Literacy
We spent the month of December learning about historical fiction in literacy. Students set reading goals to make sure they would finish their books before the break. They learned how to use clues pictures, language/words, or from characters’ actions to identify the setting (when and where the story takes place) of the book. When talking about the setting and problem of the historical fiction books, students discovered that the two are closely linked. For example, characters trying to be pioneers in the 1800s wouldn’t face some of the same problems in the 2000s. Students also learned how to identify what point of view the author was using to tell the story, first person, third person-limited, or third person-omniscient. Students wrapped up their study of historical fiction by creating a visual representation of the setting of their book. Students were able to create a picture, map, or 3D model or diorama.
Our next focus in reading and writing will be on informational (nonfiction) texts to coincide with our study of space in science. Students will be learning how to read and write informational texts.
Math
In math this month we completed our study of telling time, finding elapsed time, and reading temperature. We also completed a chapter which reviewed reading, interpreting, and creating bar graphs, picture graphs, and line plots. Students learned how to develop a survey question, collect data using a tally chart or table, and turn the data into either a bar graph, picture graph, and line plot. Once students created a graph, they then had to take on the challenging task of interpreting the graph, deciding what conclusions could be made as a result of the survey. Students should have brought home their graph projects over the course the last few weeks.
When we return from vacation we will be focusing on multiplication for several weeks. Student brought home multiplication flash cards at the end of November to study.
Social Studies
We have finished learning about another region of the United States, the Southeastern region. Earlier this week students brought home the lapbooks they created along with their Southeastern states test. After we complete our space unit in science we will be learning about the Midwest region and then we’ll move onto economics in social studies.
Science
Historically, one of the most popular units in third grade, is our science unit entitled, “Earth in the Universe.” We’ll be starting this unit after the winter break. During this unit students will be learning about how Earth compares to other planets in the solar system. On January 8th the Northern Stars Planetarium will be visiting HBS to help kick off our space study with all the 3rd grade classes. Our class is scheduled for the 12:45-1:45 showing on Tuesday, January 8th!
Important Dates
December 22nd-January 1st: Vacation
Tuesday, January 8th: Northern Stars Planetarium, 12:45-1:45pm
Wednesday, January 9th: Fire Safety, 1:40-2:10
Monday, January 21st: No School, MLK, Jr. Day