Bugs! Bugs! Bugs!

Science is turning into the favorite part of the day, and the kids are loving it!  They are so engaged and excited about all our "visitors" that they can't wait for science to start, which is the last part of the day.  In case your 3B child has not told you, our most recent visitors are fruit flies.  Students are watching their populations grow and decline as well as the various stages of a fruit flies life cycle.  Besides that, our plants are growing like crazy and we will be meeting our next "guest" tomorrow.    Wonder what it will be?

I am posting some pictures from our recent "field trip" outside to explore plants and animals around our school grounds.  This gave us good data to talk about what we saw more of, plants or animals, and further our discussion on "organisms".  The pictures are pretty cute if I do say so myself.  :)

Other things that have been happening are we have launched our "work on writing" as well as "read to someone" last week.  Students are building their stamina and continue to improve showing me they are ready to jump into guided reading.  We will continue with building our "read to someone strategies" this week as well as launch "word works".  Next week, we will be ready for total literacy and Daily 5 time!  Can't wait!

Last Friday we had some wonderful discussions about September 11th.  The students are very curious about that day and we had some emotion as well, including from the teacher.  I hope you had some time this weekend to watch some of the TV episodes about September 11th and have further discussions with your 3rd grade student.  Our discussion will continue today and tomorrow as well.  We will be creating a human flag with the 4th and 5th graders today in memory of September 11th.  Look for pictures of that to be posted soon!

We are wrapping up unit 1 in math.  We have some discussion and lessons to cover on making change, reviewing number grids, and then we are looking at unit 1 assessment.  There is no real way to study for these assessments so don't be looking for your 3B child to bring something home to study. Just a reminder though that there are many online games posted on my blog page that students can work on to reinforce concepts we are working on in school.  I know there are a few students who have been using them outside of class.  Super!

Elementary students will also be starting MAPs testing soon.  I think it is next week, but I am not sure of the schedule yet.  These are the district assessments that students take online at the beginning of the year and the end of the year to show growth.  Look for a letter from Mrs. Sovereign or comments from myself   to be sent home soon.  No need to stress about them.....all we ask is that students try their best.

Have a great week!  Enjoy the day as it sounds like a cool front is moving in!