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:
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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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