Sunday, November 13, 2011

Week of November 14-18th

Parents,
Well there is never a dull moment in 3rd grade!  This week we will be having a Math Benchmark on Tuesday.  It will consist of 26 multiple choice questions, 1 problem solving problem, and 1 timed Math Facts Test.  The good news is that it will never go in my grade book.  It's only used for data purposes. :)

Last week in Math students practiced representing multiplication using pictures, arrays, and the traditional multiplication sentence.  We learned that the answer to a multiplication problem is called a “product” and the two numbers we multiply together are called “factors”.  We  started  applying what we learned about multiplication to problems in the real world.  Example:  If there are 5 students in a group and each student holds 3 pencils, how many pencils in all?  Students will have to practice choosing the correct operation to solve a problem now.  Now we will have to choose if it is appropriate to add, subtract, and/or multiply when problem solving. 
  
In Math this week after we review and have the Math Benchmark on Monday and Tuesday, I will be introducing  Paired Tables.  Using paired tables is a strategy (making a T-Chart)students can use to figure out problem solving problems that contain patterns.  For example, Confetti eggs come in cartons of 8, How many eggs will there be in 3, 6, and 8 cartons.  The students would create a T chart.  On one side would be the # of cartons, and on the other would be the # of eggs.  This is a simple strategy to figure out larger patterns in numbers.

In Science last week we finished up our study of Energy and had our major exam this past Friday.  This week and in the two school days next week, we will have a total of 3 labs.  One on Magnetism this Monday, another on systems and how things work together, and lastly a lab on Friction!  It should be a fun week of Science Labs :)

Love,
Mrs. S

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