In third grade science we are studying about animals and how to classify them into several categories.  The students are learning that if an animal has a backbone, it is a vertebrate and can be classified as a mammal, fish, amphibian, reptile or bird.  If there is no backbone, then the animal is classified as an invertebrate. 

Your child is excited about the Animal Notebook that has been assigned.  Through this project your child will learn and practice beginning organizational skills.  He will learn the skill of categorization and classifying as well as planning and using time effectively for completing this project.

Your child has been given the following instructions regarding his Animal Notebook:

  1.  At least five pictures are to be collected from each of the six categories:  mammals, fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds and invertebrates.  The pictures may be traced, colored and cut out, cut from magazines, newspapers or books (ask permission first).  Students may use two pictures per category from Internet sources.
  2.  Pictures are to be neatly mounted on colored paper.  If the pictures are small, several pictures of one category may be placed on the same sheet of paper.  Each picture should be neatly labeled with the name of the animal.  Plan to have each category mounted on a different color of paper.
  3.  A title page should begin each of the six categories.  Also, the characteristics of each category should be neatly written on notebook paper, attached to a piece of colored paper and placed just behind the title page.
  4.  The completed project is to be fastened into a notebook with an attractively decorated cover.

The notebook should be the student’s work, but it is permissible for the parent to help the child gather pictures and assemble the completed project.  The child should do his own writing (print or cursive) and coloring.  The notebook will be graded (the same as one test grade) on the student’s effort, neatness and following instructions.  The notebook will be due on Wednesday, November 22nd.  Late projects will lose points.  There are some sample notebooks from former students in the room for you to view.  If you have any questions, please call or come by the room.

 

Serving Him,

 

Monica Parsons