The week before fall break is always a busy one! This week, third graders completed their real estate writing projects, wrapped up unit 2 of Bridges in Mathematics, experimented in science, and even had time for a field trip to Downtown Denver!
Third graders did a fabulous job completing their real estate writing projects! We started the week with the revision process. Third graders completed an editing checklist that asked them to make revisions and edit conventions/grammar. With that process complete, third graders moved on to typing their listings on Google Docs. It’s clear that third graders have been practicing typing at home, as this process was a relatively smooth one! At the end of the week, the class created picture representations of their listings. Parents will have the opportunity to view the final project at conferences (which are quickly approaching)! It’s hard to believe that unit 2 of Bridges is complete. Third graders will transition on to unit 3 when we return from fall break. Unit 3 takes a bit of a turn, and focuses on multi-digit addition and subtraction, a skill third graders have not had a lot of experience with. Estimation and rounding will also be an area of focus. Find more information about unit 3 in the link below. This week in science, third graders learned about and experimented with the process of weathering (physical and chemical). To learn more about physical weathering, third graders shook conglomerate rock and granite in containers. They observed the changes that occurred and logged them in their science journals. Next, third graders experimented with chemical weathering by pouring vinegar into containers with marble, limestone, basalt and sandstone. They observed changes over time, and determined that chemical reactions with certain rock types causes another type of weathering: chemical weathering. Our field trip today was a total success! Third graders learned even more about Denver’s history while walking throughout the lower downtown area. We visited famous buildings like the D&F Tower and Union Station, explored Larimer Square, and sat close to the Cherry Creek. View the gallery of photos below to experience it for yourself! Don't forget that October 31st is Storybook Character Day. Also, please sign up for conferences if you have not already done so! Have an EXCELLENT Fall Break! It was a busy week in third grade, filled with new projects and lots of learning! This week in math, third graders encountered division concepts featured in word problems. At first, students had a difficult time sifting through the language of the problem. However, once the underlying question was clear, students were on a roll! The stamina and resiliency students demonstrated during this problem-solving process was quite inspiring. No one gave up, and each remained laser focused on solving difficult problems. This week, students also took part in the first science experiments of the school year. Third graders were tasked with observing and recording the different components of soil, as well as guessing where particular soil samples were from. To make accurate guesses, third graders had to consider the different materials they saw in each soil sample. They also added water to the soil samples and observed the change it caused. Next week, we will continue exploring and observing earth materials. In writing, third graders started a new project centered on descriptive and explanatory writing. Here is what students were tasked with: Thus far, third graders have really enjoyed the project! It's proven to be a great creative outlet and has led to more success in descriptions and explanations. Next week, students will type their listings and draw/create a visual of the house they are selling.
Business:
With the transition into a new month and season, third graders thought it important to mark the occasion with a little poetry! This week, our class created a "Poetry Patch" featuring fall-themed poems in a pumpkin patch. Students developed the poems independently, focusing on their favorite aspects of the fall season. The "Poetry Patch" can be seen on the ramp up to the third grade hallway. Take a look when you have a chance!
In math this week, third graders continued their study of multiplication strategies. We have been working with arrays to help solve problems, and also learned about the commutative property (6x8 = 8x6). Many students have started using "friendly facts" to solve more difficult equations and story problems. For instance, when third graders encountered an array that was 12x12, rather than attempt to solve the problem as is, they broke it up into smaller parts (i.e. 6x6=36+36=72+72=144). What complex thinking! We will continue with this next week, focusing more on multiplication fact strategies. During Reader's workshop this week, students read articles about the hottest and coldest places on Earth: Dallol, Ethiopia and Oymyakon, Russia. Third graders were asked to compare and contrast the regions throughout the week, eventually writing a paragraph about them. Be sure to ask your third grader about the temperatures there--They are astonishing! We wrapped up our study of the Northeast by examining the region's population, weather patterns, and lifestyle. Third graders learned the difference between rural and urban environments, and were asked to choose where they would rather live. Find a few student responses below :) Next week, we will begin our study of Rocks & Minerals! 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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