Intro
Readers Workshop
For example, today we explored non-fiction genres. We learned about autobiographies. We spent some time reading autobiography "All About Me" blogs from our friends in Vancouver, Canada. We tried to make personal connections to the blogs we read.
In Writer's Workshop, we focused on commenting with proper conventions (punctuation, grammar, & spelling). They also focused on writing full sentences, making connections to the thoughts of the writer, and asked questions. We also explored genre's with a fun QR scavenger hunt.
Spelling words will be coming next week! See the action below! :)
Writers Workshop
We're kicking off our Writer's Workshop with a focus on conventions. Students are growing into writers who need to be aware of punctuation, grammar, and spelling. We're using the Primary Blog Challenge as an opportunity to engage students in authentic and relevant writing. We're learning about culture by exploring the essential question, "What can we learn from different cultures around North America?" You should see how pumped up they are to write well! We're integrating our digital citizenship lessons so our students remain safe and responsible global writers. We're also interweaving the growth mindset with our step-by-step blogging guide (see to right).
|
|
|
|
Science Workshop
|
|
Math Workshop
Math will begin in full swing next week. Each day, we'll focus on applying concepts and computation. Our computation focus will be on addition and subtraction. We'll have "computation stations" with iPads, computers, and analog games. Our concepts and applications will focus on developing a "problem solving plan" while integrating word problems from our Life Cycles unit. We'll also be using the Khan Academy 3rd grade math challenge so each student will have a personalized math challenge throughout the year. More to come on math as it kicks off!
|
|
Response to Intervention (RtI)
We're about to begin our normal RTI groups. For students who struggle academically, this will give them a chance to get out of the room for small group interventions. This will be based on our AIMSWEB and classroom data we've been gathering over the last few months. We are formulating these groups next week at our team meeting. More to come!
Homework
I believe in balance. Yes, kids need certain skills, but they are also kids! Join a club or a team! Get outside and play! We want to foster social and emotional growth along with building academics and skills. For this reason, we'll spend most of our homework time reading for enjoyment along with 10-15 minutes of skill building. For example, if you child is weak in math computation, I'll suggest a math computation game that the family could play together. If you child struggles with word work, we'll do some phonics and vocabulary skill building. This will be personalized on a student to student basis.
I will NOT give your child 1-2 hours of homework. Anything outside my expectation that you want for your child, I will help you build and provide resources for you. I will adjust for you and help make a plan. In my opinion, just know 30-40 minutes is very appropriate for the 3rd grade age group. :)