Math Exploration

This week we had a lot of fun exploring two math concepts. On Wednesday, we took our math lesson into the hallway. Students worked in groups using various tools to find the perimeter of shapes taped on the hallway floor. Ask your child how to figure perimeter. (Measure all sides then add the lengths.) Here are some photos of our perimeter exploration.

On Thursday, we used pattern blocks for a probability experiment. The students predicted which shape they thought was most likely to land on an edge when rolled like dice; a square, triangle, or rhombus. They conducted the experiment to check their predictions. We discovered that the double triangle is most likely to land on an edge. We had a lot of fun with this probability experiment. Enjoy some photos!

Pastries for Parents

It was wonderful to see so many families attend Pastries for Parents this morning! It was a nice time to visit with friends and enjoy some donuts. Here are some pictures of our classmates and their family members.

At Home Reading

We are a week in to our fall at home reading program, and so far have had great participation from the students. Most of them earned the free recess for the first week's reward. Slips returned on Monday will earn the students some delicious and nutritious snack mix. Remember, as the letter sent home stated, students must return at least 3 out of the 4 reading slips to get to attend the trip to Jefferson County Park on October 24. Reading more is the best way to become a better reader. Please encourage your child to read at least 20 minutes every day. It's a great way to spend some time together. Read with your child, or just read your own book while they read their own book. It's wonderful for them to see you enjoying a good book. The goal is to teach them the joy of getting lost in a story and to become life long readers!

Go Trojans!

Look at the school pride displayed by 3rd grade students! Go Trojans!

Playground Multiplication

Wednesday, September 28 was such a beautiful day we decided to take math outside! Working cooperatively with students from Miss Smith's 3rd grade classroom, we completed a "Playground Multiplication" activity. Students had to determine the number of bases on the kickball fields and the number of chains on the swing sets by creating and solving multiplication number models. It was a fun way to get them moving and learning at the same time!

Be Proactive!

Congratulations to Kevin Kretz! He was selected as the Be Proactive award recipient in our classroom. A proactive student takes charge of his/her own actions and attitude. He/she chooses to work hard, be kind to others, and has a positive attitude about school. Kevin is a great example of being proactive!

Shopping Trip

Today in Math we went on a shopping trip. Students worked with a partner. One was the customer, and the other was the shopkeeper. The customer chose items from a store ad to “purchase”. They had to estimate the number of dollar bills needed to purchase all of the items and pay the shopkeeper. The shopkeeper then calculated the exact amount of the items and made change for the customer. Each student got to play each role.

Please work on this skill with your child. When you are at the store, encourage them to estimate the cost of your purchase. Talk to them about how much change the cashier should give you. You can also “play store” at home and have your child count back change for you. This is a rather difficult concept for 3rd graders, so the more practice the better!