Hello families! Here is a look at what third graders have been learning over the past couple of weeks.

Reading

We are now in Book Four of The Tale of Despereaux. Students have continued to participate in group discussions, answer comprehension questions, practice summarizing, make predictions, and explore new vocabulary words. They are connecting with the story and applying strong reading skills along the way.

Writing

Students are finishing the revision and publishing stages of their informative writing pieces. Those who have completed their final drafts have been enjoying free writing using a variety of prompts, including creative, informative, and personal narrative styles.
We have also been reviewing writing skills such as capitalization rules, run-ons, and sentence fragments.

Spelling

We have a regular spelling week with our spelling check on Friday.
New this week, students have five challenge words. All groups will receive the same five additional words to practice.

Math

Third graders began multi-digit multiplication this week. We have been learning and practicing two strategies: the standard method and partial products. Students have been multiplying a one digit number by two and three digit numbers.
We have also been brushing up on word problem strategies and multiplication and division fact fluency.

Science

We wrapped up our unit on Early Missouri Native Americans, and we have started our second trimester with the Heat, Sound, and Light unit.

This week our focus is heat. Students have been learning about conduction, convection, and radiation.
On Friday, we will do a science experiment to demonstrate that the hotter something is, the faster its particles move. Pictures will be shared soon.

I hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving break. Enjoy the time with your loved ones, and I look forward to seeing you all back at school when we return. Photos from Friday’s science experiment will be posted soon.