Nasim on Mathletics
Olivia enjoying a good book. 
Shennell publishing her poem. 
John enjoying some time on the computer.
Heidi working on the cover page for her Portfolio.
Sara, Dinara, and Allan making music on our class keyboard.
Jessica and Mason publishing on the computer.
Welcome to Grade 3 for 2009/2010!
It is my pleasure to welcome you to this 2009/2010 school year. This third grade class has 10 lovely and lively children. We’re all looking forward to our year together as we learn some amazing things!
Each grading period we will be focusing on a specific Inquiry. The Inquiry will be like a topic study with a specific “big question” that the children and I will investigate. Each Inquiry will have a specific curriculum focus such as Social Studies, Science/Technology, The Arts or Environmental Education. Where possible, the work we do in Literacy and in Math will link to the Inquiry. Our first Inquiry asks “Why is the Ocean important?” To answer this question we will be brainstorming, asking further questions and finding out about the ocean around Cayman and the world as well as the role it plays in our lives and in the ecosystem. We will be doing ocean inspired art, science experiments, reading and watching cool ocean things and planning some exciting field trips. More details and photos to follow so please check back here!
In Mathematics we’ve started our Statistics unit. We will be doing statistical enquiry investigations and using a variety of graphs to dispaly our data. We will also be using the computer program, Excel. Mathletics is also up and running for the year. This is a great place for children to compete against other children from around the world on different basic facts levels. As the teacher, I also set tasks for the children to complete in class and as part of their homework. Children earn credits for their work and then gain certificates which are printed out and displayed on our Wall of Honor.
Literacy – Our writing focus for this term is recounts (letter and journal writing) and descriptive writing (poetry). This will be linked to our Ocean Inquiry. We are in the process of setting up our Grade 3 Writing blog for this year. A link to this site will be placed here shortly. Reading assessments are being done in the first few weeks of school and then we will launch into our guided reading program. A strong focus on Oral language will be made this year. This includes speaking clearly and confidently and answering questions from their peers. It also includes being an active listener. The Current Events part of their homework has strong links with this Oral language component. (See homework page for more information about this).
Specialist Classes – Music will be 11:00am – 11:30am on Tuesday and Thursday. P.E will be 10:00am – 10:30am on Tuesday and 1:00-1:30 on Friday. Spanish will be 10:00am – 10:30am on Monday and Wednesday. Our computer suite time is 1:00pm – 1:30pm on Thursday. Library is Friday 11:30-12:00. Please ensure your child has the correct gear when going to their specialist teacher, especially for P.E.