Welcome to the Third Grade Page Nkwanzi, Madison and Sina show their stuff during Gym class. During the year our third graders will have many wonderful learning opportunities as they move through this year of transition between primary and intermediate. We will be very busy working with the Reading First Grant. This grant provides both students and teachers with many new skills and materials to improve reading. In the classrooms, we use the Reader’s Workshop model. In additional to guided reading group each day, students are given between 15-30 minutes of independent reading time. Our students will also have the chance to visit many fascinating places away from the school building, such as the Minnesota Zoo, Belwin Nature Center and the Guthrie Theater. Both third grades will be partnered with a third grade class at Lake Elmo Elementary School in the Stillwater School district. Our students will meet the students from Lake Elmo Elementary in December when we make our first of two visit to Belwin. Between December and May the children will be sharing writings and pictures with our new friends. This opportunity is a result of a grant that encourages the exchange of communication between urban and suburban schools using science as the common topic. Our Every Day Math program provides students with rich hands on learning. Math facts, addition and subtraction in the fall and then multiplication and division in the winter will also keep us very busy. Science is always a favorite for the kids. We will be covering many engaging topics this year, such as; measurement, the solar system, the physics of sound, earth materials and finally structures of life. During the structures of life unit in April-May, we will be meeting our Lake Elmo friends at Belwin Nature Center to collaborate on science activities. Technology is used throughout the school day to review skills, research topics, word process our stories, collaborate with other schools, learn about the world and enjoy reading. If you have any question about the third grade classrooms feel free to contact Ms. Daniels or Mrs. Motylinski.