Wednesday, December 23, 2015
Classroom Update: December 23, 2015
Check out some of the snowmen we made today!
Although this week was a short one, we got a lot accomplished before winter break! In English Language Arts, we've been reading realistic fiction novels in groups. We've been focusing on how we can infer a character's feelings through their words, thoughts, and actions. Students have also been drafting their informational writing.
In Math, we began studying division. We discussed the similarities and differences between the operations of multiplication of division. In addition, we practiced strategies for solving division problems. For example, we practiced drawing a picture, using a table, using equations, or drawing a number line to solve such problems.
In Science, we've been studying patterns of motion. Students have been building and testing carts, seeing which design makes the cart travel the farthest distance.
That's it for 2015! I hope you all have a wonderful New Year's!
Friday, December 11, 2015
Classroom Update: 12/11/15
We finished reading Amber Brown Is Not A Crayon, focusing on the turning point and problem-solution of the text.
In math, we practiced multiplication facts and used array cards to study factor pairs.
In science, we explored forces of motion. Today, we conducted an investigation involving axel and wheel systems to analyze rolling motion.
In writing, we studied different nonfiction text structures. Students will be applying these text structures to their informational writing.
Friday, December 4, 2015
Classroom Update: 12/4/15
In reading, we continued to read Amber Brown Is Not A Crayon. We are reviewing elements of fiction (plot, setting, characters, theme, and conflict) through the context of this text.
In math, we continue to work on solving multiplication problems. Starting next week, students will be required to study their multiplication facts as part of their nightly homework.
In science, we were treated to a presentation on motion and forces from the Museum of Science. Students even got to use a simple machine to lift a teacher! In the classroom, we explored how adding magnets to a system affects the size of its magnetic field.
In writing, students are working on planning and organizing an informational piece of writing. We're exploring different ways to construct a table of contents for informational texts.
Monday, November 30, 2015
December Book Project: Character in a Bag
Documents for the December at-home book project may be found below.
Wednesday, November 25, 2015
Classroom Update: November 25, 2015
We've started many other new units in different subject areas. In math, we introduced multiplication. We worked on solving multiplication problems with pictures.
We've also begun a new science unit on motion and matter. We've been studying magnets and conducting experiments with them.
Lastly, we're starting up a new reading unit on realistic fiction. We are reading Amber Brown is Not a Crayon as a class to learn more about this genre and the elements of fiction.
Today, we reflected upon some of the things that we are thankful for. I am thankful for working with such wonderful families and students in the Dallin community. Happy Thanksgiving to all of you!Monday, November 23, 2015
Tuesday, November 17, 2015
Friday, November 13, 2015
Classroom Update: 11/13/15
In reading this week, students worked on crafting written responses to books. In their writing, students cited evidence from the text to support a claim. In word study, students continue to practice the "1-1-1 Doubling Rule." A 1-1-1 word consists of one syllable, one short vowel, and one consonant after the vowel. Examples of 1-1-1 words include bat, rob, hit, and run. The 1-1-1 Doubling Rules states, "When adding a vowel suffix (eg. -ing, -ed, -er, -est) to a 1-1-1 word, double the final consonant." Therefore, when adding the suffix -ing to the word "run," the "n" is doubled to make "running." This is one of the big topics in our third grade spelling program so we'll continue to revisit it.
In writing, students are enhancing their personal narratives with elements like dialogue. We learned about proper ways to punctuate quotations. Look at for a notice on an upcoming Writers' Celebration, an event to share our writing with families.
We had a blast on our trip to Plimoth Plantation. After creating our murals last week, we've now concluded our unit on the Wampanoag; however, we're reading about the first thanksgiving in preparation for the holiday in a couple of weeks. Next, we'll be starting our first science unit of the year on motion and matter.
In math, we're finishing up our unit on subtraction strategies. This week, we reviewed the subtraction strategies of "Subtracting in Parts" and "Adding Up." Our next math unit will be multiplication.
Thursday, November 12, 2015
Sunday, November 1, 2015
Classroom Update: November 1, 2015
In reading last week, we worked on finding evidence to
support a claim about a book. After reading texts as a class, students were
asked to stake a claim about the books. They supported these claims by citing
specific details from the text.
Students’ mask projects were fantastic! It was wonderful to
hear students talk about their masks and engage in discussions about their
favorite literary characters. Be on the lookout for the upcoming November book
project, to be assigned next week.
In writing, students continue to draft their personal
narratives. Last week, our student teacher Mr. Karon led a lesson on parts of
speech. Ask your child what they learned about nouns, adjectives, and adverbs!
In math, we have been working on strategies for subtracting
on a number line. A number line is a model that helps students visualize the
operations of addition and subtraction. This video explains one method for
subtracting on a number line: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8g-wDx5Dklw.
In social studies, students have been sketching pieces for
their Wampanoag murals. We will be constructing the murals on Wednesday,
November 4.
Friday, October 30, 2015
Friday, October 23, 2015
Classroom Update: October 23, 2015
In math, we worked on rounding numbers to the nearest ten and hundred. Students also improved their math communication skills using an iPad app called "Explain Everything." Using the app, students narrated how they solved an addition problem.
In reading, we read more texts related to the theme of home. In addition, we practiced writing summaries for books. Using the "Someone-Wanted-But-So-Then" organizer, students wrote succinct summaries.
In writing, students are adding details to their personal narratives. This week, we learned strategies for writing effective leads that "hook" our audience's interest.
In word study, we learned about 1-1-1 words. These words contain one syllable, one vowel, and one consonant after the vowel.
In social studies, students have been preparing for their mural projects by researching about the seasonal life of the Wampanoags. Please see the email notice sent out earlier in the week for more information on this project.
Saturday, October 17, 2015
Friday, October 16, 2015
Classroom Update: October 16, 2015
In math, we gained more practice solving addition problems
with three-digit addends. One way that we practiced this was by playing a game
called “Go Collecting.” The game requires students to flexibly break apart
numbers according to place value.
In reading, we have been exploring theme. We read the book Thank You, Mr. Falker by Patricia Polacco and wrote about the themes in the text. Some of the themes that we identified were perseverance, acceptance, and compassion. Similarly, we read the book Let’s Go Home and wrote about its themes.
In writing, students continue to draft their personal
narratives. Many began typing their stories using their Google Drive accounts.
In social studies, students made postcards, writing as if
they were from various Arlington landmarks. Later in the week, we began a new
unit on the Wampanoag tribe. Students read an informational text about the
Wampanoags. This unit will help provide context for our trip to Plimoth
Plantation next month.
Friday, October 9, 2015
Classroom Update: October 9, 2015
In math, we
solved multi-digit addition and subtraction word problems. Here is a resource on some of the strategies for addition and subtraction that we will be using in third grade. We broke apart
numbers by tens and hundreds. Also, we estimated the amount of hundreds in the
sums of addition expressions.
In writing, students
continue to draft their personal narratives. They are working on telling their
stories using dialogue, action, and sensory details.
In social studies, we
practiced writing true statements using the cardinal directions. For example,
one true statement might be, “Massachusetts is north of Connecticut.” After
learning about landmarks around the state of Massachusetts, we zoomed into the
town of Arlington. We discussed prominent landmarks around town, including the
Robbins Library, Cyrus E. Dallin Museum, Minuteman Bikeway, Old Schwamb Mill,
and the Jason Russell House. Tuesday, October 6, 2015
Scholastic Reading Club
The Dallin School is a member of the Scholastic Reading Club. Scholastic book catalogs will be sent home throughout the year. If you are interested in purchasing books from the catalog, please follow the directions below.
4. This will pull up a number of third grade titles. You can browse the digital catalog and search for specific titles. Click on a title to see a description of the book and add it to your shopping cart.
5.Click on the shopping cart symbol in the top right corner of the screen to finalize your order.
Back to School Night Documents
It was so wonderful seeing many of you at tonight's back to school event! A collection of additional third grade curriculum information may be found here: https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=0B8-gXqit3js-NjJwcXR6Q1lyWk0&usp=sharing
Friday, October 2, 2015
Classroom Update: October 2, 2015
We concluded our first math unit of the year, which was
focused primarily on concepts of place value.
In our second math unit of the year, students will be applying their
knowledge of addition and subtraction with more sophistication. They will be
working to fluently add and subtract three-digit numbers. This week, we learned
a new hangman-like math game to practice these concepts called “Four Strikes
and You’re Out.” All you need to play is paper, a pencil, and two players.
Player 1 thinks of a math problem and sets up the page in the following way:
__ __+ __ __ = __ __
___
Player 2 then has four chances to guess which digits go in
the blanks, relying on knowledge of place value to make strategic guesses. Ask your child to teach you how to play!
We began a new unit in reading this week, introducing the
literary element of theme. We welcomed a new student teacher, Mr. Karon, a
student at Lesley University majoring in elementary education. Mr. Karon read
aloud the book Verdi to students.
Afterwards, students identified themes within the text.
We also launched our weekly word study routines, which are
detailed here: http://hughes227.blogspot.com/p/word-study.html. Please note that students will be expected to study their
spelling words at home in preparation for their weekly test.
In writing, we read Eve Bunting’s The Memory String to learn more about how author’s craft a strong
storytelling voice. We learned about a strategy for effective writing called “showing
not telling.” We analyzed how Bunting revealed characters’ emotions through
dialogue, actions, and descriptive language. In this way, Bunting shows—not tells—how characters are
feeling. We’ll be applying this strategy to our own personal narratives.
In social studies, we continue to learn about the landmarks
around the state of Massachusetts. Currently, we are embarking on a “train
tour” of the state. Our next stop is Arlington!
As a reminder, Back to School Night is next Tuesday, October 6th. I look forward to seeing some of you there!
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