What We've Been Doing This Term (and up to March break)

 English Language Arts

English Language Arts consists of our Reading, Writing and Oral Language development.

This term in Writing, we continue to use a variety of strategies to engage students. Students continue to have the opportunity to do journal/independent writing, free choice writing, creative writing, reflective writing, word work writing and stories. We have also been working on non-fictions writing. Students have had the chance to build upon their editing skills as well as help others with their writing. They have also had the opportunity to assess their own writing on the exemplars writing line, which exhibits all types of writing from levels K-4. They are able to explain clearly, particularly in the practice of self-assessment, through use of this line and self-assessments. Students continue to focus on meaning, style, form and conventions. 

This term students continue to demonstrate the development of their skills in Reading. Students participate in independent reading and reflecting, whole group reading, dramatic reading and non-fiction reading (both online and in books) while gathering information.

Oral sharing and classroom discussions continue to be an important part of our classroom learning this year. Students have the opportunity to lead assemblies, talk in partner and group situations, do presentations, share their connections and knowledge in subjects, and talk and play in free choices time.

When assessing student success in Oral Language, I continue to look at developmental stages of language, speaking and listening, content and structure of language, phonological awareness and the interactions between peers.

Mathematics

This term in Math we continue to build on our mathematical understanding of numbers by working with addition and subtraction.  We have been working on:

-          Single, double and triple digit addition with and without regrouping

-          Single, double and triple digit subtraction with and without regrouping

-          Mental math strategies for adding and subtracting

-          Strengthening basic addition and subtraction facts.    

           Estimation 

      Socials

S     Students have been working on a Residential Schools Unit with the whole class. Students have had the opportunity to learn about culture through stories, writing and artwork. They have gathered information online and in print appropriately and learned what it takes to be a good presenter.

      Outdoor Ed

We have been working on the processes and skills of Science such as questioning, measuring and reporting as well as studying snow and its effects on land, environment and life through our outdoor education as well as in class time during our Inuit studies unit. We have watched videos, played games, created questions/answers and explored the outdoors around our school, focusing on snow and ice in its many forms as well as wildlife adaptations.

Music

 This year the Grade Threes have had the opportunity to explore music in a variety of ways. They have been involved in singing (both in and out of the classroom), relating personal thoughts and connections to music they have been exposed to, attending musical presentations, learning about rhythm, beat patterns and melodic phrases as well as working with notations. Students have been creating and performing using their knowledge of tempo, dynamics, articulation and timbre. Students have been exposed to instruments such as: boom whackers, drums, Lummi sticks, pianos, rhythm instruments and guitars. They have also learned to take care of and maintain instruments. Their skills as musical performers have been outstanding as shown in the Winter Concert, Remembrance Day Assembly and Anti Bullying Day.

 PE

In PE we have completed dodgeball, scoop ball, volleyball, jump rope and dance. We have been working on the importance of teamwork, participation, leadership, encouragement and fair play.