We celebrated Lisa being born last week with the traditional Temescal birthday celebration plus a lunch picnic and some handmade cards delivered with lots of love. We enjoyed seeing pictures of Lisa and her family through the years and got to ask questions with Lisa’s mama on a conference call. This was the highlight of the week for many third graders and not just because of the chocolate Mochi treat!
As we continue our research writing on local plants and animals, we paused to learn more about food chains and webs. Julianne pushed into the classroom for Super Science and Art and we created layered paper representations of a food chain that our plant or animal belongs in. This was an opportunity for the researchers to share their expertise with each other and to literally connect as learners.
Paula came in to introduce time and lead the class in building a huge clock on the rug. In third grade we learn how to tell time to the minute, explore fractions with the clock (halves and quarters), find lots of different ways to say one time, and then we will move into calculating elapsed time. Telling time is a good skill to keep practicing at home with clocks with hands.
Even special snacks have learning involved in Temescal! Before popping popcorn, we made predictions about what the difference would be between whole intact kernels, and kernels with seed coats that are cracked. But first, we needed to come up with how to crack open these tough little seeds and the virtues of a hammer versus pliers were explored. Who knew popping popcorn could be so exciting and informative!? Ask your Temescal scientist on how and why a kernel pops, and try your own experiment making popcorn at home.
Other fun happenings in Temescal Creek:
We have had an increase of fidgets, toys, and doo-dads coming into the classroom, which has had a distracting ripple effect. If you think there is a fidget that may help your child to be more focused and calm while doing the big work of finishing off third grade, please check in with us first. We have fidgets that are already available in the classroom, and in general avoid balls and thinking putty. Also, special erasers, sharpeners, pencils, pens, and other extra supplies should all stay home. Thanks for your help with this as we wrap up third grade on a high note.
