thank you mr. vega!6th grade is working on a hip hop project with Mr. Vega at our middle school. They invited us over and taught us some dance moves. So much fun!!
0 Comments
MathWe have math workshop every morning for about an hour. Two days per week we focus on solving word problems. At our student led conferences, your children shared their strategies for solving word problems. They explained their strategies, and highlighted their areas of strengths and growth. Our math workshop is designed to cover all of the 3rd grade standards. Last week we started a unit on early multiplication, called Groceries, Stamps, and Measuring Strips. I hope you have a chance to review your child's weekly reflection and one of the worksheets we completed this week. Below is some more work we did together. The focus of this unit is the introduction and early development of multiplication through realistic contexts. Below students found the total amount of items by grouping and using repeated addition. Above was their draft work, and then they created organized posters to showcase their thinking. (Please note, they could have used more time to finish their posters, but their thinking is evident.) Fairy TalesWe are reading and writing fairy tales over the next few weeks. Engineering(A note from our engineering teacher Ms. Roxanne. Our students attend engineering every Monday from 1:45-2:45, and will for the entire school year.) In October and November, students will be introduced to how to use tools safely and use measurements as a tool for their designs. Students will do a series of activities involving measurements, have a better sense of why we use measurements, and how to use them precisely. Students will also learn the importance of safety when using tools and other potentially dangerous items. Students will get constraints in materials, size, costs, and time to design and build string art. Once students have the background knowledge of how to measure and use tools safely they will get to choose the design for their art piece within the given constraints.
Click on the link below for an example of string art: https://www.diynetwork.com/made-and-remade/make-it/how-to-make-your-own-string-art What content/skills will students learn?
Standards 3-5-ETS1-1 Define a simple design problem reflecting a need or a want that includes specified criteria for success and constraints on materials, time, or cost. 3-5-ETS1-2 Generate and compare multiple possible solutions to a problem based on how well each is likely to meet the criteria and constraints of the problem. 3-5-ETS1-3 Plan and carry out fair tests in which variables are controlled and failure points are considered to identify aspects of a model or prototype that can be improved. CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.3.MD.B.4 Generate measurement data by measuring lengths using rulers marked with halves and fourths of an inch. Show the data by making a line plot, where the horizontal scale is marked off in appropriate units— whole numbers, halves, or quarters. CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.4.MD.A.1 Know relative sizes of measurement units within one system of units including km, m, cm; kg, g; lb, oz.; l, ml; hr, min, sec. Within a single system of measurement, express measurements in a larger unit in terms of a smaller unit. Record measurement equivalents in a two-column table. For example, know that 1 ft is 12 times as long as 1 in. Mo'neWe watched this documentary by Spike Lee on Mo'Ne Davis. Here is what our class had to say:
Project LaunchThis week we launched our project around gender norms and stereotypes. Students watched several short clips, commercials, scientific studies, and news reports, and read several picture books that surfaced many different ideas around boys and girls and our shared norms and stereotypes. The purpose of a launch is to raise questions, not provide answers and clear direction. So, many students are still unsure about our project, and may be a little confused. That is okay. It's a natural starting point for a project. Before learning something new, we need to unearth our own experience and ideas, as well as our lack of information or misinformation. Please ask your child to share their thoughts. Keep in mind that this was just a launch. They most likely will have many questions, and may even not be sure about what they watched or heard. The design is to raise questions (or even concerns) and then complete the project to learn more and present our learning at exhibition. Here are links to the videos and books we watched:
We had some beautiful moments when several boys and girls in the class shared their big ideas. One boy shared that he used to think boys were better than girls because they were stronger, but that that is an unkind way of thinking. And several students shared that the important thing is that everyone feels they can do anything, and it doesn't matter what people think. "We are all special in our own way," shared another student. On Friday we spoke about gender stereotypes. We defined gender and stereotypes, and thought about the characteristics we ascribe to either boys or girls. We learned about the idea of “stereotypes” and considered whether gender stereotypes are fair or unfair. Finally we spoke about being stuck in the box (of stereotypes) and being able to step outside of the box. Friendship BookOn Monday we shared our friendship book with Ms. Park's Kindergarten class. Each third grader read his/her page while the picture was projected for others to see. There were lots of proud voices and smiles.
SLC ReflectionMs. Erica and I were amazed by our students as they revealed themselves as learners at school. Thank you to all families for adjusting your schedules, asking probing questions, and being kind and supportive. Our students were thoughtful and honest, and set powerful goals for their learning this year. We will continue to do our best to support ALL learners, and look forward to working with you to provide the best support system for our students. Thank you. Next Project...We will launch this week! And will send home more information after our launch. Thanks for your patience. Collaboration
After some time to reflect, two smaller teams formed and began to communicate and make a plan. In the next video you'll hear students talking and see them making eye contact in an effort to collaborate. Finally, the larger group formed again. Notice (in the final video below) students saying each others' names before throwing the ball, encouraging each other, and supporting each other when making mistakes. Lots of smiles and fun, which is the hope for collaboration. 3rd Grade Community GatheringThank you Families! Our students loved the opportunity to lead and inspire. It was a fun morning to gather, share some excitement, reflective moments and joy. And thank you for filling our stomachs with food, always a highlight for our students. We look forward to sharing more about our learning next week at SLCs. Published!We published our Friendship book for our Kindergarten friends. Please feel free to download your own copy below. We will share this book next week with Kindergarten, and students will share their drafts and revisions with you at SLCs.
Math
SLC WeekNext Week is SLC Week. Monday will be a full, regular day. Tuesday thru Friday will be early dismissal days (at 12:45). Please double check your conference time. |
Important DatesMarch 23rd - Archives
March 2020
|