Multiplication, Equal Groups, and Skip Counting

As you know, we've been working on multiplication in class.   The goal of this unit is for the students to understand it beyond simply memorizing their times tables. To be able to apply multiplication to real situations, students must understand it's relation to equal groups and skip counting.  Today we did some work with linking cubes and hundreds charts to deepen this understanding.

We skip counted by several different numbers to find their multiples.  Here are a couple of pictures of the students working on their multiples of 5:

Nice job, third grade thinkers!

Spelling Words

This Week's Spelling List:

bark
shorts
sharp
sore
hard
storms
yard
sport
sharks
porch
pour
story
chore
wore
carve
knots
sign
wrong
orchard
artist

Study hard!  Test tomorrow!  :)

The Math Curse: Having Some Math Fun

Today during our snack break, I read the students the book, The Math Curse.  This is a silly book about a student who is cursed with the problem of thinking of everything as a math word problem.  (Which goes well with the word problems we've been working on in math.)  

Before the end of snack time, the students had written their own silly math curse problems:

Be sure to ask your child about this book, especially what happens at the end when the math curse is lifted!  :) 

Accelerated Reader: Our Word-o-Meter

Here at Maple, like many other schools around the country, we use a computer reading program called Accelerated Reader.  This is where students read a book (at their level!), take a comprehension quiz at the end, and if they pass earn "words."  (The ultimate goal for a student would be to a "Millionaire"!)

As a class, our word count is currently 1,428,796.  That means, 28 of us ALL TOGETHER have read 1.4 million words so far this year.  That's a lot... but we can do better.  We've set a goal: we need to reach 2 million!  When will we?  Hopefully soon, and when we do, we will earn a class treat and set a new goal.  Let's keep reading those AR books and take those quizzes!

Parents:  here's a handy link in which you can get information on what books are "AR" books and their word count/level:

http://www.arbookfind.com/UserType.aspx

Keep reading, third grade!!! :)

Multiplication

     Today in math, we began our unit on multiplication.  The students have gotten very good at their math facts and now we are going to dive deeply into the subject to better understand the concept.  We talked about things that come in groups, how to write word problems, and listened to a fun multiplication song to start our math day:

Enjoy!

Dear Mrs. Huminsky...

     In language arts today, we practiced letter writing.  Not just any letters, but special "getting to know you" letters!  First, we reviewed the five parts of a letter (date, greeting, body, closing, and signature).  Then the students read a letter from me with some interesting facts about their new teacher.  Finally, it was their turn to write and tell me interesting facts about themselves. They did a wonderful job!  I brought them home so I could read and respond to each one:

Great job!

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

I hope everyone is enjoying their snowy day off from school and getting plenty of rest to begin the next nine weeks of third grade thinking!

As we take today off to remember and honor a great man, I thought I'd share with you a quote I came across today:

"The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and think critically.  Intelligence plus character- that is the goal of true education." - Martin Luther King, Jr.

Let's keep thinking and make the most of everyday in school.  See you tomorrow, third grade!

-Mrs. Huminsky

Welcome to the Class Blog & Some Third Grade Words of Wisdom

Hello third grade students and families!

Welcome to the Third Grade Thinking blog! This a great place to keep up to date on what we are doing in class, find links for extra practice, and communicate with me. I plan on updating it often, so please visit back!

First, let me start by introducing myself.  My name is Heidi Huminsky and I have been working at Maple since 2011.  Most recently I finished a long term assignment in Kindergarten for Amanda Roberts.   I have my Master's degree in Elementary Education and am also a proud parent of two Maple students.  I am extremely excited to be finishing the school year with you and your children!  In fact, I got to spend a little time with them today.  I thought I'd share a little of the advice they gave me when I asked them what I needed to know to be their teacher:

"Everyone has to raise their hands."

"Don't yell."

"We have snack EVERYDAY.  Don't forget that!" 

"Tell everyone to be quiet when we are loud."

"Let's do science experiments."

"Don't forget snacktime."  (this particular advice was given several times and must be of the utmost importance!) :) 

I absolutely loved all the advice I was given and will definitely take it all under consideration!  :)

I am looking forward to a wonderful semester!  Please feel free to contact me anytime.  Leave comments on this blog, email me at heidi.huminsky@pcls.net, or call 440-392-5502.

Thanks and check back soon for more class updates!  We will be very busy THINKING all year long!

-Mrs. Huminsky