Addition and Subtraction Games and Apps

There are several online games that reinforce basic facts (addition, subtraction) as well as problem solving skills.  Having fluency in basic facts will help children to solve more complex, multi-digit problems quickly and accurately.  Recently our class started a unit on pirates, so if your child would like some practice of their addition and subtraction facts, here is a link to a fun “pirate themed” computer game with focus on addition facts up to 20.

Pirate Themed Addition Game

Pirate Themed Subtraction Game

There is also an excellent list of Math games made by Ghoulsoft downloadable to ipads, iphones, or Android phones. You can search for these games by typing in Numfun or Ghoulsoft  in your App Store.

Alternatively, these games can be played on any computer at the website www.mathforest.com.  As a parent, you will have to register an account with your email address.

Spelling Speed Drill

Our Week 1 spelling pattern deals with the past tense suffix for verbs “ed“.  Next week we will be looking at the suffix “ing“.  To increase spelling accuracy and reading fluency of these high frequency suffices, I have given children a list of words that includes these endings (there are 20 words in total, rearranged in different order throughout the list).  In class, we have timed how many words they can read in 1 minute.  For homework tonight, children are asked to practise pronouncing the words accurately aloud.  The goal is for them to read the list on their second timed reading more quickly than the first timed reading.

Spelling Rule Week 1 – Double the consonant and add “ed”

If you or your child would like further explanation or practice at words that follow the “double consonant and add -ed” rule, please check out the following links:

Doubling Rule

BBC Double Consonants

Magic “e” for long vowels

Term 1 Oral Presentations

Last week, your child received a sheet with information on our upcoming Oral Presentations.  Each student will be responsible for one oral presentation per term. Throughout the year, we will work on our speaking skills, building confidence and gaining expertise.

On your child’s sheet is the date of their oral presentation as well as information about suggested topics and the marking criteria.  Children are welcome to bring in props, photos (digital or printed) as well as cue cards or boards for their presentation.  Assessment will be based solely on speaking skills, as outlined in the given rubric.  

If you have any questions about your child’s oral presentation, please feel free to email me 🙂

Spelling Homework – Weeks 1 and 2

Today, children received their first set of weekly spelling words.  These words appear on the Word Wall in our classroom and students are expected to spell these correctly at all times.  Every Day 1, students will be given a set of 2 spelling lists that they are expected to practise on a nightly basis. Approximately two weeks later, they will have a spelling test on Day 6.     

Our first Spelling test will be on September 22nd and will include words from Weeks 1 and 2.

Spelling tests are cumulative.  That is, a Spelling test on Week 10 may include spelling words from Week 1 and 2.  Therefore children are encouraged to keep all of there lists and review the words continuously.

In your child’s Homework Binder, a note was sent home with a list of suggested activities for practising spelling words.  Using a variety of activities to assist with your child’s nightly spelling practice will increase their enjoyment and memorization.

Perimeter and Area Games

If you would like some additional practice with your child on perimeter and area, please check out the following links provided through Learn Alberta (you will need to login to Learn Alberta first before accessing these games):

Math Grade 3 Under the Sea

Perimeter Explorer

Perimeter and Area Activity