Reading
Informational or nonfiction texts have been our main focus in reading since returning from vacation. Students have learned how to identify the main idea and key details of text, helpful nonfiction text features, identifying text structure, and how to do a close read (rereading for different purposes.) Visit our website (see below) for pictures of some examples of our work or activities!
In reading our upcoming unit will be about folktales-tall tales, myths, fairytales, legends, etc.
Writing
In writing we have been learning about the parts of a paragraph-topic sentence, at least three detail sentences, and a closing sentence. We’ll be using this knowledge to write planet reports! Students will choose a planet to more about. They will learn how to use books and websites to research and take notes. Then they will be organizing their notes into subcategories and then turn their notes into a report.
Math
Students have been working very hard this month to master their multiplication facts through 10×10. We have reviewed many strategies to solve unknown multiplication facts, such as drawing a picture, using an array or area model, repeated addition, a number line, or skip counting. By the end of third grade students are to have memorized their multiplication facts so please keep practicing at home!
Our next math chapter will require students to multiply two digit numbers by one digit numbers, such as 34×3. We will be learning the “traditional way” of solving these types of problems.
Basic division as well as long division, with or without remainders is a chapter that will be coming up soon as well. Again, knowing multiplication facts will be SO helpful for students as we work through these challenging concepts!
Science-Earth in the Universe
At the beginning of January, the traveling Northern Stars Planetarium put on a show for all the third grade classes. Students seemed to love the presentation and it was a great way to start our space unit off!
We spent a bit learning about Earth and all of its special features-water, land, atmosphere, layers, and the moon. Students created posters to teach others about their topic.
Next, students learned about the sun, moon phases, Earth’s water cycle, and finally the individual planets.
Upcoming Social Studies Units
Once we complete our Earth in the Universe unit in a few weeks we’ll be returning to social studies to learn about the Midwestern region of the US and we also have an economics unit coming up soon!
Class Dojo
Yesterday a letter regarding Class Dojo was sent home. We will start using this on Monday. Students will be able to earn points for positive behavior. The number of points earned by the end of the week will translate into extra punches on their punch card. By providing me with your email I can link you to your child’s account so that you can use the Class Dojo website or app to see how they are doing in class.
Arts are Elementary
Third grade has begun their Arts Are Elementary residency for the year! Each class is working with Jud Caswell, and musician and songwriter, to write their own folksong. We will have three sessions one hour sessions with Mr. Caswell, followed by a concert on Thursday, February 14th from 2:00-2:50. Please stay tuned for more information regarding the concert! Our AAE sessions are included below in the “Important Dates” section.
Important Dates
- Friday, Feb. 1st: New round of optional, 3rd grade optional Chorus begins (1:50-2:20 on Fridays)
- Tuesday, Feb. 5th: Magic Circle, 9:20-10:00
- Wednesday, Feb. 6th: AAE, 10:20-11:20
- Friday, Feb. 8th: AAE, 9:10-10:10
- Tuesday, Feb. 12th: AAE, 10:20-11:20
- Thursday, Feb. 14th: AAE Concert, 2:00-2:50 Valentine’s Day (stay tuned for more info)