Announcements
What a crazy few weeks we have had since returning from Winter Break! Hopefully we can get back into a routine next week and focus on our goals for January.
I wrote on many Friday folder checklists last week that now would be a great time to check in with your third grader about any supplies they are needing. (The checklists will be sent next week on the next scheduled Friday). There are quite a few students that no longer have pencils, headphones/earbuds, and scissors. Our class could always use class donations of lined notebook paper, pencils, and playdoh!
I sent home our January book orders last week. There is still time to place an order!
We had a wonderful time at the Rock Bridge Planetarium a couple of weeks ago! We saw a presentation about coral reefs and then located various constellations in the Missouri night sky.
As part of our study of Missouri History, we had a member of the Boone County History and Culture Center stop by Paxton. Students were able to see what life was like in Missouri hundreds of year ago!
We had another Book Break last week! We visited with author Matt de la Pena, the author of Last Stop on Market Street.
We have had another guest in our class these past couple of weeks! Mrs. Zapata is a nutritionist from the University of Missouri. She comes every Wednesday morning to teach us all about essential nutrients and staying healthy. This week, students sampled pineapple and couscous.
In the Classroom
This week, students took the iReady diagnostic assessment in both reading and math. This assessment data is used to assist us in planning for next steps to help students make progress with their academic goals. I'll be sharing these results at our conference next month.
In writing, we are preparing to begin our first drafts of our personal narrative pieces. We will be re-writing a folktale from the perspective of a different character. We have planned our story by recounting the main events of the folktale, studying character traits, and developing character voice.
We began our science unit on Force after break. Students have been learning about pushes/pulls and balanced vs. unbalanced. Students applied this knowledge to build paper bridges that would balance forces and hold as many pennies as possible. Our strongest bridge held over 70 pennies!
Upcoming Events
Valentine's Room Party-February 14
No School-Teacher workday, February 16
No School-President's Day, February 19
Conference Week-February 26-29
No School-March 1
