Third Grade
We are into the full swing of things again now that second semester has begun. Following Christmas break it really seems like we get into the thick of things in Third Grade. We’ve continued to work through our math curriculum. Our students have been focusing on mastering their multiplication facts. They have also learned the process to solve division problems. A new concept was the use of parentheses. Working with estimation and reviewing geometric shapes and figures was also been reviewed.
Social Studies in both classrooms had us focusing on our national symbols. Did you know that by law the Washington Monument will always be the tallest building in Washington, D.C.? With Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, on January 16th, and President’s Day approaching in February, these symbols were a timely unit of study.
In science class, we are learning about the living and nonliving things. The five basic needs of animals is also studied. Students find it interesting that their pets might have the same needs as they do.
Beginning in February our new Social Studies topic will be the changes in technology over the years. This will include changes in communication, transportation, living styles and the kinds of jobs that are available. Students will be given the opportunity to see what things were like in the past. Don’t be surprised if they ask about bringing antiques that could be shared with our class.
Reading students in both classrooms have been progressing through the skills of making inferences and drawing conclusions, as well as using context clues to help understand new vocabulary. Some of the varieties of literature we have read include folk tales, fables and poetry. Third graders continue to work on reading fluency. We appreciate it when parents sign the orange fluency spiral notebooks that are sent home weekly.
We encourage all those who are doing Book- It to keep reading. There are several students who have completed their reading goals each month, and we would like to see this continue through March!
