December Update

I am sure you are busy with the hustle and bustle of preparing for Christmas holidays.  We are also quite busy here at school, preparing for the birth of Jesus and opening our hearts to our community.  Our ongoing Can Food Drive will help to support some families in need this holiday season and so will the coins donated on our past Pajama Day and our upcoming Hat Day, this Thursday, December 14th and Christmas colours and accessories Day on Tuesday, December 19th.  We are so proud of our students for their donations and pride in helping our own community. 

Last week and this week (Tuesday), we have been blessed to participate in a Musical Theatre Workshop where we are learning to sing and move to the music.  Once it is complete, I will post the video so you can see the amazing talent we have in our class.

We have begun harvesting our Tower Garden and the students were able to participate in a Caesar Salad lunch and this week, we will learn to make basil pesto (nut-free) and have the opportunity to try some on bread.  What an amazing experience for our students to get to plant, grow, care for, harvest, and then prepare and eat the fruits of our labour.  I always encourage the students to try these new foods and see if their taste buds are open to new flavours.  In the new year, we will have the students bring some of the herbs and vegetables home to cook with their families.

Our Addition and Subtraction Test is this Friday.  Please have your child practice on Dreambox, Prodigy, and Xtramath.org to work on their number facts.  Having your child work on 3-digit addition and subtraction with regrouping is what they will be asked to do on the test.  There will be a 2-step problem, like the one that went home to be signed.

Upcoming Days to Remember:

Thursday 14 - Hat Day (bring in a coin or 2)

Friday 15 - Advent Mass 9:30am

Tuesday 19 - Christmas colours & Accessories Day (bring in a coin or 2)

Wednesday 20 - Christmas Craft Day 1:00pm

Thursday 21 - Snowflake Sale (buy gently used items to use as Christmas presents for loved ones,                              wrapping available)

Friday 22 - Last Day before holidays

Adding and Subtracting Learning Goals

Here are the expectations for our new unit on addition and subtraction!

Number Sense - Addition & Subtraction

• I can solve problems involving addition and subtraction of two-digit numbers, using a variety of mental strategies
• I can add and subtract 3-digit numbers 
• I can use estimation when solving problems using addition and subtraction 

Encourage your child to go on Xtramath.org and practise their math facts or quiz them while you are in the car on numbers that you see on license plates.  Ask them to estimate how much two items at the store will cost altogether.  When planning for Christmas get togethers, ask them how many plates, or buns, or cookies, etc, you will need altogether.  

Adding and Subtracting Games

http://www.abcya.com/clear_it_addition.htm

http://www.abcya.com/estimating.htm

http://www.abcya.com/jet_ski_addition.htm

http://www.abcya.com/marble_drop_addition.htm

https://ca.ixl.com/math/grade-3/add-two-numbers-up-to-three-digits-word-problems

https://ca.ixl.com/math/grade-3/subtract-numbers-up-to-three-digits

Patterning Learning Goals

We have started our new unit on patterning! Here are our learning goals and tips for you to practise at home! There are also a couple of links to some online games. Thank you for your support in your child's learning.

Patterning

• I can identify, extend, and create a repeating pattern involving two attributes 
• I can identify and describe number patterns on a number line, on a calendar, and on a hundreds chart

Look for patterns in your everyday life at home or when out doing errands (ex. Fences, wallpaper, when setting the table, in fabrics/materials, and when playing with toys). Have them describe what the attributes are (what changes in the pattern - ex. Size, colour, shape). Involve your child when adding events to calendars and when counting how many days until birthdays, holidays or special events.

http://www.abcya.com/calendar_word_problems.htm
http://www.abcya.com/patterns.htm

Booking a Parent Teacher Interview

This year we are going to try booking our Parent Teacher Interviews online.  Please follow the link below to choose a 10 minute time slot that works best for you.  Please make sure you are booking on the correct day:  Thursday, November 9th, 2017.  You can use the icon of the calendar to click the correct day.  Let me know if you are having any problems with the website.  See you there!

Online Parent Teacher Interview Booking

Reminders

Just a few reminders:

• Student fee is $25 per student or $40 for a family - please pay online or by cash or cheque
• Students will require headphones for the whole school year.  If you have not brought some in yet, let me know if you need some help to get some for your child.
• Please remember to sign and return rubrics that are sent home.  This is a good way for me to communicate to you how your child is doing so that there are no surprises come Progress Report time.
• Photo Day changed to Monday, October 23rd.

Hope everyone enjoyed a fun and relaxing Thanksgiving!

Data Management learning goals

Hello!

As we begin our next math unit on Data Management - here are the new learning expectations and some tips on how you can practise at home!  

• I can organize, sort, and classify objects into categories using two or more attributes
• I can collect data by conducting a simple survey
• I can collect and organize data and display the data in charts, tables and graphs, with appropriate titles and labels 
• I can read data presented in charts, tables, and graphs, then describe the data using comparative language
• I can interpret and draw conclusions from data 
• I can demonstrate an understanding of mode and identify the mode in a set of data

Some ways that you practise at home:

Sort objects at home (sort fruit and veggies into the fridge after shopping, sort coins in different ways), take surveys at home (who likes to eat chicken better than beef, who likes olives on their pizza), if you see a graph or table in a book, newspaper, magazine, social media - ask your child to show you the labels, ask which is most popular, or least popular, what does the graph tell you? 

Here is also a fun math game you can use to make a graph!

http://www.kidsmathgamesonline.com/numbers/mathdata.html

http://pbskids.org/cyberchase/math-games/logic-zoo/

October News

October is here and with it comes cooler mornings.  Please remember if your child is bringing hats or mitts to school on these crisp mornings to write their names inside all belongings as they tend to take them off once warmed up by running around.  We are quickly already creating a pile in the Lost and Found. 

This Thursday we will be having a Place Value quiz.  Please review any items that come home with your child and sign and return so that I know you are seeing how they are doing in class.  Feel free to contact me through the agenda or by calling the school if you have any concerns or questions.

Photo Day is next Friday, October 13th. 

Our photocopier is down right now and so we were not able to prepare this week's homework as of yet.  We will let you know once it is ready to go home when it must be returned.  Thanks to all students who have presented your Shoebox Presentations, it was so nice to get to hear from all of you about your likes, talents, and important mementos.

This Friday is a PD Day for the children with Thanksgiving Monday off as well.  Please enjoy your long weekend and have a Happy Thanksgiving!

Number Sense learning goals

This September we will be looking at the following Number Sense and Numeration expectations in our math class:

• I can count forward (by 1, 2, 5, 10, 25, 100) and backwards (by 2, 5, 10, 100) using a variety of tools
• I can represent, compare, and order numbers up to 1000
• I can read and write whole numbers
• I can identify and represent the value of a digit according to its position in the number (3 in 324 is 3 hundreds)
• I can compose and decompose 3-digit numbers into hundreds, tens, and ones using concrete materials
• I can round 2-digit numbers to the nearest ten
• I can represent and explain the relationship among the numbers 1, 10, 100, 1000

Try to help your child consolidate this learning at home by having them skip count while waiting for the light to change in the car, while waiting for their sibling to get dressed, and while waiting for commercials to be over. When shopping and looking at prices, ask your child to round the dollar amounts to the nearest 10. When a number comes up in a book, on the tv, or in an address, ask them to tell you which digit is in the 100's column, or 10's column, or 1's column and what it's value is.

Welcome to Grade 3 2017-2018

Welcome Parents and Students to our Grade 3 Blog!  This website will be a space for us to share some of the topics that we are exploring in class, news and information on the school, and websites that can help support our learning in class.  I will make sure to have the students write in their agenda when to "Check Blog" so that you do not feel the need to look back each and every day.  I am still developing my "technological skills", so please be patient with me!

I am loving getting to know each and every child in the class and they are working hard to get comfortable with the rules and routines of the classroom right now.  On Tuesday, September 19th at 6:45pm, St. Bernard School will hold it's Program Night.  During this evening you will learn about our Grade 3 program, the curriculum, the special events, and the rules and routines of the class (homework program, Math Wizards, etc...).  I look forward to meeting you!  Please continue checking and signing the agenda each and every night.

Thanks so much,
Ms. Laura Ferrarotto

Probability Expectations

This is our last Math Unit before EQAO next week.  We will be doing the quiz on Tuesday, May 23.

Probability Expectations

• I can predict the frequency of an outcome in a simple probability experiment or game, then perform the experiment, and compare the results with the predictions, using mathematical language

• I can demonstrate an understanding of fairness in a game and relate this to the occurrence of equally likely outcomes 

Here are some links to some games that you can play to practise these skills!

http://mrnussbaum.com/probfair/

Probability Games

Algebra Expectations

We are working on our second last unit before our EQAO testing at the end of the month!  We are currently working on Algebra!  The expectations are as follows:

• I can determine the inverse relationship between addition and subtraction
• I can determine the missing number in equations involving addition and subtraction or 1 or 2 digit numbers 
• I can identify the properties of zero and one in multiplication
• I can identify and use the associative property of addition to facilitate computation with whole numbers

This is a great time to review the fact families with your child.  For example using the numbers 2, 3, 5 to manipulate the numbers to make different number sentences (2 + 3 = 5, 3 + 2 = 5, 5 - 3 = 2, 5 - 2 = 3).  Here is a video to reinforce these skills:

Fact Families

Algebra Games

Here are some games to practise your Algebra skills.

Missing Number

Balancing Equations

Number Patterns

We have 3 more Math units to cover before our Review for EQAO testing.  This week we will focus on Number Patterns.  The expectations are as follows:

• I can extend repeating, growing and shrinking number patterns
• I can create a number pattern involving addition or subtraction, given a presented pattern on a number line or a written pattern rule
• I can represent simple geometric patterns using a number sequence, number line, or a bar graph

Here are some online games you can try on your computers at home.  

Unlock the Number Pattern
x

Number Pattern Races

Balloon Pop

Remember:  a good foundation in addition, subtraction, multiplication and division is helpful when working on number patterns; so practising your xtramath.org math facts is also a good idea.  Working on speed and accuracy with number facts is always an easy thing to practise in the car, on a walk, and at tuck in.

Transformational Geometry expectations

I sincerely apologize for not having the blog up on time this weekend.  My computer was taken from me to exchange for an updated one and I didn't have all my resources with me.  Again, I am so sorry about that.

This week's quiz will be on Friday on Transformational Geometry.  The expectations are as follows:

1. I can identify reflections (flips), translations (slides), and rotations (turns).
2. I can complete and describe designs and pictures of images that have a line of symmetry.
3. I can describe movements from one location to another using a grid map.

Here are some games that you can play online to practise these skills:

Flips, Slides, Turns

Symmetry

Temperature games for Quiz tomorrow

http://interactivesites.weebly.com/temperature.html

Time expectations

We have now begun our time unit in which the students are learning to do the following:

• I can read time using analogue clocks to the nearest five minutes and represent time in 12-hour notation (digital time e.g. 4:10)

• I can solve problems involving the relationships between min and hrs, hrs and days, days and weeks, and weeks and years (e.g. How many days are in 2 weeks?  How many minutes are in 3 hours?)

We will be having our Unit Quiz on Tuesday of next week.  Here are some websites for practising:

http://www.abcya.com/telling_time.htm

http://www.mad4maths.com/telling_time/telling_time_Part1/

http://mrnussbaum.com/bedtime-2/

Money Expectations

Welcome Back from March Break!  Hope you all had a nice rest!

We are moving into our Money Unit and the following expectations are the Gr. 3 goals for this topic.

• I can represent and describe relationships between coins and bills up to $10
• I can estimate, count, and represent the value of a collection of coins and bills up to $10
• I can add and subtract money amounts to make purchases or change up to $10
• I can solve word problems applying the skills above

Try to have your child look at prices when you are grocery shopping, online shopping, or running errands.  Have them round to the nearest dollar and estimate what the total cost will be.  When paying for something, have your child help count out the change or estimate how much change you will get from the cashier.  You can also try the following online games:

Math is Fun

Money Games

Making Change

Multiplication Games

Hello!  

Here are some multiplication games to help practise this weekend.

Clear It Multiplication

Division Drag Race

Math Lines Multiplication 

Multiplication Grand Prix

Farm Escape Multiplication

Envision Division

New Math Expectations

Hello!

As you know our Fraction Quiz is tomorrow!  Here are the expectations and a game to practise!  Sorry it is so late - we have been so busy with report cards and shovelling!!  haha!

Fractions Learning Goals

• I can divide whole objects into equal parts.
• I can divide sets of objects into equal parts.
• I can compare fractions and put them in order according to size. 
• I can identify the parts using fractional names without using numbers (ex. two thirds, one fourth)
• I can solve multi-step math word problems involving fractions using pictures, numbers and words.

Fraction Fling

Our next unit is Multiplication and Division.  You can practise on Xtramath.org - we will be changing it to multiplication!  

Multiplication and Division Expectations

ü I can relate multiplication of 1-digit numbers to real-life situations

ü I can relate division of 1-digit numbers to real-life situations

ü I can multiply up to 7 x 7 using a variety of mental strategies

ü I can divide to 49/7 using a variety of mental strategies

Salad Day

On Wednesday, we had the pleasure to enjoy the fruits, or should I say "vegetables" of our labours!  The three Grade 3 classes came together as a community and harvested the lettuce that has been growing in our Tower Gardens.  We shared some delicious and healthy toppings and enjoyed a nutritious lunch.  We will try to send some fresh basil home soon for you to throw into your own home cooking!

Looking at roots and learning how to harvest.

Here we are harvesting our lettuce.

Here is our final product and enjoying the yummy veggies!  I think they like it!

Measurement

We have now begun our unit on Measurement.  We will begin with Linear Measurement where the students must learn to do the following:

• estimate, measure and record length, height, and distance using standard units (cm, m, km)
• draw items using a ruler, given specific lengths in cm
• compare standard units of length and select and justify the most appropriate unit to measure length
• compare and order objects on the basis of linear measurements in cm and m (100 cm=1m)

Practise these skills at home by asking your child to estimate the length of an object in your home, and you give an estimate too.  After, measure it using a ruler or measuring tape and whoever is closest wins 10 points.  First person to 100 wins!  You can also choose an object and ask your child if they would measure that in cm or m.

Here is our in class anchor chart:

We will try to do a quiz on Tuesday or Wednesday next week so we can move onto Area and Perimeter.  The expectations for these measurement skills are as follows:

• ·        estimate, measure, and record the perimeter of 2D shapes using standard units
• ·         estimate, measure, and record area
• ·         compare and order various shapes by area using congruent shapes and grid paper
• ·         describe the relationship between the size of a unit of area and the number of units needed to cover a surface

You can help your child practise these skills by asking them to estimate the perimeter of their bed, their dresser, the table, and the backyard.  Ask them how many post-it notes they would need to cover a book, the kitchen floor, or front of the refrigerator.

3D Quiz on Monday

This site has some fun games to play as practise for our 3D Quiz.  Remember to look through your flip book as well.

http://www.topmarks.co.uk/maths-games/7-11-years/shape-position-and-movement

Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Today we watched a video and read a book on Martin Luther King Jr.  The students had many great thoughts about "justice" and excellent questions about history.  You can watch the video here.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4xXZhXTFWnE

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year and Welcome Back!  Hope everyone enjoyed some safe and relaxing holidays!

We are continuing to work on Geometry and will be doing a 2D Quiz this Thursday.  We will then move on to 3D figures.  The expectations are as follows:

• I can identify and compare various polygons (triangles, quadrilaterals, pentagons, hexagons, heptagons, octagons) and sort them by their geometric properties (# of sides, side lengths, # of interior angles, # of right angles)
• I can use a reference tool to identify right angles and to describe and compare angles as greater than, equal to, or less than a right angle
• I can compare and sort prisms and pyramids by their geometric properties
• I can construct rectangular prisms and describe geometric properties of prisms
• I can solve problems requiring the greatest or least number of 2D shapes needed to compose a larger shape in a variety of ways
• I can explain the relationships between different types of quadrilaterals 
• I can identify and describe the 2D shapes that are found in 3D shapes 
• I can describe and name prisms and pyramids by the shape of their base
• I can identify congruent 2D shapes by manipulating and matching concrete materials

This week's homework will be the last week to incorporate reading response questions.  We will be moving onto writing a Hamburger Paragraph.  The students will be given a topic in which they must come up with 3 interesting details, an opening sentence and a closing sentence.  See the anchor chart below.  Math will remain the same.

We are continuing to work on Narrative Writing in our Language program.  You can ask your child to tell you who the characters are, or the setting, or problem and solution when reading fiction books aloud.  

In Science, we are closing up our Plants unit and will begin to study Soils.  Look at how well our lettuce and basil Tower Gardens are doing.  They really sprouted over the holidays!

Please continue sending your child to school with snowpants, mittens, hats, and boots that are labelled as we go outside 3 times a day and many things seem to go missing.

Mrs. Fraser's class has begun the Swim to Survive program.  Please note that Mrs. Mediema's class will  be going in February and Ms. Ferrarotto's class will be going in March.  

As always, feel free to communicate through the agendas or write a note to let us know to give you a call if you have any questions or concerns.