Dear Third Grade Families,
Our class began our second block of the school year which focuses on Measurement! This is an engaging, hands-on block as the children learn about forms of measurement used over time (digit, stride, cubit, hand). To begin, we used parts of our bodies to measure items around us. This quickly led to an understanding as to why a standard unit of measurement was needed to ensure that all things were measured fairly and accurately. The children measured their desks, the classroom, and even each other, using a variety of standard forms of measurement. Everyone in the classroom was measured (including the teacher!). We will keep our measurement chart up to see how the students grow throughout the year.
We used the Imperial System (IS), the system of measurement used in the United States, to measure items in inches, feet, and yards, around the classroom. The children took their new knowledge of measurement outside as we measured out 300 cubits, the size of Noah’s ark from one of our recent stories; wow, that would have been a BIG boat! The students continued to explore different ways to measure items in our classroom and around the campus, allowing them the opportunity to understand firsthand why we wouldn’t want to measure large objects in inches, and cannot measure small objects in yards!
This coming week, the class will continue learning about measurement through stories. We will practice using measurements for dry and liquid measurements (ounces, cups, quarts, gallons). We will use this practical knowledge and have a cooking activity at school. The Metric system will be introduced at a later time. Additionally, the children continue to work on dictation and cursive writing, as well as multiplication facts.
Tomorrow, Wednesday, September 6th, is Curriculum Night! We will enjoy a circle activity, review our weekly schedule, and hear an overview of the Third Grade curriculum. We look forward to seeing you on campus for this adults only event.
On Friday, September 15, the children will be learning about the High Holiday of Rosh Hashanah, a celebration of the Jewish New Year. This will tie in with the Hebrew Creation stories we have heard in our first block. A story will be shared with the children, as well as challah bread and apples with honey. If you are interested in helping plan this celebration with our class, please contact me as soon as you can.
Announcements and Reminders:
Please send your child in with bug spray; the mosquitos are active! Also, please send a hat every day for farming.
With farming this year comes a lot of hard work! Please be sure to pack a hearty snack and lunch for your child. Protein and complex carbohydrates are very important in ensuring they nourish their bodies.
Bring rain gear, including boots, daily!
Hard-soled, closed-toe water shoes or old sneakers are required at Creekcess.
Upcoming Events:
9/5 Joyful Beginnings and Kindergarten Curriculum Night 6 pm (adults only)
9/6 Grades 1- 5 Curriculum Night 6 pm and Sixth Grade 7 - 8 pm (adults only)
9/16 Community Workday 9 am - 12 pm
9/22 Half Day - Day of Courage
9/25-9/29 Fall Break (No School)
With gratitude,
Paulyna
