"Rocking" Times in Grade 3/4

Sorry Blog, we had a busy time these past two weeks! It all started with some word work. Oh, what is that you say? You don't know what word work is! Well, it is where we use playdoh, alphabet dice, wiki sticks, and pencils and markers to practice making words. Take a look below!

Next we did a Starburst science experiment to make rocks! There are 3 types of rocks- sedimentary, metamorphic and igneous rocks! First, we cut them up into small pieces and mixed them together and  made them into a 'rock'.

 Then we added HEAT from our hands by rubbing the rock in a plastic bag, then we added PRESSURE!

 We had fun smooching them :)

 When they were ready, we placed them in tin foil and added even MORE HEAT from the oven!

 BEFORE!

 AFTER! *** notice the bubbles ***

For Halloween, we did lots of fun activities! We started by scooping out all the guts and seeds from the inside of the pumpkin. We washed the seeds and separated them from the guts. Then we baked them in the oven with spices. The pumpkin seeds were a big hit!

Next we carved the pumpkin, and you guessed it!! We made an owl pumpkin- special thanks to Mme Pfeifer for the outline. It was really fun to carve and some of us were really fast at it!

 

EWWWWWWWWW!

Some enjoyed the squishy feeling more than others! He he

 

We are hard at work on our volcanos and can't wait to share them with you at conferences!

And last but not least, we had a great day last Friday dressing up for Halloween, going to the parade and having our class party!

Ps- explosions will be happening Thursday! Take cover :)

Awesome October...

We have had a busy couple weeks with lots of learning! From art projects, buddy reading, math songs,  and even a baby reveal, the students have been doing many fun activities!

In Art, we decided to make some self portraits with a twist! We learned about an Italian artist named Amedeo Modigliani, who was known for his exaggerated portraits and sculptures. We used black construction paper and white crayons to draw the outlines of ourselves. We exaggerated some of our features, and made sure to keep our key characteristics that make us unique! Next we filled them in with pastels. And our last step was to outline everything in black.

You can find our masterpieces hanging in the hall by our classroom with a "guess who card" beside each! Take a peek the next time you are in the school!

We also had fun creating our Thankful Owl Art and hope you enjoyed them too!

My husband and I recently found out what we are having ( at his persistence!) and I wanted to share it with the students! On a piece of paper, the students wrote down what they thought it would be, boy or girl, and we came up with a bar graph to show the results. And they were right!! IT'S A GIRL!!

We decorated some cupcakes with pink icing! And enjoyed eating them. :)

Next, the students are writing letters to "baby girl" with their advice on life and what she needs to know about all the " important" things. And just wait to see what your children have shared!! They are so bright and creative...and are they ever funny!

We also watched a puppet show dealing with cancer and children with an illness. It made for good class discussion, awareness, and sharing!

Bus safety was also this week and the students did a great job of going over the rules and exiting the bus.

Coming up, we are studying rocks and mineral in Science, and I will be sending information home about a fun project we will be starting next week! In Math, we are focusing on addition and subtraction strategies and working with large numbers. We are also learning about the continents, maps, and landforms in Socisl Studies and where we are in the World.

The students have done a wonderful job of creating a positive classroom and are great at learning and sharing with each other! So for homework this weekend, I want them to share with you what they enjoyed the most in the last few weeks! Students, please write a comment and let me know one thing you learned these last two weeks! And parents, you can leave a comment too, let me know what your most important tip/ advice is with a new baby!

I hope you all have a great weekend and enjoy some family time together!

Mme Janes :)