Beginning of A Fantastic New Year!

As the end of our first week back from winter break comes to an end, it is time to share what we have been learning.

We started reading a new novel, Ramona Quimby, Age 8.

Each day we read a chapter and identified characters and settings. After each chapter, we sequenced events. 

To review the three chapters we read, and prepare for the Reading test, the students created a movie highlighting two important events from each chapter. The first two squares were used to illustrate the most important events from chapter 1. The next two squares were used to illustrate the most important events from chapter 2. Finally, the last two squares were used to illustrate the most important events from chapter 3. The sequenced events were then viewed through their cut-out television.

For additional sequencing practice, students were given 3 small pieces of construction paper with the letters A, B, and C. A short passage was read and a sequencing question was asked. With their partners, students discussed and justified which answer they thought was correct.

When time was called, students held up which answer they choose.

In English, we learned to combine sentences with different predicates using the word "and." First, they were given ample practice taking two sentences with the same subject and a different predicate and combining them. Then, students were given a cut-up sentence and instructed to put the words in order, creating a combined sentence. 

In Math, we were introduced to division. Many division strategies were taught: creating equal groups through sharing, repeating subtraction (with and without number lines), and making arrays. To begin the unit, we read The Doorbell Rang.

As I read the book, students showed parts of the story using Cookie Crisp cereal. The mother in the story baked 12 cookies for two children. The students divided their 12 "cookies" by 2 and discovered that each child would receive 6 cookies. But, before the children in the story could enjoy their cookies the doorbell rang. Two more friends showed up and now the children had to share their 12 cookies between 4 children. Again, the students divided their 12 "cookies" by 4 and discovered that each child would receive 3 cookies. The doorbell rang again and again in the story and the students continued to divide their "cookies."

Once the story was complete, we practiced other division facts using the cereal.

Tomorrow I will reread the story and students will sequence events on a sheet of paper divided into eights. With each event, the students will write a division sentence representing the event. 

Louisiana state facts were learned in Social Studies. Each student was assigned a state fact (state bird, state motto, state tree, etc) and on an index card, identified the fact and illustrated. The index cards were taped onto a map of Louisiana and displayed in our hallway.

The third graders are also rockin' the hallway with their New Year's resolutions. 

Check out our bulletin board!