Just a reminder there is no checklist in Friday Folders due to conferences. They will resume next week. We did not complete Weekly Journals this week. Those will also resume next week.
In the Classroom
In division this week, we learned the strategy of repeated subtraction to solve problems. We also explored division word problems and how to create our own division stories. Finally, we discussed key vocabulary in word problems that will tell us if we need to use addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division.
In Geography this week, students studied scale, compass roses, and latitude/longitude. We played a favorite class game of Four Corners, but made the corners of the room the directions instead of numbers.
In writing, we completed our non-fiction pieces! Students loved publishing their work this week. We used our best handwriting, drew diagrams, added photographs, and more.
You will receive the finished project at the conference, or your third grader will be bringing it home Thursday.
There will be no spelling next week. We will resume with spelling lists after conferences. There will also be no checklist in Friday Folders next week, as I will be meeting with all parents in person. If an issue arises prior to our conference, I will email or call.
Our class is in need of red pens and pencil cap erasers. Thank you in advance!
In the Classroom
We began our division unit this week. Students learned the basic information about the operation including specific vocabulary. We learned how to draw a picture to figure out division problems, as well as how to use a multiplication times table. We will continue exploring division next week.
Ms. Daniels began our Geography unit this week. We used the iPads to explore our world with Google Earth. Students loved going on a scavenger hunt to find the Eiffel Tower, the White House, Paxton Keeley and more!
We also looked at different kinds of maps and discussed where in the world they would like to travel some day.
In writing this week, students focused on editing their pieces. We became editing detectives on the search for mistakes. Students also began publishing. They are looking forward to sharing the completed project with you next week!
Our blogger for the week, Caroline, took pictures of students during reading one day. Students were completing various activities.
Thank you to everyone who helped with the Valentine's Day Party!
Weekly Journals were not completed this week.They will resume next week.
Please note the upcoming days off school: February 12, February 15, and February 26.
In the Classroom
We completed our Multiplication unit this week. Students studied word problems at the beginning of the week and took the assessment Thursday. The assessments will be coming home next week. We will begin our Division unit next. Here are the facts of the day for next week:
Tuesday 7 x 8 = 56
Wednesday 7 x 9 = 63
Thursday 8 x 8 = 64
Friday 8 x 9 = 72
In Science this week, we discussed friction and simple machines. Students explored friction on Tuesday by using their shoes! We tied a rubber band to the end of a shoe and tried pulling it on various surfaces.
After learning about simple machines, students practiced on 4 different websites. Those sites are under the Links tab if your third grader would like to play at home.
In reading this week, we took the STAR test. The results will be shared at our conference. We also practiced our reading fluency by performing reader's theater. Each student had a part in a fractured fairy tale.
Here is the cast of "Slurping Beauty"
"The Three Little Elephants"
And "The Popsicle Boy"
The students had a blast acting and practicing their reading skills.
In writing, we finished teacher revisions on our non-fiction pieces and will begin editing next week.
You will find your conference date and time in the Friday folder. Please let me know as soon as possible if this will not work so we can reschedule.
Our PTA is doing some amazing and wonderful things for our school! If you are not a member, please consider joining. Whether you are a member or not, please consider donating at the various fundraisers they have organized. The money the PTA receives provides teachers and classrooms with valuable resources and experiences to enhance student learning. We have many upcoming opportunities to help raise money for these things. Please see the enclosed form about the Change Challenge starting next week!
I hope everyone will join us at the Bookapalooza and Poetry Jam next week on Tuesday! The event takes place from 6:30-8:00. There will be various guest readers, pizza by the slice, a used book sale and the evening will conclude with the Poetry Jam.
Our final room party is also next week. The Valentine's party will be from 2:15-3:00 on Thursday, February 11th. There is no school Friday, February 12th and Monday, February 15th.
In the Classroom
In math this week, we finished our study of multiplication facts. Students are required to know all facts up through 10 x 10. We will continue our fact of the day until we complete all 21 facts. Students have been doing a great job with these facts. We will assess over multiplication next week and then begin our Division unit.
Monday 6 x 7 = 42
Tuesday 6 x 8 = 48
Wednesday 6 x 9 = 54
Thursday 7 x 7 = 49
We finished our exploration of magnets this week in Science. Students conducted an experiment to determine how strong a magnet was.
We also learned about the other non-contact force, gravity. Students enjoyed testing the idea that two objects with different masses will hit the ground at the same time if dropped from the same height.
On Friday of last week, students developed roads for toy cars. We attached a magnet to the top and they were challenged to "drive" their car without touching it.
In reading this week, students learned about different story elements including character development and point of view. Some students also practiced making strong predictions based on text evidence.
We did peer revisions this week in writing. I was very impressed with how students were able to help each other make additions and changes to their non-fiction pieces.
Upcoming Events
February 9-PTA general meeting, Literacy Night, and Poetry Jam 6:30
