Third Grade with Mrs. Hreno

Happy Friday 3rd Grade Families--

This post is a little a longer than most because it's packed with important info., a few reminders, and a lot of fun learning that went on this week!

• Wednesday, October 7th-Walk to School day
• Students are encouraged to walk or ride their bike to school! This is a perfect way to Sharpen the Saw--the final habit we'll be learning next week.

• Thursday, October 8th-Picture Day!
• Friday, October 23rd- Donuts with Dad and Book Fair
• Students can bring their dad or special man in their life to enjoy a yummy breakfast and browse for books after!

• Today-NWEA scores will be available for you to view. This is the literacy and math test students took on the computer at the beginning of year. A couple things to keep in mind as you are  viewing this report:
•  This is only one snapshot of your child's academic progress/growth. On the third grade test, students are expected to read passages/items on their own--this is different from last years test where it was read aloud to them.
• Students are always encouraged to try their best and TAKE THEIR TIME. Sometimes third graders have the tendency to be click-happy, and finish rather quickly.
• Although this test is very important, it is not the only tool I use to measure each student's academic progress. This test, along with other classroom observations and data, allows me to figure out each child's strengths and weaknesses.

Now on to the FUN stuff!!!

The classroom store was open for business today and the kids were so EXCITED! It's always fun to see who the spenders, savers, and shopaholics ( I think that's me!) are. All of their hard work is definitely paying off! Take a look at some of my shoppers and the fun things they could buy!

Mrs. Borlik's second graders joined us for math today and it was a blast! Third graders had the opportunity to teach them every step of the problem solving process that we've learned so far. They paired up around the room and got to work! Each group synergized to find the right answer!  Here are the steps we've learned so far:

1. Read the problem until you understand it.
2. Cover the problem and retell the most important parts. If you can't retell, reread the problem.
3. Circle the question the problem is asking.
4. Identify key words and numbers in the problem.
5. Decide which skills you'll need to solve the problem-Ask yourself, should I add, subtract, multiply, or divide?!
6. Pick the best strategy that will help you solve the problem.

This week students also:

• continued their mineral field tests just as a geologist does! They discovered the luster, hardness, and magnetism of their minerals.
• identified the difference between literal and non-literal language during reading.
• looked for and wrote FANCY words in their writing instead of us words that may put our readers to sleep!
• learned about Habit 6- Synergize-Together is better! 

Enjoy this BEAUTIFUL, FALL weather and have a great weekend!
Mrs. Hreno