This week in third grade, students were hard at work learning about theme vs. main idea, reviewing geometric skills, and wrapping up their biography projects. We had a fun time celebrating St. Patrick’s Day together as well! Reading this week was centered on identifying the difference between the main idea and theme of a story. We learned that the main idea is what a story is mostly about, whereas theme is the lesson or moral behind a story. As a class, we read What Do You Do with a Problem, and analyzed the main idea and theme from within. Third graders then practiced these identifications during Reader’s Workshop stations. One station asked students to read illustrated books and use a graphic organizer to determine both the main idea and theme. While meeting with me, we continued this skill while reading short stories together in small groups. Third graders also practiced determining themes within music. We listened to the song, “The Climb,” and determined the underlying lesson/moral. Third graders did a great job throughout and we will continue this practice for the remainder of the school year! In math this week, we began Unit 6 in Bridges, which is centered on geometry. This week, we reviewed key geometric terms such as acute, obtuse, and right angles. We also learned more about parallel vs. perpendicular lines. We reviewed shape relations, working to compare and contrast the attributes of various shapes. Third graders also created their own tangram sets, and were challenged to put them together into one large square. This was tricky business, but third graders maintained growth mindsets throughout! Next week, we will target work with quadrilaterals and geoboards. Biography essays and Google Slide presentations are ready to go! Third graders worked on their Google Slides and practiced their presenting skills throughout the week. It will be great fun watching them present next week, as many are eager to share the life story of their specific individual. That being said, please help remind your third grader to prepare for their presentation and bring in their costume on their presentation day. Reminder that the third grade performance is Thursday, March 23rd at 2:30pm and 6:30pm in the Cottonwood gym. Hopefully you are as excited to watch as third graders are to perform!! 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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