November 26-30

In Grade Three this week...

Students continued to engage in the writing process. This week we focussed on the idea of revision and building on strategies to support them in the process. Students learned how to make this visible by showcasing the various symbols to support their changes in their writing.  Using the acronym ARMS to support, students reviewed their written work and looked for the following ways:
Add - words or sentences
Remove - unwanted words or sentences
Move- changing the placement of words or sentences
Substitute - trade words or sentences for newer ones

This week, we also examined other ways to improve our writing such as reflecting on the way in which we use the word 'said' in our writing. Together as a class, we brainstormed a list of words that could be used instead,  to make our dialogue more interesting. We also provided an opportunity to revisit the way in which we begin our narrative stories to hook the reader in. In an effort to support the connection of how to read as a writer, students had an opportunity to examine other picture books (mentor texts) and identify how other authors began their stories.  So far we saw that story beginnings could start with:

•  describing a setting
•  describing a character
•  using a sound
•  using dialogue
•  asking a question
•  introducing a problem

Students then revisited their last few stories to determine how they began their own stories and were challenged at the end of this week to try another way in an effort to add some variety to their writing. 

Our Beakerhead Ingenuity challenge has commenced this week and students had an opportunity to predict what material could be hiding in our package...it turned out to be (drum roll please)...TAPE.  Our challenge for this upcoming Ingenuity challenge is to collaboratively create something in response to the statment: The Year is 3018. To begin our work, students were asked to work in groups of three and determine what has had the greatest impact to their quality of life. Lots of connections were made to family and friends and in an effort to support our students to think of other ways we observed many inventions in the last 100 years. Students then watched a video of how a simple invention such as cardboard desk that converts into a backpack could have impact on others. Students were then challenged again to brainstorm ideas of how they could improve on something that already exists or to try to think of something that could make something easier in their life or of others. Lots of creative ideas! Next week we are hoping to come together and narrow down our ideas and head into the design phase. 

In Math, students continued to practice addition of three digit numbers and transitioned towards the topic of measurement. This week, students explored measuring items either by length, width or height and explored this using various non - standard materials. Ask your child what they might have measured and what material they may have used?

Thank you

Thank you to our parents who volunteered for the Fun Lunch this Thursday. As well, a big thank you to those who volunteered for the Parent Association Casino this weekend. We really appreciate your support and  time. 

Upcoming Dates
Dec 7 – Non Instructional Day-No School 

Dec 13 – Poinsettia/ Purdy’s orders ready for pick up (5-6)
Dec 19 – Christmas Concert
Dec 20 – Fun Lunch Dec 21 – Last day of school for students
Dec 22 – Jan 7 Winter Break
Jan 7 – Non instructional day
Jan 8 - First Day back for students