December Already?

Dear Third Grade Families,

Can you believe it’s already the middle of December? How fast this year has sped by!

In Social Studies, we began thinking about how life changed for native tribes when Europeans came over. We discussed what life was like in Europe at that time, and how important Christianity was to them. We also talked about why the Europeans were so interested in exploring North America. Based on their understanding of the natural resources available to the Lenape, students brought up that the food and land space in what we now call America was of great interest to the Europeans.

During this discussion, and when we looked at paintings depicting the encounters explorers had, we tried to figure out whose perspective these pieces of art were in — the native tribe or the Europeans. One art piece we closely observed was of the moment when the Taíno encountered Christopher Columbus and his crew (created and engraved by Theodor de Bry, in 1594). One is how each group is dressed, and we discussed how the Europeans felt it proper to cover most of your body by clothing — anything less would be uncivilized. A few students noticed the cross being raised on the left side of the engraving, and that it represents their religion. We saw tribes people dancing on the right side of the engraving, and were able to recall the many reasons people danced back then: to pray to God; to thank God; in celebration/joy. As well, we recognized the gifts that the Taíno were giving Columbus. There was gold, necklaces, and trunks full of precious items. We also mentioned why the Taíno were giving these materials to Columbus and his crew, relating the Taíno actions to the concept of a Messiah. We realized that due to the coloring and depiction of the native people, the painting must be supportive of the Europeans and looking down on the Taíno.

Since the beginning of the year, one of the activities kids have been able to choose, during dismissal, is to play with our math manipulatives. Some of their favorites are playing with the unit cubes, patterns blocks and Pentaminos. Below are pictures of just SOME of the creations our Third Graders have designed. Please enjoy!

Topics to have with your student:

• Where did John Smith think he would go if he kept traveling up the river or over the mountain?
• What are the “Three Gs” for explorers?
• How would you describe a character in the book you are reading at home? What do they do or say in the book that makes you think that?

Shabbat Shalom!

Hilary and Alisa

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Judaic Studies with Aliza:

This week in Judaics, the third grade began learning about Chanukah. We talked about some of the laws and traditions of the holiday and focused more specifically on lighting the Chanukiah. We learned about the specifications of a Chanukiah (and how it differs from a Menorah) and then designed some of our own creative, but still Halachically accepted, Chanukiot made of everything from marshmallows to landmark buildings! 

Hebrew with Ilana:

This week the 3rd grade was busy working on the Hanukah Play. The students practiced their lines, the song, and the dance. Please encourage your child to practice and show you their lines, the song and the dance.