August/September Overview

Math

In this first module of Grade 3, we build on second grade knowledge of addition and work toward greater fluency. We will also be building arrays (arrangements of a set of objects organized into equal groups in rows and columns), and setting the stage for multiplication and division. 
Terms, Phrases, and Strategies in this Module:
Array: a set of numbers or objects that follow a specific pattern, a matrix
Commutative Property: e.g., rotate a rectangular array 90 degrees to demonstrate that factors in a multiplication sentence can switch places
Equal groups: with reference to multiplication and division; one factor is the number of objects in a group, and the other is a multiplier that indicates the number of groups
Equation: a statement that 2 expressions are equal,
e.g., 3 × 4 = 12
Distributive Property: e.g. 12 × 3 = (10 × 3) + (2 × 3). The 3 is the multiplier and the 12 is decomposed into 10 and 2
Factors: i.e., numbers that are multiplied to obtain a product
Quotient: the answer when one number is divided by another
How you can help at home:

• Have your student set out groups of small objects in arrays (equal groups in rows and columns) and write the accompanying multiplication equation
  
• Encourage your student to practice multiplication facts for 2s, 3s, 4s, 5s, and 10s until they know them fluently 
  

Language Arts

We will be reading a variety of stories, and applying reading comprehension skills such as sequencing key events, making inferences, as well as identifying cause and effect. 

You will find your child’s spelling list in his/her homework packet. Starting next week your child may practice these words using the website www.spellingcity.com. I will post a link under the student section on our class website. In addition, we will be focusing on grammar using a variety of targeted mini-lessons. 

Students will also dive into Accelerated Reader (AR) this month! Students will earn AR points by taking quizzes based on books they’ve read. All students will start the trimester with a modest, five point goal. We will adjust individual goals as necessary to give each child an achievable challenge.

Writing: Our focus throughout this first trimester is writing narratives. All students have completed their first poems and are currently working on developing narrative paragraphs. We are launching Writer’s Workshop. Students will be learning about the difference between watermelon stories and seed stories. They will be brainstorming seed ideas and beginning to write drafts of memorable moments in their lives in preparation for writing their first personal narrative.

Social Studies

3rd grade students will begin the year studying geography. We will focus on their local community and landmarks, as well as world geography and map skills.

Technology

All 3rd grade students will become certified as Digital Citizens before using their iPads as learning tools. These lessons allow a student to become competent members of the digital community by learning how to think critically, behave safely, and act responsibly online. Our focus this year will be to teach students what to do when someone uses mean language on the internet and which keywords give the best search results.

Once students complete the digitally citizenship certification program they will be using iPads to enhance their learning. KeyNotes, Explain Everything, ShowMe, and Notability are just a few of the Apps students will be using and becoming very comfortable working with.

MOSAIC

Our school-wide Social-Emotional Learning program is MOSAIC. Students will learn to be Mutually respectful, Open-minded, have Self respect, keep a positive Attitude, be an Individual, and a member of our Community. We are discussing focusing weekly lessons on one letter per week and continually discuss the importance of “spreading peace, not poison.”