Classroom Update: March 20, 2015

In reading this week, we learned about another type of tale—trickster tales. Trickster tales are generally centered on a mischievous troublemaker. In honor of Saint Patrick’s Day, we read a trickster tale about leprechauns. On the morning of St. Patrick’s Day, we were surprised to find that a leprechaun had broken into our classroom overnight and pulled some pranks! Correlated with our unit on traditional literature, we also learned about the legend of Blarney Stone and the “gift of gab.” Later in the week, we delved into a study of poetry. We practiced writing poems in the form of limericks. We also read Robert Frost’s “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening” to illustrate some elements of poetry. On Friday, we enjoyed a read-a-thon to celebrate our class’s achievements over the past few months.

In writing this week, students continued to develop their persuasive speeches. Students worked on polishing their pieces by adding repetition and diction.

In math, students continued to work on equivalent fractions. We focused primarily on drawing fraction bars to show equivalency. We also looked for patterns among equivalent fractions. For example, for all fractions equivalent to one-half, the numerator is half of the denominator. On Friday, students played a game of fraction hopscotch to rehearse naming some equivalent fractions.

In science, we began a unit on animal adaptations. Students have read several nonfiction articles and learned about a variety of animals and the amazing characteristics that enable them to survive in their environments.

Upcoming dates:

Can You Dig It? Event: The third grade will be holding an archaeological dig at the Dallin on May 6. Please email me if you are interested in volunteering for this event.