Self-Portraits Take Two

Introducing: The Navigators on PhotoPeach

Self-Portraits

We read Camile and The Sunflowers, a story about Vincent Van Gogh. 

 The interesting thing was Vincent was not welcomed in his community

 just because he was different.  The Navigators decided we do not want to be that way

 because if everyone was the same it would be boring. 

 How could we learn the interesting things we do? 

 Like Vincent we decided to create our own self-portraits. 

While we were working it was great to hear positive affirmations from the students

as they watched their friends create the portraits.

Lemon of a Lesson

We are busy learning how to conduct a scientific investigation!  The Navigators learned how

to use tools such as a scale, magnifying glasses, and measuring tapes

 to investigate the properties of a lemon.

Metric Autobiography

We had a great time learning about each other today!  We used the metric system to measure certain lengths of paper.  Each piece represented a question about ourselves.  For example, what is your favorite book?  Where do you love to go eat?  How many brothers and sisters do you have?  When it was complete we had one meter of information about ourselves to share with our new friends.

Math Workstations

The Navigators are learning how to work in math workstations.  This gives them a chance to choose work based on objectives and goals.  It gives each student the opportunity to work with

a partner to discuss math and figure out problems together.

Open House

Parents came to visit the classroom tonight!  They saw all your great artwork and writing from the 'In My Classroom' assignment.  Parents learned about how The Navigators will be doing homework this year.  I showed the Homework Wiki and the websites you will be using.  Everyone is looking forward to see the evidence of learning in your agendas and on your Wiki!

After creating these wonderful works of art, The Navigators decided to create a Museum Walk.  All the students got a chance to look at the artwork and read the poems.  Then we wrote compliments for the author/creator.  This was a great way for the community to look at all the creations.  Here are some excerpts from the poems:

In My classroom...

•  we all cooperate with each other like a samll community
•  we are the Navigators, we make our way through third grade.
•  three is a magic number
•  Ms. Musters does not let us use erasers
•  in morning meeting we greet each other and I know stuff that peple like and I know mroe about them and I can become friends with them
• I treat others how I want them to treat me
• But most of all in my classroom I feel free!

In My Classroom

In My Classroom on PhotoPeach

The Navigators

Free scrapbook personalized with Smilebox

Our First Homework Assignment

Our First Homework Assignment!  At the open house event, students received a empty Ziploc baggie with the instructions to fill it with objects from their summer adventures.  My Summer in a Bag contained a tulip, a mooing toy, pictures of my family, and maps of where I went . We had a great time sharing our summer memories and getting to know each other. 

 I think it was a FUN homework assignment!

What's in a Name?

The Navigators have been busy exploring their names and the names of their new classmates.

  We have been greeting each other every morning in our Morning Meeting.

  In math, we are creating patterns with different sized arrays.

  Next, we looked at our friends' arrays to see if anyone has the same pattern.

First Week of School

      We were very busy the first week of school!  Our first cooperative group activity was to create a chart together telling what each partner in our group knew about communities.  We then presented our chart to the rest of our class.  We learned about a lot of things communities have and what is needed in a community.  For example, you need helpers and everyone needs to be peaceful.

  I think the Navigators are off to a great start!

What Every 3rd Grader Needs To Know

Last year, my third graders wrote letters to the new group of third graders coming in the fall.  They gave some great advice. Here are some of my favorites:

• Do not worry when you go to LDC Mrs. Gee is the nicest teacher ever!
• Tests are not scary.
• Also, answering questions wrong is not a problem!  I still have all my fingers!
• Always listen to your teacher because I will guarantee you it will soon pay off!
• Remember to use your strategies they will help you succeed through your test.
• You are going to learn something very important in third grade, you must take risks.
• Remember these words of wisdom and you'll do fine.

P.S.  Be a Risk-Taker!  Hope you have a great year!  Seriously use your strategies!

What Ms. Musters' Always Says

My new students were greeted with a few quotes from my previous students. 

 These are some things I am known to say ALL the time:

• three is a magic number
• How are you going to attack that problem
• G.R.O.U.P.
• READ it's a magical thing

The First Day

The First day is coming!  This year we had an open house visit before the first day.  I loved it!  I got to meet all my new students and the parents.  My students came in to view their classroom and found a nice treat on their desk!  I also handed out the first homework assignment!

In the beginning..

I arrive at the school weeks before school starts to find a startling empty room.  First thing I do is move the furniture to create a new learning environment. I start to think about the upcoming year and wonder what exciting things will happen. What will our community name be?  What will the students accomplish this year?  What will our field day t-shirt look like?  I am filled with enthusiasm, ready to create a wonderful, safe, creative, learning environment where all my students will thrive while they are in third grade.