Inside Third Grade
January 11, 2016
We have been:
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Stating opinions and justifying them with
supporting and detailed reasons.
Using key details to determine the main idea of a
text.
Describing the relationship between scientific
concepts and steps in procedures in a text, using
language that pertains to cause/effect (The
Popcorn Book By Tomie DePaola).
Recognizing cause and effect relationships in a
text.
Comparing texts about a common topic.
Evaluating the usefulness of different texts when
answering research questions.
Organizing information into paragraphs with a
topic sentence, supporting details that elaborate
on a point, and concluding or transitional
sentences in whole group modeling, small group
and/or individually.
Solving problems with appropriate labels by
making pictures and using equations to find the
area of rectilinear shapes.
Identifying and naming fractions using symbols (ex.
¼), models (ex. using blocks), and pictures.
Describing a fraction less than one whole as equal
shares/parts/pieces of a whole, and its parts using
“fraction vocabulary” such as numerator and
denominator.
Using root words as a clue to the meaning of an
unknown word(s).
Discussing how people utilize the physical/natural
characteristics of the land (elevation, location of
water for food and transportation, etc.) to survive.
Comparing regions of the world using geographic
features utilizing texts, graphics, and videos and
graphic organizers (Africa).
Making predictions and evaluating them using
measurable data (which insulated bottle/snowman
will stay cold the longest, etc.)
Teachers’ Corner:
“What’s your opinion? What reasons
can you give to support your
idea/statement? How can you elaborate
on that point?” These are the questions
that have been permeating our classrooms
during the last few weeks. In addition to
working on narratives and researching
changes in technology, we are asking our
students to state an opinion/argument and
justify their ideas with specific details.
Furthermore, we are asking the students to
further elaborate on their ideas. You can
help at home—please ask your child to
provide reasons when they share their
opinions at home, and we know they do!
 What’s your favorite ___? Do you like
the way that episode/book/movie ended?
Please explain. What should we do Friday
after school for fun? The kids CLEARLY
have an opinion, but the critical need is to
fully explain several reasons in detail. That
is what we are working on in class.
Important Dates to Remember:
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Jan. 12- Class Picture Day
Jan. 13- Math Quick Quiz today
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Jan. 18- No School- MLK, Jr. Day
Jan. 19- Reading Log due
Jan. 22- End of Marking Period 2
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Jan. 25- School closed for students;
Professional Day for teachers/Report
Card Preparation
January/February- Winter MAP-R and
MAP-M testing window is ongoing;
Fountas and Pinnell individualized
reading testing is ongoing.
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