Third Grade 11/20

Social Studies, Reading, Writing

We have been mixing together all of our subjects in ELA these past 2 weeks! Third graders have been reading non fiction articles about the Lenape, listening to videos and taking notes, as well as writing these notes into paragraphs. We learned a new word- plagiarizing, and why we need to make bibliographies and cite our sources. We came up with different scenarios for other pods to read, and for them to decide if the scenario involves plagiarizing or not plagiarizing. As we delve into complex research skills, the third graders are rising to the challenge and even typing their notes. We are learning about the different aspects of the Lenape life- food, shelter, clothing, roles in the tribe, spiritual beliefs, games, and medicine. The pictures below are of the wampum the third graders made on the Chromebooks- which are the belt the Lenape sewed out of shell beads that held special meanings.

Ask your child what their wampum meant and why they chose the colors of the beads!

Many students have shared that they’d like to research even more- over the weekend model for your child how to look for articles on the internet, print some out, and take some notes together.

Math

Third graders are almost finished with their subtraction unit. They practiced different mental subtraction strategies and learned how to subtract numbers up to 10,000 with regrouping. They have also been practicing their subtraction and bar modeling skills in multi-step word problems. Parents will have their own chance to learn about bar models at the Bar Models 101 class this coming Tuesday at 7pm. The students were also introduced to an online math game called Prodigy this week. Prodigy adapts to each students’ level and it is a fun way to practice math skills while at school or at home.

Yahadut: Jewish Ethiopian Art Study for Sigd

We learned about the holiday of Sigd which was this past Tuesday, on the last day of the month of Cheshvan. As part of our study, we also looked closely at Jewish, Ethioian art. Students identified the motifs in the art and were challenged to make their own art works using those motifs and titling them in Hebrew. Lastly, we discussed why it is important to study Jewish Ethiopian art. What can we learn from these art works? Why is important to look at and make works of art featuring Jews of color?

Music

Our third grade ukulele players continue to build their skills. This week, they refined their tuning, G and C chord and strums (down and up). They also began plucking out the melodies of Rain Rain Go Away and Ring Around the Rosie. I have asked students to practice their ukuleles for five minutes a day. I also ask them to watch 2-3 videos I’ve prepared for them that review techniques we have covered in class. I am hoping this is especially helpful for students who attend class virtually. If you have any questions about how to help your child tune their ukulele, please get in touch.

Art

Integrating with social studies, students have been studying Lenape artifacts in art class, and making small sculptures representing baskets, plates, clothing and more. Students are also working on ongoing weaving projects; some are using weaving to create their Lenape artifacts.