Running in the Rain

Thursday was the Marquette Mile.  Students, staff, and parents did not let a little rain dampen their spirits.  Everyone was all smiles as they walked, ran or skipped the mile.  We had another successful event and thanks to all of you who helped us by supervising corners, walking with us or purchasing shirts.

We spent a lot of time outdoors this week. On Wednesday, all third grade classrooms ventured down to the Farmers' Market. We divided into several small groups and toured the market.  Students went around the market two times. Part of the students' task on their first trip around was to interview several vendors.  They asked them the name of their farm (or business), where they are located, how far this is from Madison and what produce was in season. Students also checked out the produce comparing prices and variety of items.  The second loop around was finally the time that the students were then charged with spending their $3.00. I was impressed with the thoughtful purchases students make and the great deals they found.  

One of the items the students were asked to purchase was a vegetable or spice to add to our classroom stone soup.  Students brought the item to school on Thursday and placed it in the pot for our stone soup.  

We even had a stone fresh from Ms. Mack's garden!  (Washed , boiled and serialized, of course!)

As promised last week, I have a glimpse into our personal narrative writing and a few samples of the hard work the students have been doing. Most students have written 2 or more discovery drafts.  All students were given a check list to help lead them through the writing process.

Once they choose a seed idea, they create a timeline of events. Then, they rehearse storytelling their idea to their writing partner or to themselves.  In their writer's notebooks they craft a few leads, choose the one they like the best and then enter it into their writer's notebook.

Using a timeline for planning

Drafting several leads

Picking a lead and adding it to the draft journal

This week during our math block students explored the concept of capacity.  Students used beans, various sized containers and a target container.  The students' task was to determine if the containers had the same capacity, smaller capacity or larger capacity than the target container.  The then did capacity sorts with a set of 5 containers putting these containers in order from smallest capacity to largest capacity.

Wow, no wonder this week went so quickly! We were so busy!

Some final words and reminders

• Next week we have school on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.  There is no school for students on Thursday and Friday due to staff professional development days.
• We are taking a trip to the Aldo Leopold Nature Center on Monday, October 29, to learn about the early native american life in the Madison area. Please check your child's yellow folder to find the permission slip for this trip.
• Speaking of yellow folders, please help your child think of a system to make sure his or her yellow folder arrives at school daily.
• A reminder about snack: we have snack time daily in the Lily Pad.  If your child wants to eat snack please send a snack to school with them daily.  Thanks!

Enjoy this beautiful fall weekend!