600 Million Years Ago

Ms. Wimmler has been teaching the students in the Lily Pad about the History of the Madison Area.  

Our story begins 600 Million years ago... Students learned that the Precambrian Sea covered the land that is now Madison. Madison was under an ocean? It was located near the equator?  These were "WOW" moments that students had as they delved into the book, Madison City of Four Lakes, Our City Our Home.

We learned that scientists know this information because of the fossils of trilobites that were left behind. Third grade students are using an engaging and rich text full of information about the city we now call Madison. The text was put together by the MMSD social studies department and teachers in collaboration with a local historian from the state historical society. Over the next few weeks we will learn about the glaciers that covered our land and about the first people who inhabited current day Madison.

This week students created models of glaciers using "Gak"(a mixture of corn starch, borax and glue) to show how glaciers grow and move.

 Then, students made a model of a glacier by freezing sticks, leaves, stones and dirt  in water. They then created a model landscape out of play dough and cinnamon (topsoil) and then experimented with how the movement of glaciers changes the landscape.

Math Block

We continue to spend a few days a week exploring geometry (2-D and 3-D) shapes as well as working in problem solving groups 3 days a week.  In problem solving groups students are working on fact fluency, developing their problem solving skills, engaging in algebraic thinking and continuing to develop their number sense (with concepts like place value, etc.)  This is a good time to remind you that every Monday students receive math homework that is due by Friday.

Next week, we will leave geometry for a while and explore measurement (including concepts of capacity.)

Writing happens 4 days a week in the Lily Pad.  My intention was to have photos of the students' workbut realized that I left school without the pictures.  Next week, I promise!  However, my lack of photographic proof is not reflective of the hard work students have been doing in writing.  Most students have started drafting a second narrative. 

Anchor Chart for Qualities of Personal Narratives

Students have examined leads from published authors and practiced crafting their own leads for their narratives using some of the techniques they studied. During workshop we also spent time examining endings (in my opinion the hardest part of the narrative to write) and have worked at crafting ends that wrap up their story in a way that is satisfying to the reader as well as the author.  By the way we have declared the Lily Pad a "The End" Free zone! We are saving the ending "The End" for fairytales.

Farmer's Market and Stone Soup

Just a reminder that Wednesday we are heading to the downtown Farmer's Market.  If you work downtown and would like to join us, just let me know!  Each student will be buy an item on Wednesday to add to our class Stone soup on Thursday.  While students are at the Market they will be interviewing farmers and vendors about the produce that is in season and have the opportunity purchase locally grown (or in most cases baked) items!  Along with eating our stone soup, Thursday is also the Marquette Mile.  Students who ordered shirts will receive them on Wednesday, just in time for the big event!