Optional Math Challenge: Due 6/8

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B8-gXqit3js-c0cwSUY3czJoY2diUm1CTEJhajJLeGFLMXhB/view?usp=sharing

Classroom Update: May 30, 2015

We had a blast on Colonial Day this Thursday! Students made many colonial crafts, participated in a colonial dance, and watched a reenactment. Thank you to everyone who helped make the day a success!

In reading this week, students worked on their biography project outlines. Students who finished the outlines began making index cards for their presentations.

In writing, students prepared for our final writers' celebration, to be held on Monday June 1st. They also began planning for their adapted fairytales.

In math, we finished our unit on measurement. Next up, we'll be doing a brief unit to revisit addition and subtraction.

In science, our plants are starting to bloom. Check out a photo of them below!

Classroom Update: 5/22/15

In reading this week, we focused on the subject and setting of biographies, reading about figures such as Madame C.J. Walker. We discussed how the personality traits of the subject are revealed through their actions, words, and accomplishments. We also discussed how the time and place in which a person lives can affect their life. For example, we discussed the harsh system of apartheid in South Africa that shaped Nelson Mandela’s life and career.

In writing, students began a new unit on adapted fairytales. Over the course of this unit, students will take an existing fairytale and put their own “twist” on it. (Think Little Red Riding Hood told from the wolf’s perspective.)

In math, we continued our unit on data and measurement by constructing line plots. Ask your child about the 2015 Paper Football Challenge!

In social studies, students learned about the “Rules of Civility,” dictating the manners of colonial times. They also did crafts in which they learned about colonial dress and homes. On Thursday, we attended a presentation in the Dallin garden on the use of herbs in colonial times.

Students are growing their own plants in science.  They are keeping a daily observation log and are responsible for tending to their plants.

Classroom Update: 5/17/15

This week, students completed their final round of MCAS for the year. They should be proud of their hard work on both days of the  exam.

In reading this week, we explored the genre of biography. Students should now have their book and subject selected for their biography projects.

In writing, students are typing their persuasive  petitions using their Google Drive accounts.

In social studies, students researched aspects of life in colonial times and compiled their research onto posters. In groups, they presented their posters to the class.

Classroom Update: May 8, 2015

Please note that we will have Math MCAS testing next week on Wednesday, May 13^th and Friday, May 15^th. Dallin’s policy regarding MCAS candy has changed since our first round of testing. We now ask that students only bring mints for the exam. There is research that suggests that peppermint can help stimulate the brain. The change in policy also helps us to avoid any stickiness on test booklets. J Due to the exam, there will be no homework next week.

In English Language Arts, students are working on their petitions. We wrapped up our poetry unit and will be starting a new unit on biographies. Today, students received directions for a month-long biography project. This project will be completed both in school and at home. Please take time to review the directions for the assignment. Students have been asked to locate a “just right” book on their chosen subject (i.e. a book that’s not too hard or too easy). Our goal is for students to be exposed to as many diverse figures from history as possible—as a result, we ask that each student in the class studies a different person. Students must have their signed permission slip and book in hand in order for me to approve it. Subjects will be assigned on a first come, first serve basis.  Therefore, it’s recommended that students have a backup choice prepared in case their first choice has already been claimed. All materials for the project may be found in the previous post.

Thank you to those of you who were able to attend our third grade math day. Games from the event may be found a few posts down. In class, we’re continuing to practice measuring to the quarter-inch and displaying these measurements on line plots. We are also reviewing math vocabulary in preparation for the MCAS. We made flashcards using definitions from our Quizlet website (here and here).

Students learned how archaeologists use artifacts to study the past during our dig this week. Thank you to our volunteers for helping make the dig a success! During the rest of social studies this week, we continued to read about life in colonial times.

Biography Project Materials

Overview Letter
Biography Project Assignment
Outline
Rubric
Calendar

Math Day Games

Addition: Close to 100

                 Challenge Version: Close to 1,000

Subtraction: How Far From 100?

Multiplication: Array Cover-Up

Fractions: Hexagon Cookies

Optional Math Challenge: Due 5/11/15

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B8-gXqit3js-d3F6dmZjYjAxQzBwUGtyZ3poYl9OZmVzbmFB/view?usp=sharing

Classroom Update: May 2, 2015

In reading, we continued our unit on poetry. Students wrote and revised their own poems using specific poetic devices. As we wind down on our poetry unit, they chose two poems to reflect upon next week. Students will also continue drafting and revising their petitions in writing next week.

In math, we constructed line plots and continued discussing metric units. Students reviewed strategies for addition, subtraction, multiplication, and fractions for our “Math Day,” to be held on Monday, May 4^th from 8:30-9:30. Families are invited to gather in the cafeteria starting at 8:20.

In social studies, we read about life in colonial times. We enjoyed our field trip to the Jason Russell house, in which we toured the house, viewed colonial artifacts, and practiced the colonial chore of carrying water using a “yoke.” A big thank you to our volunteers for chaperoning!