We have had a wonderful two weeks in the third grade!
In English, we began our narrative writing unit. The students are going to be writing true stories about events in their lives. In order to find small moments to write about, the students created “French Fr-ideas” and used Zoom Glasses! It was a big success and everyone found a great topic! We planned our ideas on a simple graphic organizer, and next week we will begin the drafting process. We have also been reading Louis Sachar’s Sideways Stories from Wayside School in order to develop our abilities to write detailed stories about small moments.
We also learned the rules for adding –ing and –ed at the end of a root verb. It is important that the students learn all of the English spelling rules, to improve not only their spelling, but also their reading abilities.
During ICT, we explored the Raz Kids program, which is a great way for the students to do some “just right” reading at home. The students are able to read a variety of books on an appropriate reading level, as well as check their understanding. As their teacher, I receive a report with important information regarding their strengths and weaknesses. Perhaps the best part, though, is that each student is able to create a unique and innovative avatar using their reward stars! It is a fantastic, and highly effective program that we are looking forward to using regularly this year.
In science, we began discussing the earth and linked the topic to political and physical maps. We had a class Q&A about the ocean and its depth which led to a conversation regarding animal adaptations. The students created a KWL chart regarding animals and plants, which we will build on throughout the next few weeks.
In social studies, we have been working hard to develop our classroom community. Through a series of games and activities, the students have been learning and practicing important community topics such as: teamwork, collaboration, cooperation, focus, and acceptance. Creating a strong classroom community is vital to our success throughout the year. It is important that the students learn to support, accept, and lift up one another throughout all of our future successes and failures. When we support one another and keep a growth mindset, anything is possible!
In math the 3rd grade is practicing mental calculations with 4-digit numbers: completing to the full 10 number and the next full hundred on a number line. They have also learnt rounding up or down to the nearest hundred. They are also memorizing the multiples of 6.
See you next week!