Reading and Technology

Today students worked on answering a complex question about a text. We highlighted the key words in the question, we then defined those words: compare-to tell how something is alike; contrast-to tell how something is different; describe-tell about something.  We used scrap paper to record our thoughts/ideas about the question.  We used the ideas to form complete sentences to respond to the question(s). Our complete answers were typed into a document using Google Docs. This is a very tough process and requires many steps.  However, these are the kinds of questions that students are expected to independently answer about a text.  Our students must be able to answer questions in clear and complete sentences. 

You can help prepare your child with a little extra practice at home, when you ask a question, even a normal every day question do not allow your child to "ya" or "uh-huh" their way to an answer, instead ask them to answer you in  a complete sentence.  

Students enjoyed a program from the Miami County Park Department on Friday, Jan. 16th.  Students learned about rocks.  They learned how rocks travel in a variety of ways.  They learned a song about rocks that they will sing when we attend the "Banana Slug Festival" in May.  It was a fun afternoon! 

Family Tradition Event

Our Family Tradition Event will be Wed. Dec. 17th from 1:30-3:30.  Please join us as we listen to family traditions, decorate cookies and sing Christmas carols.  We ask that you RSVP as soon as possible so we can plan for the event.  Thank you! 

Past-Present-Future

Students have been working hard on their November research project.  The project had many parts that students were responsible for completing.  First, students learned about life for a child in the 1620's in the New World, they used this information to compare and contrast their life in 2014 with that of a Pilgrim and Wampanoag child. They then made a big switch and had to think about what life will be like in 200 years.  Students wrote about changes in education, transportation, fashion, music, toys, and homes.  They also created an illustration of their ideas.  Students shared their futuristic ideas with classmates, their illustrations are now in the hall.  If you have a chance to walk by our classroom take a look, maybe one day one of our third graders will create one of these ideas that will make life easier!  

Halloween Around the World

Students spent much of October researching with a partner or small group if Halloween is celebrated in other countries.  They learned that while many countries do not celebrate Halloween they do have fall festivities that honor their ancestors.  Students presented projects to the class.  This project was a real learning experience for our students, they had to work with someone else, which involved a lot of problem solving and compromise.  As a culminating activity on October 31st we recognized El Dia De Los Muertos.  We had an altar to honor or deceased loved ones, Pan de Muerto (Dead Bread), and Atole (a warm red fruit juice made by Mrs. R).  It was a wonderful day and experience!  

Did you know that Mrs. Barkett was a Rainbow Girl throughout Junior High and High School?  And that she was Valedictorian?   Such interesting things we learned about her today!!

Students enjoyed sharing their "Me Bags" with their classmates.  Mrs. Barkett and I shared too!  It's wonderful to get to know a little more about each of our students.  We found that a love of animals and Minecraft are very popular in 3rd grade!  

Many of you are aware that we have started a new anti-bullying program at Kyle, "Rachel's Challenge".  The focus on this program is to be intentionally kind, which will cause a chain reaction of kindness.  It's a very positive program, and connects perfectly into our Shells of Kindness that we started at the beginning of the school year.  Children are looking for opportunities to be kind and recognizing when others are kind to them.  Ask your 3rd grader about a chain reaction and trying it at home!