Classroom Update: September 21, 2019

For the past two weeks, we have continued to roll out our first learning units of the year.

In reading, we are working on building our "reading stamina," the amount of time we can stay engaged in a text. We started tracking our stamina as a whole class, and students were asked to track their own stamina at home this week.

A key component of building our reading stamina is selecting a "just right" book. We discussed how, in order to grow as readers, we need to find books that aren't too easy or too hard. A strategy that we practiced to find a "just right" book is called the Five Finger Rule:

This strategy is a quick and easy way to determine if any book is at a comprehensible level.

Finally, in reading this week, we also practiced writing summaries. We used the chant Someone-Wanted-But-So-Then (shown below) to help us capture and organize all of the story elements featured in a given text.


In writing, we created "Heart Maps" to use as inspiration for the pieces that we will work on this year. Students reflected upon the people, places, events, and interests that are special to them:

We used these heart maps as a launching point for our first writing unit of the year, where students will be crafting personal narratives.

In social studies, students extended the mapping practice that we have been doing to create maps of New England. We are narrowing this focus to Massachusetts, and later to our local community of Arlington.

In math, we are practicing strategies to memorize our multiplication facts. We are beginning with the easiest fact families to commit to memory, the 1, 2, 5, and 10 tables. We have also been practicing writing and solving multiplication word problems. Lastly, we have practiced creating rectangular arrays to represent multiplication expressions. Arrays are visual displays composed of rows of equal columns. To the right is an example of a 3x4 array.

Classroom Update: September 6, 2019

We have now completed our first week of third grade and I feel so excited to be working with such a wonderful group of students! In addition to many fun getting-to-know-you activities, we also spent time getting to know the routines of our classroom, and launching some of our first learning units of the year. You can check out some of the activities below!

We began the week by sharing our goals for the year in a special "Hopes and Dreams" Project:

We opened our class library and practiced routines for independent reading:

In social studies, we learned about map features and created maps of our own made-up towns:

We launched our first math unit of the year, which will be focused on multiplication. (For more information about the topics covered in this unit, please find the letter that was sent home in your child's yellow take-home folder.) 

Finally, we can't wait for the addition of some new friends to our class: Quiet Critters! These pom-pom creatures will be a tool to help us stay focused during independent work times. We're excited for them to "hatch" next week!

Our year is off to an excellent start and I'm looking forward to many more great weeks together in third grade!

Welcome Back to School! (2019-2020)

Welcome back to school! 

I can't wait to meet you in September. 

Below, please find an electronic copy of our welcome letter and supply list. 

You can also view our supply list on Amazon at this link: 

https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/3BI0AETF5957P?ref_=wl_share. 

(As stated in the welcome letter, this list was created for a visual reference to make shopping easier. Many of the items can be purchased cheaper elsewhere, so no need to buy from Amazon!) 

Classroom Update: June 4, 2017

Last week was a fun-filled one in third grade! On Thursday, we had a blast with our annual Colonial Day. Third graders enjoyed traveling back in time to the eighteenth century and taking part in colonial-themed activities. Big thanks to all of our volunteers who helped make the day a success!

On Friday, we participated in Katherine Wall Field Day. Students demonstrated courage, teamwork, and cooperation as they completed the day's events.

In reading and social studies, we continue to study the events leading up to the American Revolution. We have been consulting both primary and secondary sources to gather information.

In math, we continue our unit on surveying. This week, students analyzed data sets and defined the meaning of an "outlier."

Last week, we also welcomed a new addition to our classroom--crayfish! We will be studying these animals as part of our science unit on structures of life.

Classroom Update: May 26, 2017

In reading and social studies this week, we have been studying the American Revolution. We have learned about the events leading up to the Revolutionary War, including the French & Indian War, the Quartering Act, and the Stamp Act.

In math, we began a unit on data collection and analysis. We have been working on categorizing information and describing data displays, including bar graphs and line plots.

In science, we planted lima bean seeds. We are waiting for them to sprout so that we can study their life cycle. 

In writing, we're polishing up our petition drafts in preparation for a final writers' celebration of the year--date to be determined soon!

Classroom Update: May 19, 2017

Today we finished up our MCAS testing for the year with the last session of the mathematics exam. Students should be proud of the hard work they put forth in the weeks leading up to the exam!

In reading, we wrapped up a unit on poetry. Last week, Mr. Dingman came to our classroom to deliver a lesson on William Carlos Williams and how poets gain inspiration for their work. As a culminating assignment for the unit, students wrote their own poems.

In science, we continue to study structures of life. Most recently, we have been studying plant life cycles.

We've begun a new integrated social studies and reading unit on the American Revolution. This week, we defined the term "colony" and learned about the wide influence of the British Empire.

In writing, we continue our persuasive essay unit with petitions. Students are working on persuasive techniques, such as crafting strong counterarguments. 

Classroom Update: April 28, 2017

This week was our student teacher Ms. Tolan's "takeover week." This means that she led all of the lessons for the week. We had so much fun participating in the engaging activities that she designed! Sadly, Ms. Tolan's time in our classroom will be coming to a close next week as she wraps up her semester. We feel grateful to have had such a talented student teacher in our class and are excited for the new opportunities ahead of her!

This week, students began a unit on geometry. Specifically, students studied properties of quadrilaterals and triangles. We are working on categorizing and classifying these shapes.

In reading, we have continued our unit on poetry. Students learned different poetic devices, including alliteration, rhythm, rhyme, and onomatopoeia.

In science, students have been studying seeds. We began the week with a lesson in which students examined and compared the seeds of different fruits. 

On Thursday, we visited the Jason Russell House, where students learned about the beginning of the Revolutionary War. Students toured a historic house, viewed artifacts, and practiced a colonial chore. This trip will serve as a preview for the content that we will study during our upcoming unit on colonial times.

Today, we were treated to a performance by students from our Japanese Sister City, Nagaokakyo. It was wonderful to watch the singing and dancing and view students' artwork inspired by the Japanese tradition.

Classroom Update: April 7, 2017

We had our first day of MCAS testing today. Students will finish the English Language Arts portion of the examination next Wednesday and Thursday.

We wrapped up our unit on fractions this week. We will continue reviewing fractions concepts during WIN time. Our next unit will be about geometry.

In writing, students took a break from our opinion unit to review narrative storytelling elements. In partners, students wrote fiction stories incorporating dialogue, details, and actions.

Classroom Update: 3/31/17

On Monday, we were treated to a presentation by the Museum of Science. An educator from the museum delivered a presentation on weather and climate to go along with our current science unit. Students were engaged in experiments involving wind, air pressure, and temperature. 

In math, we continued studying fractions. Students looked for patterns among equivalent fractions. For example, we observed that the numbers in the numerator and denominator are the same for all fractions equivalent to one (i.e. 2/2, 3/3, 4/4, etc.).

In reading, we began preparations for the MCAS examination, to be held next week. We are learning test taking strategies, such as the "process of elimination." 

We continued our unit on opinion writing. Students brainstormed ideas for new persuasive letters. We thought of problems around our school that need to be changed. We also brainstormed people around the school that should be appreciated more. 

Students participated in an engineering design challenge this week. They were tasked to design a waterwheel with the provided materials that could pull a load. Their solutions were impressive!

Classroom Update: March 17, 2017

In math, students worked on placing fractions on a number line. In doing so, we were able to identify fraction equivalencies.

In writing, students continued working on persuasive speeches. We are practicing reading our speeches aloud with expression.

In reading, we introduced a new unit on poetry. Students created festive limericks today in honor of St. Patrick's Day.

This week, students also worked on a project related to our social-emotional curriculum, Superflex. We have been reading about the "Unthinkables," a team of super-villains who make us behave in unexpected ways. Students reflected on areas of school behavior that they have the most difficulty with (staying focused, keeping organized, maintaining a positive attitude, remembering assignments, speaking up, etc.). Students designed their own "Unthinkables" related to these aspects of school behavior, and devised strategies to defeat them.

Classroom Update: March 10, 2017

We are wrapping up our integrated social studies and reading unit on the Pilgrims. Students learned about the relationship between the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag tribe. Students read biographies of Squanto, a Native American man who helped the Pilgrims in their early years of settlement. Later in the week, students wrote essays in which they compared life today to life in seventeenth century Massachusetts.

In math, we began a new unit on fractions. We have been working on partitioning shapes into equal parts. We have done this by folding and cutting paper. We have started to notice patterns in the ways that we can build fractional pieces. For example, we noticed that we can make fourths by dividing halves into two equal pieces. Similarly, we can make eighths by segmenting fourths in half. These patterns are helping us to begin to think about fraction equivalency.

In science, we conducted experiments related to the water cycle. We learned about the stages of precipitation, condensation, and evaporation. In addition, students learned about climate zones. We researched regions around the world and learned about their unique climates.

In writing, we began a unit on opinion writing. We began by brainstorming and outlining ideas for a topic. Students are now underway with drafting a persuasive speech using a five paragraph essay template.

Classroom Update: February 17, 2017

Thank you to all of you who were able to attend our writers' celebration this morning. Students worked so hard on these pieces, and it was wonderful to share them with all of you!

In math, we concluded our unit on area and perimeter. When we return from break, we will start a new unit on fractions.

In reading and social studies this week, students continued to draft their journals from the perspectives of children from the seventeenth century. We wrote final drafts of these journals on "aged" paper.

In science, we did experiments involving a material that's abundant outside right now--snow! We measured the amount of water in snow and learned that the unique shape of snowflakes increases their volume. We also did an experiment involving snow and ice. We discovered that salt makes snow melt faster because it lowers the freezing point of water. 

Classroom Update: 2/11/17

This week, students began writing journal entries from the perspective of a child in seventeenth century Massachusetts. They used the knowledge that they gained from our readings over the course of our integrated social studies and literacy unit on the pilgrims.

In science, we used weather data to predict the forecast for a very snowy week!

In writing, students prepared their informational books for publishing. We are looking forward to our writers' celebration next Friday!

We continue to strengthen our knowledge of area and perimeter in math. Yesterday, we worked on a rigorous area and perimeter problem from this month's home practice menu. Students shared their great strategies with one another in a problem solving forum.

Classroom Update: February 3, 2017

In guided reading groups, we read books about the life of children in seventeenth century Plymouth. Students took notes on different aspects of life, including chores, learning, food, recreation, and clothing. 

In math, we continued practicing area and perimeter. We learned how to play a new game called "Island Conquer" (featured on this month's homework calendar). We discussed the concept of a square unit. 

In science, we conducted experiments about the density of water. Students discovered that cold water is denser than hot water.

In writing, students have been revising their informational books. They have been working on adding more transitional phrases and crafting interesting chapter beginnings. 

Classroom Update: January 27, 2017

This past week, we welcomed a new student teacher, Ms. Jill Tolan. Ms. Tolan is a senior at Lesley University, where she is studying Elementary Education and English. We are excited to have her join our class community! 

We are in the midst of an integrated social studies and reading unit on the Pilgrims. The unit combines history and literacy skills to analyze the Mayflower Journey. This week, we conducted a close analysis of primary sources such as the Mayflower Compact and the Mayflower passenger list. Students made observations about the groups of people aboard the Mayflower. We have also been reading historical fiction texts to supplement our understanding of this time. Most recently, we read the book Three Young Pilgrims to learn about the Pilgrims’ first winter in Plymouth. 

In math, we have concluded our unit on division and multiplication. Although we have concluded this unit of study, we will continue to study multiplication and division facts for the rest of the year. We have begun a new measurement unit on area and perimeter. Students are developing strategies for finding the area and perimeter of rectangles and irregular shapes. 

In science, we began a unit on water and climate. This week, we explored properties of water through hands-on experiments. For example, we tested the absorbency of different surfaces including wax paper, letter paper, paper towels, and aluminum foil. In another experiment, we observed the behavior of water on a slope. We noticed that water falls faster from a steeper slope. Today, we even built our own thermometers!

In writing, students continue to develop their informational books. We are working on supplementing our stories with more text features, including diagrams, captions, and sidebars. 

Meet the Teacher: Ms. Tolan

Ms. Tolan is ecstatic to be a new addition to Room 227! She is excited to be the student teacher for the second half of the year. Currently studying Elementary Education and English at Lesley University, she is ready for a new adventure of studying along with these chipper third grade students. Outside of the classroom she spends her time doing improv, making music, and doing theater. She can’t wait to see what is in store for Ms. Hughes’s third grade class! 

Classroom Update: 1/7/16

With the start of a new year, we spent much of the week discussing goals for the rest of third grade. Students identified both academic and behavioral goals to work on for the remainder of the year. I look forward to helping each of them achieve their personal goals and more in 2017!

In math, we continued our study of multiplication and division. Next week, students will begin taking weekly quizzes to assess their mastery of multiplication facts. See a detailed post on our multiplication program below!

In reading, students selected realistic fiction books to read. Then, they began drafting book reviews for these texts. We are publishing the book reviews on a website called KidBlog. KidBlog is a safe blogging platform where students can post writing that is only viewable to members of our class. We're excited to get posting!

In writing, students continue to develop informational books about topics of their choosing. We are enjoying adding nonfiction text features such as sidebars, photographs, and headings to supplement our writing.

In social studies, we have begun a unit on the Pilgrims. This week, we learned about how historians take on the perspectives of people from the past in order to construct a historical narrative. We have discussed concepts such as facts v. opinions, point of view, and the idea of historical bias.

Multiplication Fact Program of Study

By the end of third grade, students are expected to be fluent with multiplication facts up to 10 x 10. Basic multiplication fact mastery is essential for efficient problem solving, and for the more complex multi-digit operations students will do in the upper grades. To ensure that students are progressing towards this goal, they will participate in weekly quizzes on Fridays to assess their fact mastery.

Students should practice their facts daily in preparation for quizzes. Although students will be studying their multiplication facts regularly in school, they should also develop routines for practicing their facts at home. I encourage students to spend at least 10 minutes nightly working on their facts.  Traditional methods like flash cards, writing lists, and being quizzed by a family member are all valuable ways for students to learn their facts.

In addition, students may utilize technology to help them memorize math facts. In school, we have used TenMarks jam sessions and Xtramath to study multiplication facts. My favorite website for studying math facts is Quizlet, where facts are organized into sets for what students are studying that week.

Each week your child be assigned a set of multiplication facts. Facts will be presented in the following order. To move onto the next set of facts, students must obtain a score of 100% on their Friday quiz. A pre-assessment has been administered to determine which week your child will start with.

Week One: x0 and x1
Week Two: x2
Week Three: x10
Week Four: x5
Week Six: x4
Week Seven: x8
Week Eight: x3
Week Nine: x6
Week Ten: x9
Week Eleven: x7
Week Twelve: All Facts

On Mondays, look for a sheet that says which facts your child should be studying that week.

On Fridays, look for your child's quiz to see how they are progressing.

I hope you find this information helpful. If you have any questions please let me know. Thank you for your assistance in helping your child achieve success with multiplication fluency!

Third Grade Curriculum Overview

‘Tis the season...for new and exciting learning in the Dallin third grade! This fall, third graders have been engaged in many interesting projects across the subject areas. In English Language Arts, students are underway with a unit on the realistic fiction genre. We are learning the characteristics of the genre and studying elements of fiction including plot, theme, conflict, and setting. We are crafting readers’ responses to books, incorporating textual evidence to support our ideas. We’re looking forward to upcoming literacy units on nonfiction texts and historical fiction. Roses are red, violets are blue, this spring we’ll be studying poetry, too!

Third graders have been working hard to create wonderful writing pieces this year. At the end of each of our writing units, you’re invited to come read students’ phenomenal work in a writers’ celebration. Recently, students published fantastic narrative stories. Students thought back to a moment in their lives and captured it through a personal memoir. They made the memory come to life with sensory details, dialogue, and descriptive verbs. Next up, students are creating informational books on a topic of their choosing. Topics range from a cat owner’s guide to a profile of baseball superstars. We are excited to share our expert knowledge with you through our informational writing!

In the third grade math workshop, an emphasis is placed on strategic thinking and effective communication. In the fall, students worked on developing strategies for multi-digit addition and subtraction. Ask a third grader to show you their favorite method for solving an addition problem! Currently, students are studying multiplication and division. We’re building our study habits and finding fun games to memorize our multiplication facts. By the end of the year, we hope to learn all of our multiplication facts within 100. We are excited to gain new skills through upcoming units on fractions, area, and perimeter. Overarching goals of our third grade math curriculum include building students’ problem solving skills and perseverance.

Did you know that the Earth is like a giant magnet? That’s just one of the facts that we discovered in our science unit on motion and matter. Students studied forces through investigations with magnets. They also studied patterns of motion and delved into Newton’s Laws of Motion. Third grade scientists engaged in an engineering design challenge to build the best cart or paper airplane that would travel the farthest distance. Through hands-on experimentation and data collection, third graders are gaining an authentic experience with science and engineering disciplines.

In social studies, third grade historians have traveled back in time to study the life of the Wampanoag tribe in the seventeenth century. We went on an exciting field trip to Plimoth Plantation where we witnessed what life was like for the Wampanoag in the 1600s. Students conducted a guided research project in which they gathered information about the seasonal life of the tribe. Students applied their research to create beautiful murals depicting the Wampanoag during different points of the year. Earlier in the fall, we conducted a mock election in social studies. Students nominated book characters who embodied presidential traits as candidates for class president. They launched campaigns and wrote speeches in which they passionately defended their preferred candidate. This was a great opportunity for students to practice civic engagement and learn about the structure of our democracy. We look forward to upcoming social studies units on the Pilgrims and the American Revolution.

This year, the Dallin third grade introduced a new homework system. The primary purpose of our third grade home practice is to develop students lives as readers. At home and in school this fall, Dallin third graders have been working on building their independent reading stamina. Students are doing a great job building their stamina and setting new records for number of minutes spent reading. Each month, students are also given a menu filled with optional activities for academic enrichment. You can come check out some of students great work so far in the “Home Practice Hall of Fame,” located in the third grade hallway. We can’t wait to share these projects with you, and all of the other fantastic work being done by our Dallin third graders!

Classroom Update: December 9, 2016

Today was our student teacher Ms. Stanizzi's last day with us. We valued her time in our classroom and wish her the best of luck in the future! ☺

Below is an overview of what we worked on in school this week...

In social studies, we wrapped up our unit on the Wampanoag tribe. Students made flipbooks to record facts that they had learned about the characteristics of Wampanoag life in the seventeenth century.

In writing, students put the finishing touches on their personal narrative stories. This week, we also began a unit on informational writing. We discussed the characteristics of the informational genre and began brainstorming topics.

In reading, we began guided reading groups for realistic fiction books. We made inferences about what characters were feeling based upon their words in the text. We wrote readers' responses incorporating textual evidence.

In math, we began memorizing our multiplication times tables. We are practicing different ways to learn our multiplication facts, like using flashcards, writing lists of multiples, playing games, quizzing each other, and using online programs. One website that we have used for studying our facts is Quizlet. Check it out below!