We are back, and what a week it’s been! 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. Readers must 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. This week, we began Unit 4 in math, Measurement & Fractions. To start things off, third graders reviewed how to properly read an analog clock and worked on elapsed time problems. Time remains an abstract concept for many students. Luckily, there are mini-clocks available to practice with in our classroom, and there are some computer applications to help solidify time-based phrases. Students have been encouraged to practice reading the clock at home. After all, it is a life skill! In science, third graders wrapped up their study of energy and conversion. We also had a local scientist, Rich Martinez, come in and demonstrate experiments with a focus on solids, liquids and gases. Third graders had a ton of fun witnessing and participating in his wacky demonstrations! Business:
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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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