Learning with iPads

This week, we finally got to start using the iPads.  We have been studying the Addition Properties, which have been pretty tricky to remember.  Since the best way to be sure you understand a concept is to be able to explain it, students have been practicing teaching each other about the Identity Property, the Commutative Property and the Associative Property.  On Wednesday, students used the iPad cameras to take videos of each other explaining the properties.  Some students were naturals, some were a bit intimidated at first, but they will get plenty of practice.  We will be doing videos all year.

Today, we learned about three apps.  Students spent about 15 minutes practicing their addition and subtraction facts using the My Math App.  This is a free flashcard app.  Next, students investigated the free Geoboard app.  We will use this a little later in the year.  For today, students learned how to manipulate the virtual rubber bands and make designs.  Third, students investigated the free Virtual Manipulatives app, which we will use when we start our study of fractions.  I used to teach students how to use apps myself, but have discovered that if I just let them explore, they will teach me about the apps.  I learned something new about Virtual Manipulatives today and this is my third year using it!

August Art

We try to do art in class at least once a week.  This month we made our self-portrait people so they would be up at Back to School Night.  We will see how many parents recognize their child's piece.

We also did a project based on the wonderful book Ish, by Peter H. Reynolds.  How much fun to draw things that aren't perfect representations, but are "-ish."

August Math Games

We try to have fun while we learn.  To practice what they knew about place value, the students rolled a die three times and tried to create the largest number they could with the numbers on the die. The one with the highest number scored a point.  There was some heated competition!

We also played a rounding game.  Students drew number cards from a pile and said whether the number would "round up" or "round down."  The fact checker checked their answer.  A correct "round up" answer was worth 2 points, a correct "round down" answer was worth only 1 point.

Our Forty Book Challenge Has Begun!

Our Forty Book Reading Challenge has begun. We have time for reading just about every day.

During the first full week of school, the first book review was posted on our book wall at the back of the class.  I think by the end of the month, the wall will have more than 50 books on it.  We will have a small celebration when we reach the first 100 books.

Every Friday, students write about a book they have been reading and get the chance to share their thoughts with the class.  My book list is growing because so many students have book recommendations for me.  I'm in the middle of Ida B by Katherine Hannigan and I love the main character, who is just too busy getting on with her life to bother with eating anything other than the same lunch every day.

Look for a Scholastic book flyer to come home in the next few weeks.   Students may want to order some new books to read.

First Day of School. Play-doh Introductions

On the very first day of school, students were already coming up to the front of the classroom.  They created something meaningful to them with Play-doh, then came up to show it off and answer a question or two from me.  This was an idea I got from the book Teach Like A Pirate and, just as the author suggested, this was a fun way to learn a little about the children.  Here are just a few of the creations.

Welcome to our class blog

Image courtesy of Pixabay

Welcome to our class blog.

This is where I will share information about what is going on in our classroom.  Check out the pages in the right margin to learn about Frequently Asked Questions and our Forty Book Reading Challenge.

Once the school year begins, you can also check on our blog to see student work and photos of what's going on in third grade.

I hope you will find your way here often.

Mrs. Newman