WOWZA! It's been over a month since my last post, and I do apologize, but we have been busy, busy, busy! Here's a little summary about what's been happening during January as well as a peek at what's to come in February.
Reading
We've been reading all types of nonfiction text, and I must say that the kids are becoming experts at using text features to deepen their comprehension. A big focus over the last month has been on finding main ideas and details. I'm sure you've noticed this in much of the work that has been coming home in the Friday Folders. I've been so impressed with the growth that I've seen from students this term. In February, we will be exploring Traditional Literature. Students will begin identifying the characteristics of fables, folktales, and fairy tales. You may want to get a head start by checking out some books in the town library.
Writing
We've been working on Opinion Writing over the last month. Students are just finishing their first official piece -- "The Best Pet for Classroom 8." I gave students three options: a hermit crab, beta fish, or a hamster. I then explained that after some research and information gathering, they would need to form an opinion about which would make the best pet for our classroom. We watched videos on each of these animals, students took detailed notes about things like feeding, supplies, size, etc..., and they then met in small groups to discuss their ideas. The greatest challenge for third graders is to develop thoughtful reasons that support their opinion, which are then further supported by specific facts and details.
Will I finally be convinced to buy a classroom pet??? Hmmmmm.........TO BE CONTINUED.
Math
In January, we worked with more complex concepts like multiplying by multiples of 10s and 100s. Students learned to multiply 3 digit by 1 digit numbers with regrouping and also applied these skills to two-step word problems. We have just started Chapter 8 - Division. In this unit, students have already learned to divide multiples of 10 and 100. Currently, we are working on dividing with remainders. This week we have been working in a workshop model with students rotating around to different centers related to these concepts. We will soon be moving on to long division. The steps in this process can be confusing for third graders, so we go slowly and work hard to follow the steps. PLEASE continue to have your child practice their multiplication facts throughout the week. This is so important to their success with these skills!
Social Studies and Science
As you know, we have just finished our Matter unit in science. I was so impressed with how well everyone did on their tests! Fantastic job to students of Room 8! This week, we started our Weather unit. We'll be learning all about the four major elements of weather: temperature, air pressure, wind, and moisture. At home, encourage your child to observe changes in the weather, let them watch the daily forecast on TV, or explore some nonfiction weather books on a topic of their choice.
In social studies, we are continuing to learn about the Wampanoag people. In addition to reading from our textbooks, students are creating individual Wampanoag Books about hunting, clothing, shelter, responsibilities, fishing, etc... Students are writing informational paragraphs to describe each of these topics.
As always, thank you so much for your support at home. Your children are all working so hard each day. They are thriving and coming to school eager to learn. That's a wonderful thing!
