2010 Third Graders Corral the Basics
by Macey Beal
February 03, 2010
Sixteen students--five girl and eleven boys--make up the third grade class. Taught by Mrs. Tompkin, the class continues their education in all of the basic area: English, writing, reading, spelling, math, science, social studies. Along with classroom subjects, the students participation in music, physical education, art, guidance, library skills, and computers.
In English the third graders are learning about the different parts of speech. During writing time they are learning to write in cursive. They have also been studying the six traits of writing in preparation for the regional writing in the spring. In reading they are learning about different lifestyles while reading multi-cultural stories. Their spelling lists are connected to their reading unit, so many of their spelling words come from their reading vocabulary.
In math they are learning multiplication. For instant recall of various multiplication facts, the third graders are given flashcards with fun stories involving numbers. Science brought a study of energy. In social studies the students are being taught why communities appear in different areas and how the communities got started.
one unique thing about the third grade is their western theme. In one corner of their room they have a reading corral. During Drop Everything And Read time (D.E.A.R.) one student gets to choose a partner to read with inside the corral. Each week, the third grade also has a "Star-Studded Student." When a "Star Studded Student" is chosen, he or she is allowed to teach the other students about his.her activities and hobbies. The student also gets to bring an item from home and put in a bag. The class then proceeds to ask 20 questions about the bag's contents to figure out what the item is. Mrs. Tompkin said that the class is both "very energetic" and "creative."
