MATH- We reviewed the role place value plays in multi-digit addition with regrouping. We continued using the conventional and the "Show All Totals," strategies to solve equations. We used proof drawings as a means to check our work. We solved story problems involving multi digit addition with regrouping. We also began solving problems involving money values.
How you can help at home- Look at grocery adds with your child. Take your child shopping with you and together keep a running mental tab of your expenditures. If you're using cash, have your child help figure out how much will be needed at the checkout stand. How much change should you expect in return?
SCIENCE- We are continuing our practice of measuring length. We made our own centimeter measuring tapes. We practiced estimating the lengths of various objects in centimeters and then comparing those guesses with the actual lengths using our measuring tapes.
How you can help at home- Third graders still struggle a bit with understanding the difference between a tool used to measure length such as a ruler and a measuring tape, and the unit used in measuring, such as a centimeter. As you are driving this week talk about the tool used in cars to measure distance, the odometer. Encourage your child to estimate the distances you travel together and check your guesses against the odometer. See if you can convert that distance into kilometers. *HINT 1 mile = roughly 1.6 kilometers.
READING- We read A Fine, Fine School by Sharon Creech. We used a graphic organizer to show the essential elements of the story i.e. character, setting, and plot. We discussed how paying attention to these common story elements help the reader to better comprehend the story. We practiced summarizing the main idea of the plot by restating specific events in our own words using ten words or less.
How you can help at home-Of course, you probably are already in the habit of talking to your child about the books (s)he's reading. Try being intentional about asking questions related specifically to the characters, setting, and plot. You can also search for these story elements in the television shows and the movies you watch. Discuss ways these elements influence the story. What would the stories be like with different characters, or different settings?
WRITING-We began our review of the basic five sentence paragraph. We discussed specifically how paragraphs are groups of sentences about a single idea. We explored the different purposes of the topic sentence, the detail sentences, and the closing sentence. We also discussed how our intended audience as well as our purpose for writing can influence our voice. For example, we might use friendly humor in a facebook status update, but a scholarly voice in a written character analysis of Wilbur from Charlotte's Web.
UPCOMING EVENTS- Picture day is Monday. Kids, remember to wear your smiles, and maybe comb your hair:-) Curriculum Night is Wednesday. I am encouraging parents to bring their SMART phones for some online research.
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