Language ArtsThis month we are starting our first unit, “Off to Adventure!” by reading a variety of stories, we will focus on a variety of skills. Students will deepen their reading comprehension skills by practicing sequencing key events, making inferences, as well as identifying cause and effect. You will find your child’s spelling list with their homework. Your child may practice their words using the website www.spellingcity.com. I have posted the link under the student section on our class website. In addition, we will be focusing on grammar using Daily Language Review and a variety of targeted mini-lessons. Students will dive into Accelerated Reader (AR) this month! Students earn AR points by taking quizzes based on books they’ve read. All students will start the trimester with a modest goal. We will adjust individual goals as necessary to give each child an achievable challenge. In writing we will be 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. MathematicsUsing common core math strategies we are focusing on place value and rounding for the first few weeks. The main difference between Common Core and California State Standards is that we cover fewer topics in greater depth. Students are asked to explain their thinking and to come up with multiple ways of solving problems. Students need to memorize their basic addition and subtraction facts as well. Soon we will move onto regrouping in addition and subtraction. *Challenge Math - The first monthly math project is available to our students for extra credit. This optional work is posted on our website under the Student Tab - "Plan a Party". This project is due at the end of September. Students will also be given alternative math homework sheets for extra challenge, or extra reteach, depending on their needs. Reminder - math homework should be an independent activity that takes about 10 minutes each night. Lastly, students are working on different assignments, tasks and games throughout the week based on how they are understanding the skills being taught. Social Studies3rd 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. TechnologyAll 3rd grade students at Bel Aire will be using iPads in our one-to-one classrooms to enhance their learning. iBooks, KeyNote, Explain Everything, ShowMe, and Notability are just a few of the Apps students will be using and becoming very comfortable working with. We will be using Edmodo as a tool not only for conversations, but to complete assignments as well. Students will be able to "discuss" books and literature read in the classroom using Edmodo. We will be focusing on "Depth and Complexity" questions that direct the students to take a deeper look at the story they are reading. Students will learn that all comments must be kind, important, and necessary. Students may occasionally have homework in Edmodo and will reflect on field trips, classroom projects, and learning. Depth & ComplexityA common, universal language that helps promote critical thinking and gives students a chance to make connections between past knowledge and new knowledge and ultimately integrate that to the real world! This Month's Icons:Relate Over Time - How are elements related in terms of the past, present, and future? How and why do things change? What doesn’t change? Big Idea - What theory or general statement applies to these ideas? How do these ideas relate to broad concepts such as change, systems, chaos vs. order, etc? What is the main idea? Scholarly AttributesThis Month's Icons:
Scholars are good communicators- Scholars express themselves with confidence and clarity. They collaborate and actively listen to others while honoring multiple perspectives. Scholars are productive- Scholars come ready to learn with the necessary tools and materials. They set goals, gather resources, and complete tasks. Comments are closed.
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AuthorMrs. San Galli Archives
April 2015
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