Now that Staar is behind us, we are back to our regular routines. Here's what is happening in our class this week. Science: This week students will compare a cactus to a flower. We'll observe a small cactus and a vinca, (including the roots), draw detailed diagrams of the plants, and then then describe how they are alike and different. Also, we'll learn more about life cycles since our ladybugs have all changed from a pupa to a ladybug. We place a raisin in the habitat for the ladybugs to feast on until we release them later this week. It has been so much fun watching the ladybug life cycle in our own classroom. Later in the week, we'll move on to ecosystems and food chains. This is a great opportunity for us to explore a little more about how plastic and other forms of pollution affect ecosystems. Reading: We are diving into persuasive texts this week. Students will read & listen to a variety of persuasive texts including websites and advertisements and identify the message and persuasive techniques used to persuade the reader. Additionally, we'll view a few public service announcements. Writing: Students will complete the draft for their realistic fiction stories this week before moving on to persuasive writing later this week. I can't wait to get started with persuasive, since we will compose letters related to our PBL project. Math: We'll begin a new unit on financial literacy which will include learning about earning, saving, donating, interest, unplanned expenses, and human capital. During this unit, students will work on multiplication and division as they solve problems related to finances. We'll also play some games to improve fact fluency. Upcoming EventsThursday, May 7- Third grade field trip to Brushy Creek
Friday, May 8- Earth Warriors presentation at assembly
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Third grade Earth Warriors worked hard and had tons of fun at our after school event for Global Youth Service Day. Students collaborated to create skits, posters, public service announcements, and write chants/songs in preparation for our upcoming assembly to educate the school about plastic waste. Also, groups of students worked together to create designs for our plastic bottle cap art and removed labels from plastic bottles that will be reused as part of a garden trellis we are building instead of a greenhouse, (the district wouldn't allow us to build the greenhouse because it would be considered a permanent structure).
As you know, third grade will be taking the reading and math STAAR test next week. We spent a lot of time last week reviewing reading and math concepts and completing practice passages and math problems. I am working with small groups and individuals as needed to rework problems, correct work, and reteach concepts. This week, we will continue to review reading and math concepts as well as practice Staar like problems/questions. Since this is time consuming, science and writing time will be shortened this week.
Classroom News & Updates Science: We have some animal visitors that arrived on Friday that the kiddos are very excited about. I ordered a turtle, tree frog, lizard, and tarantula, This week most or our science time will be devoted to observing these animals and learning about their habitat, life cycle, and their functions & structures that help them survive. If time, we'll observe some small cacti and compare them to a flowering plant. Reading: Review for STAAR Writing: We'll finish planning our realistic fiction stories. If time, we'll begin our drafts. Math: Review for STAAR Upcoming Events April 17- Global Youth Service Day after school activities 3:00-4:30 April 21- Math Staar test April 22- Reading Staar test May 7- Third Grade field trip to Brushy Creek Park for a trash clean-up (more info to come) May 8- Third Grade Earth Warrior Assembly (more info to come) |
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November 2019
Mrs. Swyers3rd Grade Teacher |