With CMAS testing (finally) out of the way, third graders can get back in the swing of their school routine! Students' hard work these past two weeks has been significant, and they've certainly earned themselves a well-deserved weekend. When we weren't testing this week, third graders were engaging in Earth Day-inspired activities, including research on water conservation and answering the question: Should recycling be required? To start the week, third graders researched current drought conditions in the United States (specifically, in the western region). Third graders discovered that much of the west, including Colorado, is experiencing a significant drought. We then explored the possibilities that come with recycling wastewater. Third graders read an infographic detailing the process recycled water goes through to be cleaned and reused, and also discussed ways to both conserve and reuse wastewater in our everyday lives. After learning more about droughts and water conservation, students were asked the following: Should recycling be required? It was up to third graders to research the pros and cons that come with making recycling law, and each individual was expected to form their own opinions on the subject. As a class, we learned a lot about the recycling efforts taking place in the U.S. and beyond. Third graders then typed up their opinions (in paragraph form) on Google Docs. That work will be coming home soon!
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With another week of school complete, third graders have officially finished CMAS English Language Arts testing, and are ready to rock the Mathematics portion next week! When we weren't testing this week, third graders were motivating one another to conquer the CMAS and reviewing fraction equivalency. Third graders also read a short story, "Dad the Disco King," and connected with the main character's feelings of embarrassment. As a start to the week (and to ease nerves), third graders participated in a discussion about the purpose of the CMAS assessment. We talked about how test taking skills are essentially another genre in our learning, and that the CMAS is simply a piece to that puzzle. We colored some motivational posters and wrote each other letters to inspire confidence. Letters were delivered on Tuesday, and third graders loved reading/receiving them! Fraction equivalency is a concept third graders continue to work on and target. This week, third graders participated in an "Equivalency Scoot." Students had to find number cards around the room, and answer questions. Some problems asked third graders to determine which fraction is NOT equivalent, and others required them to fill in the blanks. Below, you'll find a strategy we've become comfortable with. Students know that if you multiply both the numerator and denominator by the same number, you are creating an equivalent fraction. We've also dabbled in dividing by the same multiple. Whew! "Dad the Disco King" is a short story about a little girl (Winnie) who is embarrassed by her dad's dancing at weddings. The article focuses on why Winnie felt this way, and eventually leads to the realization that her dad's dancing is actually quite funny! This brought on a discussion about the normalcy of feeling embarrassed, and led students to share their own embarrassing stories. It proved to be a great way to connect with one another, and further cemented our classroom community's trust in each other! Next week, we will be starting our newest science unit, Structures of Life. We will also embark on a project inspired by Earth Day. Of course, we'll also participate in the CMAS Mathematics assessment! Business:
We're back, and taking care of business! After spring break fun, settling back into the school routine can be a bit tricky, but third graders stayed strong and focused. This week, we began preparations for the CMAS English/Language Arts exam next week. We also started Unit 7 of Bridges: Extending Multiplication and Fractions. At the start of the week, third graders focused on how to use context clues in fictional text and illustrations to help them understand unknown words. We discussed how often, there are already clues in the text to help determine an unknown word. Third graders determined one of the better context clues strategies is just to keep reading! Students also liked plugging in potential synonyms to see if they made sense. Later in the week, we discussed how illustrations often contain clues as to the mood, setting and character traits of a story. Together, we "read" Pancakes for Breakfast, a story that has no written words. Third graders then created their own dialogue to match what was going on in the story. It was a fun, creative activity, and it also helped students realiz just how much we absorb from a simple illustration! Throughout the week, third graders also prepared for our upcoming CMAS state assessment. Students took a practice exam on the computer, worked on an ACE response essay, and practiced some narrative writing skills. Third graders are certainly prepared to take on the challenge next week, and should be proud of all their hard work! In math, third graders reviewed area and perimeter concepts as well as fractions. Students also targeted fact family practice. We talked about how we can use fact families to help solve both division and multiplication problems. Moving forward, we will be targeting double-digit multiplication and will be working more with fractions. We did some other fun activities this week, like our "Find Someone Who.." activity, where third graders compared and contrasted their spring breaks. We also took a following directions quiz, and got to see the fifth graders launch their weather balloon. Woohoo! Find pictures below. 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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