Learning in 3-215
September Newsletter 2016
Welcome to 3rd Grade!
September was a month of many firsts...our first day of school, the first time being in a classroom on the second floor, the first time using Chrome books, and more! We have been spending a lot of time getting to know each other, creating our classroom community, learning expectations for working and playing, discussing our likes and dislikes when it comes to reading, writing and math, and learning to work together. We have had a very productive September! Read more to find out!
We loved the Jester Jim assembly!
All About Me Bags
Students were asked to fill a brown bag with objects that represent their interests and memories. We eagerly looked forward to learning more about our classmates at Morning Meeting when students shared their All About Me bags. The class photojournalists captured these moments.
Taking on the Marshmallow Challenge
The sign was hung up outside the door: "Are you ready for the Marshmallow Challenge?" The students were curious. They asked, "What is the Marshmallow Challenge?" but I wasn't sharing yet. Anticipation grew....until it was time to reveal their challenge. Each group of 4 students had 20 strands of spaghetti, one marshmallow, masking tape, string, and 18 minutes to build the tallest free-standing structure they could. The catch? The marshmallow had to be at the very top of the structure. The students were quite creative and enthusiastic as they tried to figure out the best way to make their tower. This challenge pushes students to be resilient, to think outside the box, to collaborate with others, and to persevere during a difficult task- all things we had been discussing in our classroom. Our class rocked the Marshmallow Challenge!
International Dot Day- Make your Mark!
We were proud to participate in International Dot Day, a day to celebrate making your mark on the world by being who you are. Mrs. O'Regan came to read Peter H. Reynold's book, The Dot, to us and inspired us to think deeply about the lesson in the story. Later, we learned about Marble Theory of Intelligence and how we are all smart in different ways. We can grow smarter by working hard and persevering, even when something seems hard at first.
The Dot Song Motions Guide - Emily Arrow & Peter H. Reynolds
The Library Card Challenge!
September is Library Card Sign Up Month! Our class was challenged to show Mrs. Sokolowski their library cards and to register for one if they didn't already have one. So many students shared their library cards- their tickets to the world. Mrs. Sokolowski asked educators to share why their library card is important. You can read their responses below. Congratulations to Melanie for winning the raffle! She will select new books from our October Scholastic book order.
We are Bloggers!
In September, we learned about what a blog is and launched our own blogs through Kidblog. There are many lessons for the students to learn about writing through blogging. There is so much enthusiasm around blogging. We hope you take the time to read and comment on our posts!
Digital Reading Walls
As an adult, when you finish a book, do you write a report about it? Or make a diorama? Probably not- you might talk to your friends about it or even record it on Goodreads, post a review on Facebook or put it on your Instagram. In third grade, students are sharing their reading lives via Padlet, a digital bulletin board. This is a great way to keep track of books that are read and also see some titles your classmates are reading to get recommendations for new books. You can view our digital reading walls from our class website.
A Visit from Nicole Tricoukes
Nicole Tricoukes came to our classroom on Friday, September 30th to share how she was part of a team that invented/created the HC1 headset computer. She brought in many prototypes for the students to touch and wear. She talked about how this technology helps people. Nicole Tricoukes was a former high school classmate of Mrs. Sokolowski's (Nicole was valedictorian of their high school class) and took time out of her schedule to come and speak to the students! She was very generous with her time and bringing in so many cool materials for the students to explore.
Motorola Solutions Brings Your Desktop Mobile with Wearable Technology
Class Read Alouds...so far
Scenes from September
Maps!
We learned geography skills and how to create a map using a compass rose.
Math Problem Solving
Students demonstrated there are many ways to figure out a math problem.
15th Anniversary of September 11th
We paused to remember this day, reading the book 14 Cows for America and thinking about all the heroes who tried to help on that day.
Why Should We Encourage Mistakes?
Mrs. Sokolowski recently had the privilege to be part of Larry Ferlazzo's BAM! Radio Show, discussing why it is important to celebrate mistakes in the classroom. Click below to listen to the podcast.
Looking ahead...October!
Some important dates to mark:
October 3-4: School closed for Rosh Hashanah
October 7th: Daler Day- wear green and white
October 10th: school closed for Columbus Day
October 12th: School closed for Yom Kippur
October 17th-21: Spirit Week! Stay tuned for what we will wear each day. Picture day is also this week.
October 27th: 1/2 day for Parent Conferences
October 31: Halloween parade 9:30, class party 1:00
Third Grade Learners in 215
Email: ksokolowski@farmingdaleschools.org
Website: sokolowskilearningin215.weebly.com
Location: 25 Mill Lane, Farmingdale, NY, United States
Phone: 516) 434-5710
Twitter: @Learningin215