Number Sense and Numeration

As we continue to explore Number Sense in Numeracy students are beginning to strengthen their strategies in both addition and subtraction. It is important that student practice their simple math facts (addition and subtraction) each night regardless of whether or not homework is assigned. Fast facts, as we practice them, are quick addition facts that go up to 9 + 9 = 18 and subtraction facts that involve numbers smaller than 18 ( example: 18 - 7 = 11).  Knowing these facts quickly and accurately are helpful as we move towards addition with re-grouping and subtraction with borrowing.

By the end of grade 3 students should be able to add and subtract two and three digit numbers with either borrowing or re-grouping as needed so daily practice is very important. Driving in the car, walking home from school, talking around the dinner table are excellent opportunities to quiz your children on their 'fast facts'. Students ALWAYS have the chance to become faster and more accurate with their facts.

Non-Fiction Friday

Reading non-fiction texts is an important part of Literacy that often goes over looked. Students should always be reading both fiction and non-fiction text about what interests them. On Friday's we explore non-fiction with each other and then share what we've learned as a group. Take a look!

Kids Working Hard!

Take a look at your children hard at work! Today they were working together using Base-10 blocks to represent different 2 and 3 digit numbers. Students can expect an assessment (test) on Friday. Students on alternate programs for Numeracy will be assessed on their goals throughout the week.

Numeracy PALS - Orange note

Yesterday an orange note went home advertising Numeracy PALS.  This program is excellent, free and has been proven to be highly effective with improving basic Numeracy facts in addition and subtraction.
The Ontario Curriculum (for grade 3) states that by the end of grade 3 students will....

• solve problems involving the addition and subtracting of single and multi-digit whole numbers, using a variety of strategies.

Numeracy PALS targets this goal specifically! Students will practice single and double digit addition and subtraction with and with out re-grouping. The better students become with this skill and the faster and more automatic the answers become will only lead to more success in Numeracy. As the year progresses we will be moving into multiplication. Having a strong understanding of both addition and subtraction (with and without re-grouping) will only help your children master their multiplication facts.

Please consider allowing your child to participate in this valuable program.

Thank you to those of you who have already returned the orange slips.

Scholastic Book Club

On Thursday, I will be placing an order for the September Scholastic Book Club.  Although I prefer to order everything at once, I am happy to place Scholastic Orders whenever your child brings in their order form and money. If you have any questions please let me know via agenda.

Math textbooks

Everyone was very excited to receive their math textbooks today! I'll have to remind them of that as the year moves on ;) In the beginning, your children will most likely need some help while they are learning how to organize their book work. I have encouraged them to always put a title, date, page and question numbers. Also, depending on your child's programming they may not bring the text home each night. Students know that text books MUST come back to school everyday. 

Guided Reading / Independent Seat Work

Guided Reading / Independent Seat Work

Each day for approximately 40 minutes during Literacy students participate in Guided Reading. During this valuable time your child is doing one of two things: Guided Reading or Independent Seat Work. Please read a quick description for both.

Guided Reading  Guided reading is an instructional approach that involves a teacher working with a small group of students who demonstrate similar reading behaviors and can all read similar levels of texts. The text (book, magazine, article) is easy enough for students to read with a teacher's guidance and support. The text offers challenges and opportunities for problem solving and understanding, but is easy enough for students to read with some fluency. The teacher chooses the reading selections to help students expand their strategies.

Independent Seat Work - Students who are not actively participating in Guided Reading use this time to work on different learning tasks independently. The strategies the practice are always introduced to the class as a whole group and are based on our monthly Literacy focus. It is an opportunity to practice vocabulary, grammar, word study, guided reading tasks, reading comprehension strategies, media literacy and oral communication among other things. Students are responsible for completing their tasks with in the given time frame independently.

*Students are responsible for their learning during this time as I am always working with a small group of readers*

students know it is their job to :
1) work independently 
2) work with out distraction (or distracting others)