The Third Grade is learning many new things this year. We have just been challenged with an Inquiry-Based Unit in Social Studies. The process of inquiring begins with gathering information and data through applying the human senses. The students were given a challenge, defined the task in their own words, and investigated to find answers. This kind of learning will help them realize that they are able to be responsible for their own learning. To begin the unit the students built dwellings using materials that each tribe would have had available to them. We researched Native Americans, their regions, and the many tribes in the regions. The students each produced 10-12 page books containing information about the housing, clothing, food, art, music, stories, communication, history, environment, Religion, famous tribe members, and Native Americans today. Using Native American symbols we decorated headdresses and proudly wore them, made dream catchers and sand paintings. It was a real learning experience and enjoyed by all.
We are also writing in “Mass Journals” this year. They are simple journals that the students write in every Monday reflecting on their experience at Mass on the weekend. These journals should help the students’ relationship with God become stronger and more meaningful.
Here are a few reminders to help things run more smoothly:
- Check assignment notebooks daily for homework and reminders.
- Please give help on make-up work, and check that homework is done correctly and neatly.
- Work on memorization and speed of the basic facts of addition and subtraction. And begin memorizing the multiplication facts.
- Computer class is on Monday.
- Gym is on Tuesday and Thursday.
- Spanish is on Wednesday.
- Library is on Friday, and students should be prepared to take at least one accelerated reading test each week.
If you have any questions or comments you can contact me at: shirleyst1@sbcglobal.net
