Super Star Night of Open House

THANK YOU for coming to our Open House! Our class had 100% participation. All of you are on my VIP list:) 

Your kids are truly Superstars! Weren't their "celebrity names" a crack up? Don't worry...I will send these photos home soon.

I hope all of you got to enjoy their 30 second commercials. I know it was difficult to hear in the room, so I'll be sure to send the QR codes home (they will be inside of the Persuasive Writing folder). 

Our visitors (perspective parents) were quite impressed with the students' creative book reports! 

When I send the Starry Night home, please frame them right away! It's a KEEPER!!

Top Secret Mission

Our TOP SECRET ROVER 3.1 MISSION project was probably the the BEST oral presentation that these kids have done this year. I could have kicked myself for not video taping them...but trust me, they were all incredible. 

Here is Dr. Snawder, the Planetologist!

The students were all in character as they presented their "Top Secret" findings regarding their planet.

Just before Dr. Jacobs interviewed Dr. Coulter, they had to do a bit of collaboration behind their clipboards:) 

There were a couple of CIA agents in our room as well. Very intimidating!

There was even a demonstration by Dr. Hoy regarding how humans may reach their planet. 

Dr. Salazar's "nerd glasses" were a hit!!

I am so proud of ALL of my 3rd grade scientists!!

Solar System!!

I have noticed this year that this batch of students work EXTREMELY well together in small groups. I put them to the ultimate test. I gave them a solar system kit...a box with foam balls, sticks, and a set of instructions. I told them that I would not give them ANY help whatsoever. They were on their own from the moment they opened the box until the project was complete! They had to measure the sticks, balls, etc. They determined the order. They determined the colors. Enjoy the photos of their hard work and their look of concentration:) 

Here are the final projects that were displayed at our Open House. Great job, kids!! (Yes, Pluto is included. I couldn't just throw the little guy away. Just couldn't do it!)

Starry Night

I must admit...at first, I was a bit nervous about using the medium of OIL pastels...it's a bit of a mess. However, the students did a marvelous job! They kept their eyes on the original painting of Van Gogh's Starry Night, and listened carefully to the step-by-step directions that I gave. 

The result? See for yourself. Absolutely stunning!! Parents and teachers have all been extremely impressed with their work.

Spontaneous Small Groups

Sometimes, a teacher has moments where she just sits back and is amazed at her class. This was one of those moments. It's a simple thing, but I found myself being so proud of all the kids. 

They were working on multi-step word problems in math. Some kids got it, some didn't. So I told them to help one another. In just a few seconds, 2 small groups formed, and some intense teaching began:) 

They were SO kind to one another, and they taught each other well. I just sat back, listened, and watched. It was awesome!