This week we begin our final math block of 3rd grade. As with each block, we start with reviewing what has been learned this year. We will practice skip counting as there can never be too much practice with memorizing the times tables. Having spent the last year practicing the times tables that were introduced last year, the class will use those skills to learn vertical multiplication. We will begin by multiplying 2 and 3 digit numbers by 1 digit numbers this week. This will first be done pictorially and with a story of a ship full of goods. Throughout the block the will gradually learn to multiply multi-digit numbers. Though my original intention was to introduce long division this block, I have decided that it is better left for 4th grade. This was my gut instinct last summer. When I took a workshop last fall from Waldorf Math Expert Jamie York, I was convinced that waiting until 4th was the right decision. During this block we will fully dive into multiplication and building confidence in the times tables.
Times Table Challenge
Some children may not have all of the times tables memorized, yet. They will continue to practice them in fourth grade, which is very common. To help with this now as well, they will be presented with a Times Table Challenge. Previous classes have done this and it has really helped the students to engage their will to memorize the times tables. For the rest of the year, the students will be challenged to come to me for a verbal quiz of a times table once they are ready. For example, if they want to try the 6s, they will tell me so and then I will ask them to solve all 12 of the 6s out of order (6×8, 6×2, 6×5, and so on). Once they successfully solve all of the times tables, 1-12, they will receive their own tape measure to bring home.
The Garden
We will be back in the garden starting this week. We begin by cleaning it up and getting ready to plant some vegetables and herbs for next year’s 3rd grade. Last fall we reaped the harvest of Ms. Vander Meulen’s class’ hard work. It is time for us to prepare pass the gift along to Ms. Avellone’s class. Be sure children are dressed appropriately for gardening each Wednesday.
Terroir Seed Fundraiser
Collectively, the class sold almost 300 seed kits! This is much higher than our goal of 123 kits. The class counted the money to make sure all was accounted for. My favorite quote of that experience was, “This is so grown-uppy!” The order was placed before spring break. It will be shipped to us tomorrow and I suspect it will be here this week. The class will sort the seed kits and label them to be distributed to the customers. Your child will come home with the seeds they sold and they will distribute them. This may mean that you will have to help them put a package together to go in the mail. This is a great learning experience for 3rd graders. Thank you for all of the support and work on the parent side. This week we will vote on a where to donate the surplus of funds. It looks like we have about $1000 to donate. Way to go, third grade!