North Chevy Chase Elementary School
3rd Grade
What have we been learning?
Math
As the third marking period ended, we wrapped up our study of fractions. The kids are now working hard on basic geometric concepts (recognizing solids, polygons, types of lines, types of triangles, congruence, similarity, etc.). We are still working with measurement and data concepts (different types of graphs, linear and volumetric measurement). Speaking of all things related to volume, now would be a good time to involve your child in helping to measure ingredients at home while you cook. Even if you are just having mac & cheese for dinner, your child can measure out the water, milk, and butter, as well as weigh the shredded cheese you are adding to the pot/casserole dish.
Facts, facts, facts!!! Please keep practicing multiplication and division facts with your child. Thank you!
Writing
In May we honed our argument skills and took a position on a controversial topic. The choices were whether students in MCPS should wear uniforms, whether students should have homework, whether animals should be kept in zoos, or whether we should have an extended school year. We researched both sides of the argument then chose the side we agreed with. Not only did we say what we agreed with, we explained why the other side was wrong. We learned a lot about the art of arguing our point of view. We finished the month working on elaborating and adding details by writing a journal entry of our Memorial Day weekend experience.
Reading
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In May, we finished our study on traditional stories by looking at more folktales and Greek myths. We focused on how a character's actions influence the events in a story. Many of the traditional stories were written by the same authors so we were able to compare characters, themes, and main ideas of two different stories by the same author.
During the 4th quarter, we are looking at how we demonstrate effort, motivation, and persistence and how we can elaborate using details. We studied authors and illustrators such as Eric Kimmel and E.B. Lewis have effort, motivation, and persistence in their careers. We practiced how to ask and answer questions before, during, and after reading.
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The students did a fabulous job coming up with their own fables! The stories were creative and detailed. Come walk down the hallway to see the beautiful illustrations and read their peers' stories too!
Science and Social Studies
Science: We did a lot of STEM activities during the third marking period, and now we are transitioning to life sciences. Thank you to the parents who have very generously sent in materials for our different science activities. We appreciate YOU! The Smithsonian National Zoo field trip had to be cancelled, but you are welcome to go as a family after school or on a weekend.
Social Studies: We spent the last few days of the third marking period working on our geography skills. The big picture concept for the fourth marking period is economics. We will revisit and extend what we did earlier in the year with this topic.