Optional Math Challenge: Due 11/9/15

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

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.

Optional Math Challenge: Due 11/3/15

https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B8-gXqit3js-OHBwTF8zbWljc3RET0NoWFJNRXBFMjdQanJj

Optional Challenge: Due 10/26/15

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B8-gXqit3js-Q2FmQ3ZmcEs0SVdZRU1QcnpmVlRVdFIwakU0/view?usp=sharing

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.

Classroom Update: October 9, 2015

This week in reading, students responded to their books in writing. Throughout the year, we will be working on strengthening students’ responses to literature, both orally and in writing. Today, students met their first grade reading buddies. We were excited to greet and read to our new friends! 

 

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.

Optional Math Challenge: Due October 19, 2015

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B8-gXqit3js-QzVQNmVuNXdIX3laMmVJZjFJMkJzaG5WM0hn/view?usp=sharing