We had a great week in Room 315! We began an exciting new chapter book in Reading, finished our unit on Rocks and Minerals in Science, completed our first STEM challenge, and began publishing our first complete narrative. Check out the details below...
Spelling/Grammar: We learned that nouns can be singular or plural. We studied one spelling pattern that applies to nouns ending in ss, ch, sh, z, and x (add -es to make the singular noun form plural). We worked with our daily editing paragraphs to identify the nouns in the sentences as well. We also focused on including important conventions when writing (capitalization and punctuation).
Reading: We began reading The White Giraffe. We completed a close reading of words and phrases in chapter one and two to help us gain a deeper understanding of the passage. We practiced using context clues to determine the meaning of these words and phrases and then wrote a short summary of this section of the book. We learned how to use post-it notes in our book club selections to help us become active participants when we meet with our small groups.
Writing: We reviewed important parts of a narrative (Lead, heart, closing). We also learned that good written stories begin as good orally told stories. We worked with a partner to tell a complete story, then we began our first personal narrative that will be published (the entire writing process will be completed with this one story...brainstorming ideas, rough draft, editing and revising, and writing the final copy).
Math: We completed our review of addition and subtraction into the thousands. We focused on subtracting across zeros and adding into the ten-thousands. Next week, we'll move on to application of this skill in word problems. We continued our study of rounding to estimate sums and differences in equations during our number talks. We worked in small groups to target individual needs; some kids continued working on rounding, some began practicing multiplication facts, and others worked on challenging word problems that focused on the use of a table to keep up with important information. We used our speed squares to begin memorizing our multiplication facts.
Science: We learned what properties geologists use to compare and contrast rocks and minerals (color, texture, luster, hardness, and fracture). We each collected several rocks from outside and used these properties to compare and contrast our rocks using a Venn diagram. We worked in small groups to read and answer comprehension questions from our science workbooks.
STEM: We completed our first challenge; Taking It to Great Heights. This STEM challenge introduced the students to the concept of building structure and what type of engineering works best to support a load. The students watched a super fun video introducing the challenge, we researched the shape and structure of buildings and what determines how high and how much load a building can support, we got into small groups and created a plan, then we created and tested our towers. the students did an amazing job staying on-task and working as a group to create something!
Class Announcements...
Please make sure you have returned the Tellus field trip form and $$ as well as the Performing Arts permission slip and donation.
Our Kemp PTA fundraiser has begun! The PTA raised over $20,000 last year to give back directly to the students. Last year, we used the funds to buy our third grade book club library, which now contains over 250 books! Please support this amazing fundraiser that directly benefits your child.
PLEASE make sure you are encouraging your child to READ for no less than 30 minutes per night. Also, if your child is ready, he or she can begin to memorize multiplication facts. We'll begin math fact tests next quarter.
Thank you those who have sent in prize box items! The kids are working so hard to earn their trip to the prize box and these items help to keep the students motivated. If you have items to donate, please send them in!
Dinner Conversation Starters...
*Ask your child about the introduction to The White Giraffe. Who is the main character? What are some character traits that would describe her and why? How did the story begin? What big change is already happening to the main character?
*Ask your child what it means to "Put First Things First", or to "Think Win-Win". These are just two of our SEVEN habits of happy kids that we use in our classroom to promote responsibility, respect for peers, and self-motivation. These habits can be emphasized inside and outside of the classroom setting.
*Give your child a subtraction problem that contains regrouping across zeros (ie. 500-137) and see how he/she solves it.
*Ask your child who was in their first STEM challenge small group. Ask your child how he/she contributed to the project.
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