Teaching like an Expert

Today we began our writing on information books. We learned that information writers are teachers. When you write an information book, you are teaching about your topic. Today, students got to teach their peers about their topic that they are an expert on. We learned some really interesting and neat things about each others' topics!

Attitude Spray

Have you heard about our Attitude Spray?? It is a special secret "potion" that only students who believe will receive! We use this "potion" to help us have a good attitude before we take our tests. We learned that attitude is everything and if you have a good attitude before your test, you will work harder and try your best on the test!! Ask your child if they chose to receive this "potion" before their reading test today. :)

Fraction Frenzy!

In math, we have started a new unit all about fractions.  Students are sharpening their skills every day about this new and exciting concept.  Here are some of the charts that we have made so far based on the work we have done. 

Notice that "drawing" fractions is NOT a strategy that we are using in class. Being able to accurately represent fractions (equal sized wholes and equal parts), is very difficult for students.  Therefore, we use other strategies to more accurately compare fractions. For example, when compare 3/8 and 5/6 students might compare them to 1/2.  Students might say "I know that 3/8 is 1/8 less than a half and 5/6 is 1/6 MORE than a half; therefore, 3/8 < 5/6." This method of comparing fractions is MUCH more accurate than attempting to draw a representation.

Using an inequality sign (<,>, or =) compare the following fractions: 5/8 and 2/4. Leave a comment with your answer! 

Readers to Leaders: BINGO

Today, we celebrated together as a 3rd grade for those students who met the 2nd quarter reading goal.  We played Wild Bingo!!! 

Happy 100th Day of School!!

High Interest Nonfiction Books

This week we will continue our study of nonfiction. We are really enjoying reading our nonfiction texts. Unfortunately, we don’t have a large amount of high interest nonfiction books in our class library. We are asking for any nonfiction book donations to keep our students engaged. We have found that students really enjoy these DK Readers. They are high interest nonfiction books with lively illustrations and engaging age-appropriate stories. We really appreciate any donation! :)

Hard Work Pays Off

Today, our school got a visit from Adrian Peterson, Georgia Southern alum and former running back for the Chicago Bears. 

He came to share his message with us to strive to meet our goals.  We were able to hear his amazing story with a great message that includes his family and parents, hard work, and how a very difficult speech disability only motivated him to fight harder to reach his goals in life. 

His book, "Don't Dis My Abilities" is inspiring and full of hope.