Despite our shortened day, the children accomplished some great learning today!
Stations: We stretched our convergent thinking with some verbal problems called "Word Winks".   The children enjoyed trying to figure out the commonly used phrases or idoms in the pictures.  We also started a fund Halloween Scamper activity to focus on creative and divergent thinking.  We'll continue that next week.  Can't wait to see their ideas!

Algebraic Thinking: We pushed ahead into Lesson 4 in Hands-On-Equations.  The algebraic understanding and reasoning is growing with each lesson.  The children cannot wait to get back to H.O.E.!  They beg us to do it every week.  Did you ever imagine that your child would beg to do algebra?  It's all in the hands on learning method.

Novel Study: We read more about Claudia and Jamie's adventures in the Metropolitan Museum of Art.  They have just seen the mysterious angel statue.  We're looking forward to next week, so we can read more about the mystery!  The children stretched their critical and evaluative thinking in their responses about their reading.

First In Math:  We had a fun celebration of all the hard work the students have been doing with their math practice.  They are really accomplishing quite a bit!  Please help your child to focus on working some of those important math skills in F.I.M.

HW: First In Math

Eagerly Awaiting Next Wednesday,
Mrs. Kraeger

We had a jam packed day in third grade!  As usual, these kids did not disappoint.  They stayed the course and really accomplished a lot!

HW: First in Math-I'll be checking the standings on Tuesday.  Will you be ready?!
Stations: We thought convergently with two different logic puzzles.  Then we worked our critical thinking skills with our Weighty Word definitions, sentences, and synonyms.  We stretched our creative thinking by writing letters to thank our soldiers serving our country.  

Focus Study: We tried a new way of doing research today with a game called "BUZZ!"  The kids rotated among different stations to find the answers to questions.  They liked it and are looking forward to a more advanced version of the activity next time!  We learned a lot about stars!  ***Also, check out the full moon on Friday.  It will be a partial eclipse.  
Novel Study: We worked more on our book, Mixed Up Files.  This time we concentrated on reading closely to learn more about author's craft, specifically word choice.  The children were expert at spotting many words the author chose to paint a detailed picture of the story in our minds.  Super work, my budding authors!  We finished chapter 3 and are SO eager to start the next chapter!  Can't wait to read more next week!

Third grade had a GREAT day of learning as we got back to our regular schedule. 

Stations: We stretched our brains with convergent thinking in logic puzzles & riddles.  Our divergent thinking got a big workout in a Creative Problem solving activity that was all about pumpkins.  The kids came up with so many ideas about pumpkins!

Algebraic Thinking: Hands-On-Equations is moving right along as we expand our algebraic reasoning using "legal moves" to solve even harder problems!

Novel Study:  We enjoyed reading more of our book.  We're really getting into the story now, and are digging deeper into characters, setting, and author's purpose. 

Focus Study: We finished our research about the astronomers and learned more about the different models of the solar system.  The kids were amazed that the early astronomers had such different ideas about planet movement than we have today!