3rd Grade MP3 Campus
Monthly Progress
Monthly Progress is due on the 1st
Math
Activities: This month we did a ton of work around fractions. We worked hard to cement our understanding of what fractions are and are not, we talked about the meaning of the numerator and the denominator, we identified unit fractions and compared their size when taken from the same whole and described situations where a "smaller" fraction might be worth more than a "larger" one - when the whole is a different size. We spent time hunting for examples of fractions in a large, patterned picture and sorted our examples to prove our understanding. Our other focus this month was setting a benchmark for our current multiplication fluency and setting goals for ourselves to work toward in the next month. Students tried to answer as many questions as they could in 3 minutes and looked at which fact families might be good ones to focus on mastering as well as which families they are already fluent with (most know x1, x2, x10)
Reflection Questions: Ask your student to point out fractions in their environment and challenge them to see the fraction in more than one way. If they see one half then ask what other fraction might also be represented if you choose to make the whole a different size or if you further divide the shape. Explain your thinking as you cook or bake and need to increase or decrease a recipe and change the fractions.
Teacher Info: Mrs. Kurashige, skurashige@meridian.wednet.edu
Writing
Topics: test-taking format and testing tips, character development, satisfying storyline/plot
Activities: We also took some critical time to work through SBA sample questions. We explored the practice tests together looking at tools and talking through test-taking tips. Then students took the opportunity to work through a practice SBA Performance Task question that required them to write an essay. It was fun to see students quickly realize that the assessment is very similar to the work we regularly do in class!
We also kicked off our Mini Comic Writing Unit. We are using comics to practice fully developing a character and planning our a satisfying plot. We are all very excited about this work!
Students also completed weekly 7 Minute Writes and started to do some Spirit Week planning. Each year, 3rd and 4th graders plan a Spirit Week in May.
Teacher Tip: Our MP3 Newsletter has excellent SBA practice links. Encourage your student to work through the practice activities to build test-taking confidence.
Teacher Info: Mrs. Giesen, jgiesen@meridian.wednet.edu
Science
Topics: Our learning objectives this month were the following: Energy makes things happen, energy takes many forms, energy can be stored, most of the energy used by organisms, including humans, comes from the sun in the form of light, stored energy can be converted to other forms of energy, machines and living things can convert energy into motion and heat, and energy can be carried from one place to another by waves, electric current, and moving objects.
Activities: Students used cards to identify sources of stored energy (batteries, food, and fuel like candle wax) to pair with the action that this energy can be converted to. They learned that some energy sources can be converted into several different actions. The stored energy in batteries, for example, can be converted into light, heat, electricity, and motion. Students used center activities to explore how energy moves from one place to another. Students learned that energy can travel in waves, moving objects, and electric currents. We read the stories, “Energy Conversions,” “Energy,” and “Energy on the Move.”
Teacher Info: Mrs DeWaard, hdewaard@meridian.wednet.edu
Robotics, Engineering and Design
Topics: EdBlocks
Activities: This month we continued our adventures with Edison and used a combination of barcode programming and block based programming to learn the full range of coding features available to the EdBlocks platform. We taught “Eddie” to run away from a light, or run towards the light. We taught him to follow a line, stay on a path, how to navigate around obstacles, make automatic doors, send messages to other Edisons, and programmed them to sing a duet and even in a choir! We also had a great deal of fun teaching Eddie to sumo wrestle first with a barcode, then block coding it ourselves!
Teacher Tip: If possible, bake recipes from scratch with your children. Baking requires more precision than cooking and the kids can use practice following step by step directions with precision! Also, tasty food makes an excellent built in reward for their hard work!
Teacher Info: Ami Clayton, Substitute Teacher, 360-318-2508 M/W
Literacy
Topics: Folk Tales, Fables, Legends, Myths, Trickster Tales, Pourquoi, Fairy Tales and Fractured Fairy Tales, reading with expression
Activities: As part of our ongoing study of various genres, the third graders have been comparing key features of folk tales, myths, fairy tales, fractured tales, pourquoi stories, and trickster tales. This month, much of our focus has been on planning and rehearsing for an upcoming presentation—a potpourri of literature—to share with parents and friends. Each student will take part in reading a fable, with selections including The Ant and the Grasshopper, The Lion and the Mouse, The Dog and His Bone, The Tortoise and the Hare, Country Mouse and City Mouse, and The Fox and the Crow. As they prepare, students are refining their presentation skills by working on expression, volume, and even incorporating some stage movements (blocking). In addition to fables, students have been drawn to the humor in stories and are eager to present The Day the Crayons Quit, The Six Foolish Fishermen, Anansi and the Watermelon, The Four Pigs, The Princess and the Pea, and Why Mosquitoes Buzz in People's Ears. To strengthen their performances, we’ve enlisted the help of three sixth graders who participated in the high school musical Alice in Wonderland. Their guidance in adding expression and stage presence has been a fantastic bonus. Beyond preparing for the performance, third graders also explored two myths, Arachne and Athena and The Story of King Midas. They analyzed the characters, setting, problem, and resolution in each, deepening their understanding of this genre.
Teacher Tip: Save the date! On Wednesday, April 23 at 1:00, you are invited to join us on campus to celebrate literature! More details to follow!
Teacher Info: Mrs. Elgersma, gelgersma@meridian.wednet.edu