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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