Mindful Math and Adaptation
We practiced our math skills this morning using dice and cards to create 2, 3 and 4 digit numbers to add together with partners. We were practicing the decomposition strategy to reinforce our understanding of place value. It is really important for us to understand that 63 to 53 is actually 60 + 50 and 3+3. By pulling these numbers apart into their place value units, students will not make computational errors. This strategy encourages students to visualize the math process. They will soon become experts at visualizing the parts of the digits in their brains. Mental math is all about making pictures in your brain. Notice the reading power here.
We talked about animal adaptations today, which we connected to the adaptations we have had to make coming to a new school. Adapt means to change or adjust to fit into your environment. Here are some student quotes about how they have adapted so far in grade three.
A new month and we are changing everyday just like the seasons outside our window.
How have we adapted so far this year?
- well we have new furniture (chairs).
- get used to everyone
- to make new friends
- getting used to having no playground.
- getting used to giving feedback and receiving feedback and being mindful.
- lunchroom adjustments.
- getting used to learning new projects in grade 3.
- we are learning harder things to do and the first day of school, some people feel they can’t do it because they are returning from break. It’s harder, but you get used to and it keeps getting harder and more independent.
Connected to animal and plant adaptations in the environment we started our field exploration of leaves and the changing colors of Fall. We used natural light to help us trace the leaves so that we could get the size and shape exactly spot on. Then we had to look closely at our specimen leaf to draw the details on the inside. (the veins, the spots, the holes). Finally, we use paper chalk to match the exact color of our specimen leaf. We completed a Venn diagram with a partner to compare and contrast our two leaves. Here are some photos of our mindful exploration:
We talked about animal adaptations today, which we connected to the adaptations we have had to make coming to a new school. Adapt means to change or adjust to fit into your environment. Here are some student quotes about how they have adapted so far in grade three.
A new month and we are changing everyday just like the seasons outside our window.
How have we adapted so far this year?
- well we have new furniture (chairs).
- get used to everyone
- to make new friends
- getting used to having no playground.
- getting used to giving feedback and receiving feedback and being mindful.
- lunchroom adjustments.
- getting used to learning new projects in grade 3.
- we are learning harder things to do and the first day of school, some people feel they can’t do it because they are returning from break. It’s harder, but you get used to and it keeps getting harder and more independent.
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