We have had a full week. We began learning about mapping and geography. We launched the “Who Am I” scientist project. And the children had the opportunity to share their learning reflections and goals with their families. I am proud of the way the class has made choices that allow their classmates time to prepare to present their work at student let conferences.   Many classmates have been considering their behavior choices. More are thinking of how behaviors may impact others’ learning. In all the bustle and chatter of 3E it is obvious that thinking, questioning and wondering is happening. That’s what learning is about! Curious minds are exciting to be around.

Preparing and Sharing at Goal Setting Conferences

Thank you for coming in for your child’s student-led conference. This week most of the class had the opportunity to share their reflections on their own learning with their families. They shared graphs of their multiple intelligences and their learning narratives – some are a few sentences; others are a couple pages. Regardless of length, each narrative represents a story of careful thought and consideration. Your children worked many hours to select, plan and draft reflections to share how they see themselves as learners. They made a real effort to be thoughtful and create a story to show who they are as early third grade learners. They can be proud of their efforts. I know you will only hear your child present, but as I conference with each of the children to review what they have selected it puts a smile on my face to hear their individual voices and personality shine in their presentations.

Telling Time and Noticing How Time Elapses

This week we learned about multiples and focused on multiples of four. We also explored multiples of five by looking at clocks and exploring time. We’ve been reading analogue clocks and comparing them to digital clocks. Our math problems have helped us consider the passage of time and how to keep track of and record it. The children are working through multi-step problems that ask them to use different operations and shift their thinking from considering how much time has been used to imagining how the hands of the clock would change from start to end. Many more of the class is excited by the challenge of following the line of their thinking through to the end and a solution.

Learning About Our World

We have begun to learn about the geography, mapping and our world. Through our study of maps we will explore the diversity of our world. We’ve been reading about the different continents to compare their similarities and differences. North America has 11 countries. South America has 12 countries. Europe has 47 countries. Africa has 54 and Asia has 51. We’ll be finding out about Australia and Antarctica next week. We’ve noticed there are fewer countries then we originally thought. The number seems small to us because the world is so big and there are so many people.

Our plan is to have each student select a different country in the world to discover and explore. Through research they will develop their expertise and share aspects of the country and its culture with the class and with families at a second evening open house. (Not to be confused with the Parade of the States that will be held in spring.) It seems as though many of the children are thinking and wonder already. You may want to talk to your child about different possibilities – several of the children have talked about cities like London and Paris. I have learned through past experience that it can be challenging to find enough information understandable to eight and nine-year olds about a city. It is easier and less frustrating to have the broader lens of a country for this research project.

Through this work we will continue our S.E.L. conversations and talk about assumptions and stereotypes. We will explore traditions and consider the difference between native and contemporary cultures. We are looking forward to our study of maps, geography and people as we work to uncover what is wonderful around the world.

Launching the “Who Am I Project?”

Today we launched our first whole grade level project – Who Am I? – with a visit from the S.E.E. Science Mobile. Through Mr. Gustafson’s presentation the children learned more about thinking scientifically. He shared some exciting interactions and reactions. The project following this kick-off event is designed to help the children learn about different types of science and scientists. At the end of this month long exploration the children will share their discoveries with each other. In addition, have planned a trip to the S.E.E. Science Center on December 18. Look for details about the “Who Am I?” project in your child’s communication folder on Monday and about the field trip at the beginning of December.