Explorers, Adventurers, and Consequences!

In social studies, the students have discovered what it means to be an explorer and an adventurer.  They brainstormed definitions with their table group and then shared whether they considered themselves to be an explorer or an adventurer.  Apparently we have some daring students in the class!

We have also been studying geography and have learned all about the continents and oceans.  Ask your child to name the seven continents and five oceans.  The students are beginning to share where they have been in the USA and in the world.  We have some serious travelers in our class!

I'm sure you have heard, but in writing last week we learned all about consequences.  The students brainstormed the definition of a consequence and were prompted that the lesson in writing for the day was all about consequences. They had to choose one of the spoons below to scoop out M&Ms.  Ask your child which one they chose. 

Some students were cautious and went for the small or medium spoon.  Others went for the large! 

After counting their M&Ms, the students learned that the consequence was that they had to write a sentence for each M&M they had on their napkin. Imagine the shock!!!

 I think Talie was on to me...
Thankfully, Lincoln saved the day, and since he only had 11 M&Ms, that was the number of sentences everyone had to write.

 

Our guidance counselor, Mrs. Heacock, met with us last week to talk about including and being kind to others.  She did a fun activity with the class to help everyone see how kind words can help "fill up" a person. 

Last, this week the students started practicing routines for word study.  The first day they practice reading each word and try to discover the sound patterns.  Each day they sort and read their words in class and at home. 

 Yesterday the students did a speed sort with their partner.  Then they practiced spelling their words while Mrs. Horst pulled some small groups to review spelling patterns. 

 

 

Explorers and Adventurers

To launch our first social studies unit of the year, Explorers and Adventurers, the third grade students learned first-hand what it felt like to go on a quest. The teachers surprised the students with an envelope from someone named E. Splorer who sent them on a treasure hunt around campus.  Each homeroom was given flags and a clue, and off they went to find the other clues and finally reach the treasure.  Ask your child where we went on our hunt!

 We had to swim across the river to reach a clue!

 The treasure was finally in sight...

 but it was surrounded by quicksand.  The only way to reach the treasure was by using some magic blue stones.  We had to work as a team and make sure everyone made it across safely.

 Finally, we took turns trying to break open the treasure chest.

 Then the students were awarded some delicious treasures!

Teamwork=Success!



It looks like everyone had a great summer!  I loved seeing everyone in their t-shirt.  In class we have been working together to build teamwork and have had so much fun!  The pictures below are of a snowball fight we had in class.  The students wrote two facts about themselves and then crumpled up their paper and had some fun.  At the end, each person opened up a "snowball" and had to try and guess whose snowball it was.  This was tough!  Do you know who was the best baby in their family?  Ask your child. 



 

 

Did your child tell you that they saved Fred the worm?  This was a fun and tasty task.  Ask them about this activity. 

 

 

 

 

 

On Monday for our common time, the whole third grade walked over to the nature center to play some games.  Our class proved that they were the fastest with the hula hoop, but most importantly, they modeled good sportsmanship. 

 



The students have been working diligently on their SP shields.  We can't wait for you to see them on Parents' Night!  Thanks to all who have sent in a picture. 

 



 Last but not least, the students have been sharing with their partners during literacy about the characters we are reading about.  I will tell you more about Reading Workshop on the 18th!

 

First Day of Third Grade!

We have had a great start to third grade!  During morning meeting, the students did a fun activity using Skittles to greet their friends.  The students had to share something specific with their friends depending on which color Skittle they got from their bag. 

 

We sorted supplies and talked and wrote about having first day jitters.  All in all, a great start to a fantastic year!  Enjoy the pictures!