestion is to write the rough draft of your summary WHILE you read the book by reading one or two chapters, then writing a paragraph,including the main ideas,about what you read. By th time you have finished the book, you will have your summary completed! Also be sure to include a paragraph at the end about what you liked best about the book.Use a second paper whenever necessary.

Parents, please, advise your child, guide your child, assist your child...but do not write the report for him/her. They need to use their own skills in finding main ideas and summarizing. Also, encourage them to check their work carefully. You can help by reviewing their writing and pinpointing an area where a mistake may have been made...don't do it for them.

And when it comes to covers...the boys and girls can be very creative on their own. They really do not need your help in that area. Thank you in advance for allowing your child to earn his/herown grade.

COVER - Create an ATTRACTIVE cover by drawing, using the computer, or using scrapbooking or craft materials. Do NOT simply make a copy of the book's cover as your cover.

PROOFREAD your final copy for any mistakes before you turn it in. Spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors will hurt your final grade.

DUE DATES:

Book Report #1 Friday, Jan. 29th Printed in manuscript on loose leaf paper
#2 Friday, Feb. 26th Written in cursive writing on loose leaf paper
#3 Friday, March 26th Written in cursive writing on loose leaf paper
#4 Friday, Apr. 30th Typed in Computer class (rough draft ready by Apr.19)

It is our hope that the children will benefit from these book reports by improving their writing skills and formulating good organizational skills as well as responsibility.

Welcome to the second half of third grade. I hope you are noticing some changes for the better in your child. Most are showing some maturity in dealing with their supplies and assignments, however, we still have some stragglers. I know it's hard, but please try not to "make their job easier" for them. At this age, it's easy just to give in and do it yourself. You know as well as I that doing that won't help them grow into the responsible student we're working toward.

Book Reports are due on Jan. 29th. I can approve the second book anytime. We've finished Chapter 8 in Math on graphs, so it's full speed ahead on multiplication. In addition to the lessons in the book, we will be singing tables, playing games, drilling, and doing all we can to get those facts into the kids' little heads for good! I know I can count on you to help whenever you can. Unit B in Science is dealing with Physical Science, a difficult topic for some students. Remember that the tests are not the only grades that count. Homework should be done carefully, using the chapter as a resource for answers. Some of the children put very little effort into searching for answers, and it shows on their grades.

Please encourage your child to log in their reading times on the READ TO SUCCEED form that was given to them. It's a great way to earn a free ticket to Great America. Since they're doing so much reading for book reports anyway, why ot take advantage of this offer? Only 6 hours of reading time is required...such a deal!!!

Catholic Schools Week is coming soon, so I hope to see you celebrating Catholic education with us at some of our planned activities.

Had enough winter yet???? I have