March 25, 2022

  Announcements

We have had a busy last week before Spring Break! We did not complete Weekly Journals this week, and Friday folders were not sent home. I hope everyone has a wonderful week off!

Despite the rainy and cold weather, the students enjoyed their field trip to the Capitol on Wednesday. Our favorite part was being able to visit the viewing gallery during a legislative session. Representative Martha Stevens recognized the Paxton 3rd graders, and we received a wonderful welcome.

We also ran into Representative David Tyson Smith.

 After that, we explored the museums and saw artifacts, statues, and drawings from Missouri History.

Finally, we went on a tour of the Capitol to learn about the state seal, fossils in the walls, and optical illusion paintings! 

  Even though the weather wasn't the best, the students still enjoyed lunch and ice cream in the classroom when we returned to Paxton. 

In the Classroom

We finished our weather unit this week with a visit from KOMU meteorologist Kenton Gewecke! He talked to us about his job, how he predicts the weather, and how we can prepare for severe storms.

We also did an experiment about how clouds are formed. Students put warm water into clear cups, and "trapped it" by using a lid. We then discussed what we noticed and felt on the inside of the cup and lid.

In math this week, students continued their exploration of fractions. We used fraction circles, fraction strips, and fractions on a number line to compare. We will finish this unit when we return from Spring Break. We also learned a new multiplication game called Knock It Off. 

In reading this week, we read a realistic fiction story. We used this story to practice self-monitoring and identifying how character's actions affect the story events. In writing, students finished planning their historical fiction story. We spent a little time researching their time period in history so they can add a fact or two. Then we used an event graphic organizer to plan out the characters, setting, and major plot events that will be in our stories. We will work on our rough drafts after break.

Upcoming Events

No School, Spring Break-March 28-April 1

Comet Culture Night-April 12

Field trip to the Planetarium-April 21

Color Run-April 22 

March 11, 2022

 Announcements

Please check in with your 3rd grader about their supplies. I have many students saying they are out of markers, crayons, colored pencils, etc. While I do have a class supply, that is also quickly dwindling. We will do a "Spring Cleaning" session when we get back from Spring Break, and this usually turns up some supplies as well. 

On Monday, we had a virtual visit with the Raptor Rehab program from the Missouri Department of Conservation. We loved getting to see the 4 birds and learn all about them!

In the Classroom

In science, we started our next unit on Weather and Climate. Last week, students made climate maps for the world. These maps showed the main regions, and students learned how the Equator plays an important role in climate. This week, looked at how to predict the weather based on the clouds.

In math this week, we learned about volume. Students were given a container and asked to estimate its volume. We use 1 liter as our benchmark, and used phrases like greater than or less than before finding the actual volume using beakers.

We also visited fractions again. This time, students made fraction strips to use as a model to compare. 

We wrapped up Unit 6 this week in Reading and Writing. Our focus story was a realistic fiction piece called "The Big Game." With the story this week, we studied central message, character's actions, and theme. In writing, students read two stories with the same character. They were then asked to write an opinion about the character using the stories as evidence. 

Upcoming Events

No School, Teacher Workday-March 16

Capitol Field Trip-March 23

No School, Spring Break-March 28-April 1