Has it REALLY been a month since I last posted? I have to be cliche and say "time flies'.
It was so nice to sit down and talk with everyone at conferences this week. This switch to trimesters is proving to be so beneficial from the instructional side; I really feel like I have the time to get to know the kids, work with them in small groups, 1:1 and as whole class AND meet with all of you before the first marking period ends. We've been busy, so you might want to get a cup of coffee before you dive into this update!
Math
We have wrapped up Unit 2 which explored algorithms for addition and subtractions, making "ball park" estimations, and using strategies to problem solve using these operations. Multi-step problems can be challenging for students because they have to slow down and take it step by step- not always the first choice of third graders! We have begun Unit 3 which focuses on linear measurement, area, and perimeter. Both metric and customary units are explored, and mastery goals include measuring to nearest whole and 1/2 cm, whole, 1/2, and 1/4 inch, knowing inch-foot-yard relationships, and calculating area and perimeter.
I have narrowed down the weak areas for addition facts for each student (ie: 5-9) and will share that with them next week so they can focus on these specific facts before we have a fact assessment after Thanksgiving. If you do facts orally with your child, try to focus on the higher numbers (6-10) as those tend to be the weakest.
Word Study
We assessed unit 1 which addressed some tricky word patterns such as -tch vs. -ch and -ck vs. k. Assessments will come home after we build personal word lists based on patterns we still need to master. Our next unit addresses something called a 1-1-1 rule. If a word has ONE short vowel, ends in ONE consonant and has ONE syllable, you will double the final consonant before adding a vowel suffix. ex: hit= hitting star-starred swim=swimming
Literacy Workshop
Our focus has shifted from elements of fiction tales to non-fiction. The Common Core State Standards put more of an emphasis on reading and understanding non-fiction, and it makes sense since so much of our world is explained through factual text/audio. We are learning to use text features (photos, captions, charts, headings etc.) to navigate non-fiction and stay connected to text. As fun as reading text features can be, we are also learning to look beyond saying "That picture is so cool!" to reading the caption AND the text to create more meaning. We will eventually begin transferring these skills to our writing as we become non-fiction writers.
Our comprehension skills focus has been schema (prior knowledge) and questioning. We have talked and practiced how to activate schema, build schema, and be open to when our schema is wrong! Paying attention to our growing prior knowledge helps us to be critical readers who are connected to text.
In Writing, we have been working on building writing stamina and expanding our ideas by experiencing quick writes. Quick writes are 10 minutes long during which we have a short, sweet prompt that we can take in any direction we choose! We have written about Mornings, Evenings, and Snow. This will help us as we work independently in Writer's Workshop when we develop and try new ideas. We also have been working to master conventions of basic end punctuation. By reading our writing out loud, we are discovering that punctuation tells the reader what to do with the voice and organizes thoughts in complete sentences.
Science
We entered the world of the Solar System in our unit called "Our Place in Space". Our essential question for learning is: "How does earth's place in space affect our lives here on earth?" So far we have discovered that the rotation, orbit, and tilt of the earth cause things like day/night, seasons, and different constellations in the sky. Next week we will shift into satellites, such as the moon, and finally end in space exploration and technology. Following this unit, we will zoom into the earth's surface for a geology unit called Earth's Materials.
Edmodo
I am sure you have heard your child mention his/her initiation into Edmodo! Edmodo is a Secure Social Learning Network designed for schools. I adore Edmodo. It holds so much possibility for students and their learning since it is a place where learning is timeless. If we need more time with an activity, we can find that through Edmodo. If we couldn't share our thoughts or questions on a subject in school that day, you can later on Edmodo.
Edmodo teaches students early that the internet provides many opportunities, but can be a learning tool first and foremost. However, since Edmodo is completely secure, we can only communicate with each other as a whole class and with the teacher privately- without the outside world coming in. It gives kids their first experience at a positive digital footprint online in a guided setting with the teacher. You can join, too! Ask your child to login and you will see a parent code.
I will keep you all posted on more of the Edmodo possibilities and happenings as time goes on. If you want to read a blog post I wrote about it on my professional blog you can find that here. Ask your child to tell you about assignments we have done regarding seasons and perimeter using Edmodo as our "home base".
That was a lot. Nice work if you made it to the end. Any questions? Email me @ jkarabinas@sau21.org.
~Jaclyn~
