Dictionary Skills

In the Media Centre this week, Mrs. Wocke taught us how to find words in a dictionary. We located the words using the guide words. It helps to know alphabetical order to do this. Then we could read the definitions and write them in our own words. We also identified different forms of the words, for example: large, larger, and largest. Then we found synonyms, or words that mean the same, and related words such as: big, huge, tall, high.

We also looked at finding a broader or narrower topic for a chosen theme. For example, a broader topic for continents might be the Earth, while a narrower topic could be country. The students did a great job of grasping these concepts and completed the exercise for three words plus an extra word of their choice.

D.E.A.R.

The students of grade three love their D.E.A.R. (Drop Everything And Read) time. They make themselves comfortable in the class library area and curl up with a good book and read quietly and uninterrupted for a period of 15 to 30 minutes.



Solving the Pangaea Puzzle

The third graders were provided with a tension engagement to start our Planet Earth unit of inquiry. They were given a set of Pangaea cutouts and they were instructed to work collaboratively in their groups to put the puzzle together without being told what the pieces represented. They were quick to identify the pieces as continents but struggled in the process of putting it together as they know the continents are not all connected. However, with discussion, perseverance, determination and some guidance both groups managed to put the puzzle together. Then we had a discussion about Pangaea and scientists discoveries of how the continents looked millions of years ago. It was a great start to our new unit.

The Challenge... 

 Celebrating Success!!!

Continents

& Oceans

In the Media Centre the students used BrainPop to learn about the continents and oceans. They watched a video which gave a definition of these elements of the Earth and identified the continents and oceans of the world. Following this they completed interactive activities to test their understanding and reinforce their learning.

Technology Aids Learning

Winter Event

For the winter event the grade 3 students will be singing Frosty the Snowman. Below are the lyrics so the students can learn the words to the song.  There is also a link so they can actually listen to the song as well. There may be slight variations to the way they are singing it, but it will help them with the tune and they can enjoy a little YouTube  animated cartoon of Frosty the Snowman.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pmuJDmjq-xQ

 

Frosty the Snowman

Frosty the Snowman was a jolly happy soul
With a corncob pipe and a button nose
And two eyes made out of coal
Frosty the Snowman is a fairytale they say
He was made of snow but the children know
How he came to life one day.

There must have been some magic
In that old silk hat they found
For when they placed it on his head
He began to dance around

Frosty the Snowman was alive as he could be
And the children say he could laugh and play
Just the same as you and me

Learning Multiplication

The students of grade 3 have been involved in many different activities to learn the multiplication tables. We have used flash cards, played math games, participated in the 50 Club math drill, and completed our unit related activities in our math books. Learning the multiplication tables is very important and takes time. It is necessary that parents help their children practice the times tables by quizzing them at home on a regular basis until they can recite them quite quickly. Together we can all help improve these skills!

 Multiplication 50 Club Drills

 Multiplication Train Game

Multiplication Flash Cards

Multiplication Domino Game

 Body Systems Projects

As a final activity for our health and well-being unit of inquiry, the students worked in pairs or trios to complete a project on one of the body systems of their choice. They were expected to complete an explanatory text describing what the body system is and explaining how it works. They also had to draw and label a diagram of the body system. Once the projects were completed and the students had a chance to practice, they presented their explanations and diagrams to the class. The presentations went well and the students were able to demonstrate their understanding of the workings of the body systems. Congratulations to all on a job well done!

Building a Body!!!

Thanks to one of the students, we had a large model of the body that we could build together. There were many parts that had to be connected to complete the skeleton with the internal organs. Unfortunately the muscles would not stay attached, so we only completed the skeleton and the internal organs. It was a little challenging, but nevertheless a fun way to review the main parts of the body systems.

So many parts!!!                              The construction begins...

 Attaching the hipbones...

Adding the internal organs.

An arm gets attached.            Here he is mostly finished!

Our

Food

Pyramids

The students created wonderful food pyramids at home to demonstrate their understanding of the distribution of food and the number of servings required each day. Their models and posters were very well organized and clearly labeled. All the presentations were very clear and the students were able to answer the questions from their classmates with confidence. Well done everyone!

That’s the Spirit!

The students of grade three showed great school spirit for the ISW Spirit Day! Everyone came in costume for the day and really got into the spirit of the event. They had a lot of fun at the party.

The Mixed-Up Monster!

The students also made a very creative mixed-up monster for the classroom door decorating contest. Then they wrote a description or a story about the monster. These were added to our door display. Our display was voted the most gruesome!