TWAS #15

T.W.A.S. #15

This week at school in math we did multiplication and learned about subitizing.  Subitizing is when you don’t count and [just look at the group of objects and know how many]. In social studies we are learning about governments in Ukraine, Tunisia, Peru and India. In science were doing centers for rocks and minerals. In gym were learning about badminton were also learning how to rally and serve. In book clubs we have a book that we have to read it with a group and then discuss the book. We also have to ask questions.

By A. and D.

Teacher Input:

We began “Book Clubs” this week and are very excited about it!  Students selected their top 3 picks for a book they would like to read and then Ms. Hardacre and I sorted them into groups between 2-5.  The books were somewhat sorted into levels and the students in a group all have a similar reading level.  Students were provided with a Bingo Sheet with different comprehension skills they can work on as they read their book, along with a bookmark containing discussion questions that they can use.  Before reading, groups can discuss what they read last time (summarize), ask any questions or make predictions about what they will be reading.  Students also may sketch something they were able to visualize while reading, and/or make connections to their books.  As Ms. Hardacre and I circulate through the groups we are enjoying the rich discussion and oral reading with are able to observe from the students.

The students were very excited to see the beginning of “multiplication” and division this week.  Key concepts for students to understand are the concept of skip counting, repeated addition, and “groups of”.  Students in grade 3 need to have memorized multiplication facts up to 5, so we will be working on that in class and students can practice that at home. 

Students have continued learning about rocks and minerals while studying the different kinds of rocks, minerals, and fossils in centers.  Two good resources online include: learnalberta - Online Reference Centre -  PowerKnowledge Earth; AND google search: “kids love to learn” – Grade 3 – Science – Rocks and Minerals.