3RD HERD

Multiply on Your Fingers 6 x 6 through 10 x 10

2011-12-05T11:02:00.001-06:00

Multiplying by nine using your hands

2011-12-05T11:01:00.001-06:00

Multiplication Strategies

2011-11-17T16:07:00.000-06:00

I am teaching multiple strategies to assist in solving multiplication problems. We have solved problems using the strategies described below. Please encourage your child to use these strategies when solving multiplication problems.

REPEATED ADDITION
In this strategy, students see the multiplication problem as an addition problem. For example, 6 x 8 can be solved by adding 6 to itself 8 times, or by 8 to itself 6 times. Your child's work may look like this:
6         8
6         8
6         8
6         8
  6         8
6       +8
6        48
+6
48

This strategy works well with single-digit multiplication and some two-digit problems. It is not going to work for all problems.

ARRAYS
Physical arrays or models are another effective means to solving multiplication problems. This is a pictorial representation of the problem. In the problem 6 x 8, students will draw 6 rows and place 8 objects in each row. This is how it would look:
1 ********
2 ********
3 ********
4 ********
5 ********
6 ********
Once the student has drawn the array, all that's left to do is to count the total number of obects (48) to determine the answer. The student could also solve the same problem using 8 rows with 6 objects in each row.

NUMBER LINE
This strategy requires students to be strong skip counters and to utilize addition strategies. Students draw an empty number to assist in solving the problem. Here is how this would look when solving 6 x 8:

The student made 6 jumps of 8 and ended at 48. This could also be done with 8 jumps of 6.

Multiplication

2011-11-17T15:41:00.002-06:00

We have started learning our basic multiplication facts!!! The program I am utilizing is called "Times Tables the Fun Way!" This program teaches the students stories and songs to assist them in remembering some of the most commonly missed facts. Here are the facts and the stories we have learned thus far:
3 x 3 = 9 the three blind mice
3 x 4 = 12 and 4 x 3 = 12 the cheerleaders
8 x 8 = 64 the snowmen
7 x 7 = 49 the soldiers
4 x 4 = 16 the hang glider
6 x 4 = 24 and 4 x 6 = 24 the magic pond
8 x 7 = 56 and 7 x 8 = 56 the trampoline
6 x 6 = 36 the thirsty sixes
3 x 6 = 18 bigfoot
6 x 8 = 48 the birthday cake
3 x 7 = 21 butterfly tree
7 x 4 = 28 fireman
7 x 6 = 42 high jump
8 x 4 = 32 pigs
Your child should be able to retell these stories. We have also learned the zeros, ones, twos, fives, and nines. Your child should be familiar with the commutative property, identity property (when you multiply by 1, the answer is always the other number), and the zero property. They should also know the terms factor and product.

Empty Number Line Strategy

2011-10-21T16:27:00.000-05:00

The empty number line strategy helps students visualize the "counting back" nature of subtraction. This strategy allows students to break the problem down into more manageable steps and to solve easier problems. This method can take up a LOT of space! Students continue to improve their number sense by utilizing this strategy. It also allows students to solve from left to right.

Invented Strategies - Partial Differences

2011-10-21T16:21:00.000-05:00

In this method, students use the expanded form of numbers to create simpler subtraction problems and avoid regrouping. One of the most common problems students face in solving problems is that they want to begin on the left and work to the right. In the traditional regrouping method, this is not possible and leads to errors. In the partial difference method, students can work left to right, leading to fewer errors. The students have enjoyed this method because of the exposure to negative numbers. If an answer is a negative number, the student puts a minus sign in front of it. If the answer is a positive number, the student puts a plus sign in front. Students must be flexible in their thinking and be able to do mental computations.

Invented Strategies - The "Matthew" Plan

2011-10-21T16:14:00.000-05:00

On the first day of teaching subtraction with regrouping, one student began explaining his own way of solving problems so that he didn't have to regroup - he could use mental strategies instead. I listened intently as he showed us how he worked through a problem. At first, I thought it was a fluke! Then, I realized this strategy would work well with almost any subtraction problem. The students have loved Matthew's method! In Matthew's strategy, he makes the initial problem easier to solve by forcing his first answer to be a "nice" number. From there, he uses several different strategies including counting up, counting down, and mental math. This plan works best with 2 and 3 digit numbers because the subtraction becomes difficult with more complex numbers.

Subtraction Strategies - Modeling the Process

2011-10-21T15:56:00.001-05:00

This video shows the "Modeling" method for solving subtraction problems. This strategy is great for students who are moving from concrete learning (using manipulatives) to more abstact learning. In this method, students draw pictures to represent the highest number, then begin taking away the smaller number. Children can "see" the steps of traditional regrouping. This helps build number sense because students are visualizing the base ten representation of numbers. This is not the most effecient means to solve a subtraction problem, but it effective. One word of caution - your child does not have a "picture" to use for numbers larger than 4 digits.

Number Sense Review

2011-09-09T16:39:00.000-05:00

Click on the link above to enjoy a Jeopardy-style game. This is designed to help you prepare for you first math test on THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 15.

"Matter" Review Games

2011-09-09T14:42:00.000-05:00

http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/ks2bitesize/science/materials/

http://www.neok12.com/States-of-Matter.htm

http://www.quia.com/rr/38085.html?AP_rand=653911528

TEST on FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 16 - Students have a study guide also to help prepare. Get ready for the test Third Herd...it "MATTERS!""

School Supply List

2011-07-11T19:01:00.004-05:00

Click the words "School Supply List" above to view and print the supply list for 3rd grade. The format of the list you received in the mail is slightly different, but both lists contain the same information. You may also want to add a set of earbuds to the list because each student will be utilizing an Ipod Touch regularly.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid - Cabin Fever

2011-06-16T07:15:00.000-05:00

GOT WIMPY KID FEVER? Don't worry, we have the cure! Diary of a Wimpy Kid #6: Cabin Fever officially releases November 15, but we have a preview of the cover for you right now! Let us know what you think - and look out for our pre-order available in Book Clubs this fall!

Puppy Poetry

2011-05-08T19:18:00.002-05:00

Peanut Butter Pyramid Perfection!

2011-04-11T10:12:00.006-05:00

Sutton STLP (Student Technology Leadership Program) students collected jars of peanut butter to send to the troops in Afghanistan as part of their technology project, for which they will be competing at the state competition in May. They would like to send a big thanks to their fellow Sutton Kindergarten, 1st, and 2nd grade students for their support, as they collected 160 jars of peanut butter, which more than met their goal. Also, a thanks to the Sutton 3rd and 4th grade students who collected coins to help pay for shipping costs. A special thanks to Jay Dowdy (appearing in the photo with the students) who inspired our project, and our parents and Mr. Lyddane for their support!

Third Herd Biographies

2011-04-11T09:41:00.010-05:00

Third Grade students researched a person of interest from history, took notes using an outline format, and presented their information to classmates and family. Check out some of our "visitors!" Great job Third Herd!!

Multiplication Drills

2011-03-07T13:27:00.005-06:00

We are currently working on learning our basic facts (0 - 12). These websites have speed drills and games to help your child memorize the multiplication facts.

http://multiplication.com/interactive_games.htm

http://www.gamequarium.com/multiplication.html

Subtraction Practice

2011-02-24T15:03:00.004-06:00

Here are a few websites to use to practice your subtraction skills.

Speed game – name the fact: http://www.oswego.org/ocsd-web/games/SpeedGrid/Subtraction/urikasub1res.html

Subtraction: http://www.amblesideprimary.com/ambleweb/mentalmaths/subtractiontest.html
Subtraction with and without regrouping: http://www.oswego.org/ocsd-web/games/Ghostblasters3/ghostsub3.html

Vertical 2 digit – 2 digit: http://www.slidermath.com/wjava/Subtv2.shtml

Light Jeopardy

2011-02-15T07:23:00.001-06:00

Our light test is coming soon!!! Use the link above to practice the test material.

Addition Practice

2011-02-01T07:49:00.005-06:00

Here are a few websites you can use to practice your addition skills.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/ks2bitesize/maths/number/addition/play.shtml - practice facts to 100

http://www.amblesideprimary.com/ambleweb/mentalmaths/pyramid.html - fact practice

http://www.funbrain.com/cgi-bin/fract.cgi?A1=s&A2=3&A15=0 - 2 digit + 2 digit

http://www.funbrain.com/cgi-bin/fract.cgi?A1=s&A2=3&A15=0 - 3 digit + 3 digit

Sound Test Review

2011-01-19T15:46:00.002-06:00

HEY EVERYBODY...the Third Herd has a science test coming soon. Be sure to use the Jeopardy again to review - just click on the title "Sound Test Review." We would love to see all A's on this test!! Doesn't that "SOUND" great?

Lunar Eclipse

2010-12-20T07:44:00.003-06:00

A total lunar eclipse will be visible on the East Coast just before 2 am Tuesday. North America should be able to view the entire show, which is expected to last 3 and a half hours if skies are clear. The total eclipse begins at 1:41 am Tuesday. The totality phase (when the moon is entirely inside Earth's shadow) will last a little over an hour. This is the only total eclipse of the moon this year and coincides with our study of the earth, moon, and sun! Happy viewing!!

Gavin Miller's Moon Phases Video (click here)

2010-12-10T15:13:00.001-06:00

Gavin Miller, a student in Mrs. Self's class last year, created a video using Xtranormal. This video is filled with information about the moon! It's incredible!

Science Review - Jeopardy Style (click here)

2010-12-10T12:41:00.002-06:00

Mrs. Neal created a review game for our upcoming science test. Please play to make sure you know all the information! Mrs. Neal's and Mrs. Olssen's classes will test on Tuesday December 14, while Mrs. McFarland's will test on Wednesday December 15!

Earth & Sun Study

2010-12-06T13:34:00.003-06:00

Students are learning about the relationship between the Earth and sun. Visit this link to read about why we have seasons, the location of the sun in the sky at different times of the year around the world, and how sundials work. Don't forget to experiment with the Sun Tracker!

http://www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/nof/sun/index.html

Math Games

2010-11-30T07:40:00.005-06:00

Here is the link to the skip counting game we played in class!
http://members.learningplanet.com/act/count/free.asp

Here is the link to the shark game.
http://www.ictgames.com/sharknumbers.html

Fairy Tales Survey

2010-11-03T22:37:00.003-05:00

After reading several fairy tale selections, decide which fairy tale character you think you most resemble. Then click on the title above to share your thoughts on our Wallwisher page.

Fairy Tales Webquest

2010-11-03T22:18:00.002-05:00

Students: click on the title above to reach the webquest. Follow the directions carefully. Remember you have 2 days to complete the assignment, so use your time wisely.

Map Key Game

2010-10-05T11:32:00.002-05:00

In Social Studies, we are working on map skills. We've learned about the Compass Rose, grid maps, and using a map key. The website below will allow you to continue practicing these skills!

http://www.mywonderfulworld.org/toolsforadventure/games/adventure.html

Geometry Games

2010-09-20T17:35:00.001-05:00

Slides, Flips, and Turns game:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/ks2bitesize/maths/shape_space/transformation/play.shtml

http://www.harcourtschool.com/activity/icy_slides_flips_turns/

Symmetry:

http://www.innovationslearning.co.uk/subjects/maths/activities/year3/symmetry/shape_game.asp

Congruent Figures:

http://www.beaconlearningcenter.com/WebLessons/CongruentConcentration/concentration.htm

Angles:

http://www.toonuniversity.com/6m_angle_d.html

Coordinate Grids:

http://www.funbrain.com/cgi-bin/co.cgi?A1=s&A2=0

Hundred Dresses vocabulary activities

2010-09-19T21:28:00.005-05:00

We will begin a new literature study this week on the book Hundred Dresses by Eleanor Estes. Students can use the links below for games with vocabulary from the book.

www.quia.com/jg/263027.html

www.quia.com/jg/267121.html

www.quia.com/jg/267122.html

Sweet Science

2010-09-16T14:43:00.003-05:00

It was a sweet deal observing properties

of candy with our 5 senses!

Getting to the "Point" in Science

2010-09-16T14:35:00.004-05:00

While studying "matter" in science, students have completed a mini-lesson on POINTILISM, which is a work of art created with dots. The art activity helped emphasize how close the molecules are located in each of the the 3 states of matter. Click on the title above to do an activity with pointilism.

Fun with Math

2010-09-16T09:32:00.005-05:00

Mrs. Olssen let us use our Silly Bandz to find lines of symmetry!

Patricia Polacco Study Pics

2010-09-13T15:40:00.007-05:00

"...knowledge is like the bee that made that sweet honey, you have to chase it through the pages of a book!" (Thank You, Mr. Falker - Patricia Polacco)

Students in reading sampled several books from Patricia Polacco's collection, and also sampled a little honey. Some thought it was tasty...others, not so much, as you can see from their reactions.

Scholastic Book Clubs - online ordering for parents

2010-08-14T16:52:00.000-05:00

Online Ordering Information
Web address: scholastic.com/bookclubs
Olssen's Class Activation Code: DH9KP

Dear Parent,
Now it's easier than ever to find the right books for your child — and help us earn FREE books for our classroom library at the same time!With new online ordering from Scholastic Book Clubs, you can choose from a much wider selection of books than in the printed flyer. Plus, you can send your orders directly to me online and use your credit card. Best of all, our class earns a FREE book every time a parent places their order online.It's so simple! Here's how it works:
SIGN UP at www.Scholastic.com/bookclubs. On the parent page, click the "Don't have a User Name and Password?" link, then register for your own username and password. When prompted, enter the one-time Class Activation Code shown above. This code ensures that your order is sent to me.
SELECT the books you'd like to order from over 500 titles available online...and take advantage of online-only specials and discounts.
SEND your order to me online by the due date. Books will be delivered directly to our classroom, as always.Of course, you can still order using the form from the printed flyer. But why not experience for yourself how convenient it is to order online?Ordering online is fast, easy, and secure. Plus our whole class benefits thanks to the FREE books we'll earn with every parent online order. Go to www.Scholastic.com/bookclubs now to get started.

About Me Bag

2010-08-09T14:49:00.002-05:00

Don't forget to bring your About Me Bag back to school on Wednesday. You should have received this at Meet the Teacher night. If you were unable to attend, or have misplaced your bag, here are the directions:
Find 3 items small enough to fit into a lunch sack that help us learn a little about you and your interests. Try to find items that are 3-D and unique. Some categories to consider as you make your selections are: hobbies, favorites, future plans, a place you'd like to visit, something special about your family, talents, photos, and/or something you would like to do better.
If you have any questions, please contact your child's homeroom teacher.

Welcome Back!!!

2010-08-09T14:40:00.002-05:00

We are so excited about the new school year and look forward to a wonderful year of learning and growing at Sutton! A few reminders as we begin the year: 3rd grade students report to the gym each morning and can go to breakfast from there. Do NOT wait on your friends to go to breakfast. Your teacher will meet you in the gym at 7:55 and walk you to class. The tardy bell rings at 8:05. Lunch times are as follows: McFarland 11:50 - 12:15, Neal 11:55 - 12:20, Olssen 12:00 - 12:25. Our specials (PE, music, computer, library) take place from 1:45-2:45 Monday through Thursday and from 10:45 - 11:15 on Friday - don't forget to wear tennis shoes on the days you have PE, you will not be allowed to change shoes. 3rd grade walkers and car riders will be dismissed at 2:55 to help alleviate some of the congestion that occurs at both the front and back doors.

BOTANICAL GARDENS TRIP

2010-05-11T11:24:00.002-05:00

Thanks to the Owensboro Area Museum and

the Western Kentucky Botanical Gardens for

a great day of learning. Also, thanks so much

to our parent volunteers for joining us!!

READING JEOPARDY

2010-05-02T20:03:00.001-05:00

This game contains information that reviews all content covered throughout the year.

http://www.jeopardylabs.com/play/read-all-about-it

PUNISHED text connection survey

2010-04-22T09:54:00.002-05:00

The 3rd Herd just finished reading the book Punished! by David Lubar, learning a wide variety of literary terms. Ask your third grader about puns, oxymorons, anagrams, and palindromes...they just might be smarter than a 5th grader!!

THIRD GRADERS: Please connect to the website by clicking on PUNISHED in the title above. Then when you reach the site, double click on the page to leave your answer to the question. There are some examples already to give you some ideas.

Thank you :-)

Mrs. Neal

Simple Machines Jeopardy Template

2010-03-24T15:08:00.000-05:00

Simple Machines Jeopardy Template

Our simple machines test is Thursday!!! Study guides were completed earlier this week. Many of these questions will appear on the test, but some are just for enrichment. Have fun studying!

Simple Machines Game

2010-03-17T11:19:00.002-05:00

To help with our study on simple machines, students have played a game to find the simple machines in different settings in the home. We have attached the link above so they, OR YOU, may play at home. We challenge you--who knows more about simple machines?? Are you smarter than a 3rd grader??

VERBS, VERBS, VERBS

2010-02-21T14:17:00.003-06:00

During language arts class, we will learn about identifying verbs, verb tenses, helping verbs, and forming contractions with not. To find out what you already know, I would like you to complete the survey by clicking on this website: http://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dGJyYmpXMi12S2pkMWJ1MHl0VXdHaVE6MA

Your answers will be sent to me as soon as you finish. No one else will be able to see your responses.

IT'S ELECTRIC!

2010-02-19T15:37:00.004-06:00

Check out our pics of the latest science experiment. Students were given materials to create an electrical circuit which would make a bulb light up. Our kids were en-light-ened!!

Accelerated Reader Home Connect

2010-02-11T15:08:00.003-06:00

Renaissance Home Connect is a fun, easy-to-use, easy to understand, web-based interface that allows you to track your child's progress in Accelerated Reader. To access the site, your computer must have one of these Internet connection browsers: Internet Explorer (6.02 or later), Firefox (1.5 or later), or Safari (2.0.3 orlater). Type in this web address: https://Hosted145.renlearn.com/99253/HomeConnect/Login.aspx

From here, your child will type in his/her username and password. You will then be able to see the last book your child tested on, plus any tests he/she has taken this school year (by book cover). You can track points, percentage correct, and average grade level.

You can also set this up to send you an email each time your child tests. You can add several email addresses.

Greek Culture Study Center

2010-02-03T10:05:00.002-06:00

These websites are used for students in class, but students are welcome to check these out at home.

Directions: Choose one of the websites below to navigate. Remember to read the material as you go through. Some of these are games to play while learning. Others provide interesting material to learn on our topic of study. Use your time wisely :-)

1. http://www.proteacher.com/cgi-bin/outsidesite.cgi?id=17606&external=http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/landmarks/ancientgreece/main_menu.shtml&original=http://www.proteacher.com/090083.shtml&title=Ancient%20Greece

2. http://greece.mrdonn.org/alphabet.html

3. http://messagenetcommresearch.com/myths/funfacts/ff4/index.html

4. http://www.woodlands-junior.kent.sch.uk/Homework/greece/interactive.htm

5. http://www.mythweb.com/

6. http://www.carlos.emory.edu/ODYSSEY/GREECE/welcome.html

Professor Garfield's Comic Game (click game)

2010-01-22T13:31:00.005-06:00

This is a new website that our 3rd graders have been checking out. In the reading ring, players have to pick the correct sequence for the comic, and then answer comprehension questions. The Brain Busters section contains word games, like crosswords and code breakers. As with any website, please monitor your child. There are many different areas to this site. Please let us know if you find something inappropriate.

Thomas Edison Millionaire Game (click here)

2009-11-20T09:52:00.002-06:00

Third Graders can try this game also to review ideas on Thomas Edison.

Biography Report UPDATE

2009-11-19T15:51:00.002-06:00

In reading, we will be jumping right into learning how to take notes the Monday after Thanksgiving. I will model for students what they need using Thomas Edison. The students will be allowed to use notecards during their speech, so memorization of material is not necessary. I would like to be ready to present these the week of December 7th, keeping flexibility in mind of course. A note will be sent home that first week after I see how things progress.
Thanks,
Mrs. Neal

Thomas Edison Jeopardy

2009-11-19T15:47:00.003-06:00

Third grade students have just finished reading the biography on Thomas Edison. Test your knowledge to find out if you know more than your third grader about this famous inventor! CHANGE OF PLANS: I will be giving a quiz on Thomas Edison on Monday.

Adventure Island Social Studies Game

2009-11-19T15:02:00.002-06:00

http://www.mywonderfulworld.org/toolsforadventure/games/adventure.html

Copy and paste this link into your address bar, play the game, and earn bonus points in social studies class! At the end of the game, you earn tips based on how well you found specific points on the map. Write the amount of tips earned into your planner, have a parent/guardian initial it, and show it to your teacher - it's that simple. Five points will be added to a social studies assignment.