3rd Grade MP3 Campus

Topics: class routines, getting to know each other, draft book rules, story topics, story writing, dictation, iReady assessment

Activities: We are off to a great start in Writers Workshop. We are getting to know each other and are learning our classroom routines through an art activity, games, and even a fun pop quiz! We jumped into our narrative writing unit, discussed where good story ideas come from (using Miss Rumphius by Barbara Cooney as a mentor text), and we each created a list of possible story topics. Then we reviewed the characteristics of a narrative. We also took time to take the Reading portion of the iReady Assessment.

Teacher Tips:

1.) How is your student’s handwriting? If their handwriting is hard to read, now is a great time to build in daily handwriting practice. Even 10 minutes a day can help your child become a more comfortable and confident writer! If you need a handwriting practice resource, please reach out to your SLPC. If your student has mastered handwriting, please know I am sending out a recommended typing resource next month! However, you can definitely email me if you can’t wait until next month! :)

Teacher Info: Mrs. Giesen, jgiesen@meridian.wednet.edu

Topics: Routines and expectations, character traits of a great scientist and a great teammate, What is Energy?, the observable effects of energy release and energy changing forms

Activities: Students began the year considering what makes a great scientist and set an intention to develop one of those qualities in themselves. As we learned our classroom routines, we especially focused on how we are safe, respectful and responsible with our materials and as teammates in exploration and discovery. We looked at 6 examples of energy changing form and the resultant, observable action or effect; turning on a flashlight, powering a motor with a solar cell or a battery, turning on a tone generator, rubbing our hands together and burning a candle. You can look at your student’s digital science journal through Google Classroom to see a summary of their findings. We have considered how important clear communication is in the scientific process through use of students’ paper science notebooks in class and their digital science journals. Students are learning to use Google Slides, through which they are also working on keyboarding and correct use of punctuation and capitalization.

Teacher Tip: Look around your home to find examples of different forms of energy and how their release, or use, causes something to happen (an observable effect or action).

Teacher Info: Ms. Beaudin, ebeaudin@meridian.wednet.edu

Topics: Classroom Agreement, Expectations in the art room, Art Discussions, Elements of Art: Color, Value, Line, Shape, & Texture; Principles of Design: Movement & Pattern; Techniques: Chalk pastels

Activities: This first month of art class has been a busy one! We began the year by touring the art room and discussing what we want our classroom to look, sound, and feel like. Students helped create specific definitions for the Meridian Mindsets—Caring, Open-Minded, Trustworthy, and Courageous—and agreed to follow these guidelines. Each student then added their name to our bulletin board, creating the message: “We shine brighter together!” (See the picture below!) Every Monday, during Masterpiece Monday, we examine a piece of art and discuss it together. Students share what they notice, consider what the artwork might mean, ask questions, and reflect on how they connect with it. Our first featured artist was Dan Tavis. After discussing one of his illustrations, we read Fluffy McWhiskers: Cuteness Explosion, a story about a character who struggles to make friends. Students explored the different emotions Fluffy expressed throughout the story before creating their own Fluffy McWhiskers with chalk pastels. Our wall is now a true “cuteness explosion,” covered with colorful Fluffys!

Teacher Tip:Ask your student to tell you about their experience with chalk pastels and what their Fluffy’s expression was showing.

Teacher Info: Mrs. Warnock, swarnock@meridian.wednet.edu

Topics: Classroom routines, getting acquainted, introduction to Flat Stanley, U.S. regions map work, cardinal and intermediate directions and the West Region

Activities: Week 1 began with get-to-know-you games and a review of classroom routines. After discussing the four Meridian Mindsets—open-mindedness, caring, courage, and trustworthiness—students reflected on their own strengths and chose one mindset they would like to focus on developing throughout the year. (If you did not receive an email with your child’s responses, please let me know.) To begin our study of the United States, students completed a 20-question true/false quiz. I reassured them that I was not concerned about the score they received. Instead, this quiz will serve as a starting point for measuring what they know about the United States at the beginning of the semester and comparing it with their knowledge at the end. Students also completed a blank map of the United States, identifying important geographical features such as the Pacific Ocean, Mississippi River, Rocky Mountains, and others. They added a title and compass rose, labeled and colored mountain ranges, rivers, and oceans, and began learning to recognize the difference between political and natural borders. We also practiced using cardinal and intermediate directions as we worked on highlighting the five regions. Finally, we were introduced to our first region of study: the West Region. Students began organizing their U.S. Regions binders and reading about the West. The papers in this binder will be referred to often throughout the semester as we build our understanding of the geography, history, and people of the United States. They reviewed West Region state names by completing their own West Region puzzle. We also started reading Flat Stanley by Jeff Brown. Students are preparing to send their own Flat Stanley to a different state, giving us an opportunity to learn about other parts of the country through the experiences of our traveling Flat Stanleys. Stay tuned to see where they travel this semester!

Teacher Tip: As you hear mention of landmarks and/or geographical features in our country, take time to point out their location on a US map. The goal is for third graders to become more knowledgeable about the country they call home.

Teacher Info: Mrs. Elgersma- gelgersma@meridian.wednet.edu