3rd Grade Core Subjects

Posted on October 20, 2017

Literacy Workshop

Here’s what we’ve been up to the last few weeks in our 3^rd grade literacy workshop! In third grade, we continue the work started in first and second grade with the Daily 5 and CAFÉ workshop structure, however we layer in more responsibility and freedom of choice. The basic structure of our workshop time is: whole group check in to set the purpose for our learning (this often includes a mini-lesson where we review reading strategies, spelling or vocabulary words, or writing prompts), from there students choose to read to self, work on writing, read to someone, or focus on word work. I also pull small groups to work on reading strategies, book groups, or small intervention lessons during this time. After about 20-25 minutes or work, we gather back together to check in and do another mini-lesson before heading out to another “round” or work session. Finally, we end our time together by regrouping and reflecting on our work for the day.

In 3^rd grade, students work on a variety of skills during our workshop time. Some of these are the CRAFT reading strategies: Comprehension, Respond to Text, Accuracy, Fluency, and Terms/Vocabulary (for more information on CRAFT, please see the CRAFT tab on this blog). These are broad strategies that readers of any level can apply to improve reading. In addition, we also have a weekly “Word Work” focus of either spelling patterns, vocabulary, or grammar. This work is introduced to the class on Thursday and they have until the following Friday to complete it. Each week there is also a quick writing prompt that students select and respond to as well as a reader’s response we call #currentlyreading. This provides students an opportunity to reflect on what they are reading and display their thinking on a sticky note (third graders love sticky notes) in the classroom.

In small groups, we are meeting and learning how to work in a small group: listening to the perspective of others, sharing ideas, responding to text, and working on reading appropriately leveled texts. As the year progresses, we will have book clubs and literature circles where readers will participate in more in depth discussion and work around novels and books they read. Some groups will meet more frequently than other groups based off of what the instructional needs of each group are: some groups need more specific, focused instruction while other groups will need more time to read and write.

I understand that this is a lot of work that 8 and 9 year olds are being asked to do in the course of a week and we are learning how to manage our time. One way we do this by using a “menu” with all the “Must Do” (reading group, word work, writing prompt) and “Can Do” (read to someone, free writing, read to self) listed out for each day. Students check off work as they complete it and turn the menu in at the end of each day as a way of communicating how they are doing.

On a personal note, I have been loving teaching reading to third graders. It is so much fun to “go deeper” with books and read more complicated texts with them. I am looking forward to a year of learning and growth! I am always available to answer questions or talk to you about your child’s reading. klongstr@pps.net

Happy Reading! ~Katie

Math Workshop

Similarly Math workshop is a time where students get to take responsibility for their own learning.  Students spend time working on things I ask them to work on, things they are interested in, and things they never thought of before.  They get to work in small groups with me and  in a large group with the whole class.  They also get to spend time working independently, in pairs, and in small groups.  The general structure every day is that we do our daily problem and then meet on the carpet.  We participate in a short mini lesson for all and then split up again.  I keep a group on the carpet to teach new skills at the level of the small groups.  While I am working with the small group, students are making math choices about what they need to work on the most.   I hope that math workshop can be a time of growth not only in math but also as a general student.  At then end of this year I know they will be ready for 4th grade math and beyond.  But I hope they view themselves as competent students who are able to confront and solve problems of all kinds.

We get a ton of work done in one day.  Often the challenging thing for students is time management.  We have stuff due daily as well as weekly.  Here in this first quarter kids can really struggle with their Must Do’s.  There are so many things that students want to do during workshop that it can be tempting to ditch the things that I think are important for things that they think are important.  I work hard in the first quarter to help them figure out how best to manage their time and normally by the end the of the quarter most people are on board.  I am definitely down to just a few that need my help managing their tasks.

I am having a great time working with the whole 3rd grade.  I love getting to know them all and I have really enjoyed seeing both classes.  If you have any questions feel free to email me ahalvors@pps.net

Allison

Happy October

Posted on October 9, 2017

Hello All,

Happy Fall!  Things are humming right along in the 3rd grade.  Students are working really hard.

In math we are already most of the way through our first book.  Some of you saw them on back to school night.  Students have now mostly got the hang of the new system and are humming right along.  We are quickly moving through triple digit addition and on to multiplication.  It is very exciting. You will have a chance to take the book home with you at conferences.

Monster writing

We have begun our Monster stories.  We will be done with them around Halloween and they will be ready to go home at conferences.  It is a fun way to work out all those big kid writing challenges like editing and revising.

Classroom volunteers

I have head from a couple of you that you are interested in volunteering.  Here is a google form to fill out if you are interested.  Of course for field trips I will ask when the need arises.

School pictures are coming up on the 17th and don’t forget to sign up to help at the Halloween Party!

Allison