In ELA we have been delving deeper into nitty gritty grammar rules; using conjunctions, turning verbs into past tense, and working out the difference between to, too, and two. We are practicing summarizing our reading in our own words, and used context clues to infer the definitions of tricky vocabulary in The Boy Who Loved Words. Students do not have a specific book assigned for independent reading at home, but they are expected to read every night for 15-20 minutes, and to preferably stick with one book through its completion. We have many new books in rotation in the classroom, and students are welcome to borrow anything they are enjoying.
In Social Studies we began examining early interactions between colonists and Native Americans. We read primary source material in order to make predictions about ways in which the two groups would need to work together and ways their interests will conflict. In science, we studied how simple machines were used in colonial times, and then created a project that demonstrated knowledge gained throughout our unit of machines and forces. Using what we know about kinetic and potential energy, as well as energy transference, We built catapults and launched Halloween pumpkins. We also experimented with magnets as a force.
In religion, we have continued to look at ethical issues, and the gifts in our own lives. We discussed the meaning of grassroots and students found ways that children just like themselves are empowered to help their community and environment.
In writing we focused on turning point moments, writing strong leads, and crafting strong character traits through use of adjectives and character action and dialogue. We also used story cubes and graphic organizers to structure creative halloween writings. We worked collaboratively to solve a giant floor puzzle and zoomed in on details to write small moment stories from various perspectives. The collaboration was a great learning experience, as we focused on the challenges inherent in group problem solving. I was impressed at how everyone was willing to try new strategies to work through disagreements. Everyone was supportive of one another, and any conflicts we had were discussed and resolved.
Grade 3 had their end of module assessment in Math, and all students scored at or near 100% Students are proving to have a deep understanding of the material and are able to rigorously apply the module concepts. As always we have used new math games to reinforce concepts, and train critical thinking skills through play.
In Social Studies we began examining early interactions between colonists and Native Americans. We read primary source material in order to make predictions about ways in which the two groups would need to work together and ways their interests will conflict. In science, we studied how simple machines were used in colonial times, and then created a project that demonstrated knowledge gained throughout our unit of machines and forces. Using what we know about kinetic and potential energy, as well as energy transference, We built catapults and launched Halloween pumpkins. We also experimented with magnets as a force.
In religion, we have continued to look at ethical issues, and the gifts in our own lives. We discussed the meaning of grassroots and students found ways that children just like themselves are empowered to help their community and environment.
In writing we focused on turning point moments, writing strong leads, and crafting strong character traits through use of adjectives and character action and dialogue. We also used story cubes and graphic organizers to structure creative halloween writings. We worked collaboratively to solve a giant floor puzzle and zoomed in on details to write small moment stories from various perspectives. The collaboration was a great learning experience, as we focused on the challenges inherent in group problem solving. I was impressed at how everyone was willing to try new strategies to work through disagreements. Everyone was supportive of one another, and any conflicts we had were discussed and resolved.
Grade 3 had their end of module assessment in Math, and all students scored at or near 100% Students are proving to have a deep understanding of the material and are able to rigorously apply the module concepts. As always we have used new math games to reinforce concepts, and train critical thinking skills through play.