These past two weeks have been what I like to call "flexible". We have had artists-in-residence, students have been learning about the Zones of Regulation, and two of the Grade 3 classes were swimming all last week. Because of this, my groups have been altered to accommodate these excellent learning opportunities.
Writing:
In writing, students have continued to explore fiction writing. We went on a walkabout the school, looking at different settings. The students discussed possible problems that could happen at each location. Some creative ideas came up. As we visited each location, students took pictures on iPads, which they will use to develop the setting in their story. The next step is to refine their setting with decretive details.
Math:
In math, students have been learning to relate multiplication as arrays. They have used both a dot array and a grid array. This helps students visualize groupings. Students used dice to tell them how many rows (groups) and how many in each row. They then had to write it as a multiplication sentence. Students are building their confidence in multiplication, and are able to recall most of their times facts without using the times table chart.
Writing:
In writing, students have continued to explore fiction writing. We went on a walkabout the school, looking at different settings. The students discussed possible problems that could happen at each location. Some creative ideas came up. As we visited each location, students took pictures on iPads, which they will use to develop the setting in their story. The next step is to refine their setting with decretive details.
Math:
In math, students have been learning to relate multiplication as arrays. They have used both a dot array and a grid array. This helps students visualize groupings. Students used dice to tell them how many rows (groups) and how many in each row. They then had to write it as a multiplication sentence. Students are building their confidence in multiplication, and are able to recall most of their times facts without using the times table chart.
Another fun activity the students love to play is Around the World. One student is “It”, and they stand next to a challenger. 2 dice are rolled, which they have to multiply, and the first to call out the answer continues the roll of “It”. The rest of the class is usually on the seats, bursting with the answer, and eager to be challenged.