During math this week, third graders were focused on fact families, specifically how they are interconnected. We talked about how we can use fact families to help solve both division and multiplication problems. Third graders then transitioned to studying the language of multiplication and division word problems. We worked to determine key words that help the problem solver determine what the question is asking. Students then had the chance to create and solve word problems of their own! This proved to be a great system of practice and helped solidify how to break down complex word problems. In writer’s workshop, students have been busy researching endangered animals with a focus on how these creatures survive, why they’re endangered, and how people can help save them. Third graders all chose their own animals, learned the animals’ endangered classifications, and have been using online resources to learn all they can. Now that students have thoroughly researched, we will begin crafting reports on each animal. Eventually third graders will create web pages to educate others on conservation efforts! In reader’s workshop, our focus has been on developing deeper theories about characters based on the patterns we perceive. As a class, we discussed how theories are often like icebergs; it’s easy to see the top 10% but we need to look deeper to see the remaining 90%. Often, readers develop what we refer to as ‘surface level’ theories based on simple observations. To successfully dive deeper, readers must track patterns and truly know a character’s personality traits. Expert readers move beyond asking ‘what’ and transition into the ‘why’. This is very much a complex way of thinking, and we will keep practicing in the weeks to come. Finally, we began our Rocks & Mineral science unit! Third graders started things off by observing 4 different soil samples from different regions of the United States. Based on their observations of pebbles, gravel, sand, silt and humus, students worked in small groups to determine what region the soils matched with. In the weeks to come, we’ll be learning more about rock formation, erosion and deposition. Comments are closed.
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Author
Mrs. Minatta is a third grade teacher at Cottonwood Creek Elementary. See and read all about what third graders are up to throughout the school year! Archives
March 2021
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