Think Tank in Third
Weekly Update- August 26, 2016
Welcome to 3rd Grade!
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We've had an awesome start to the school year! We've spent the week getting to know one another, and building a positive classroom culture. Here's a recap of what we've done so far:
Math- We've been using math activities from www.youcubed.org. If you click here, you can see some awesome resources for parents!
Writing- We introduced writers notebooks, decorated the covers, and began getting them organized for use throughout the school year.
Reading- We started the "First 20 Days," which is part of the reading workshop model that we use here at New Albany. We've been discussing how to choose a book, what independent reading looks like, and reading stamina.
NEW: Brain Journal- This year, we've started a Brain Journal. We'll be talking a lot about how the brain works, and how your brain can stretch and grow to learn more. The YouCubed link above has a lot of great videos and reading about the topic, if you're interested in learning more. Click here to read a great article about how a parent's beliefs about math can change their child's achievement.
Adding information to our Brain Journals
* "Our brain can stretch and grow to learn more."
* "If we can't do something yet it doesn't mean we aren't that kind of person, it just means we haven't learned it."
* "Keep practicing and your brain will get better."
YouCubed Math Activity
* People see math in different ways
* We can solve a problem differently and still be correct
* We don't all have to use the same method to solve a problem
"Meet Me" Math
* Numbers can be represented in different ways
* If we make a mistake we can add on or take away to fix it
Homework
What to expect for homework in the Think Tank
The second piece of the homework menu is a “Design Challenge”. This is not a requirement, but we are strongly encouraging kids to participate. The challenges will align with our focus for the weeks it is assigned. Students are given 2 weeks to complete the design challenge. We will be displaying all of their challenge work throughout the year in our classrooms.
If you have any questions about assignments please feel free to contact us!
"Me Museum" Due Sept. 2- Parents Welcome!
We look forward to learning more about your child, and seeing you in our classroom!
Meet Our Class Pet- Captain Fluffywinkle
Captain Fluffywinkle
*If your child is allergic to Guinea Pigs, please let us know!*