In math we approached multiplication through a study of stamps. We borrowed Mike’s stamp collection and noticed how stamps are art, history, and math! As sets stamps help us explore multiplication since they are arrays arranged in rows and columns. We solved for how many stamps are in each set and how much the set costs through a variety of strategies including doubles facts, repeated addition, skip counting, and breaking part numbers into tens and ones. Temescal mathematicians worked in pairs and shared their favorite approaches and helped each other double check their work. Another great way to practice multiplication is at the grocery store . . . ask your child to calculate totals when you see equal groups of items while shopping.

In writing workshop we continued our mind mapping of what we are most thankful for by expanding our ideas with examples, details, and recalling a “time when.” Students were able to add more to their prewriting and some began drafting their five paragraph expository essay on a graphic organizer. We continue to practice our editing skills in the morning message and writing across the curriculum. During choice time, students opted to write and deliver letters.

We wrapped up our design challenge and we were amazed by all of the innovative and intricate ideas for how to adapt  a house to withstand weather-related flooding. Students worked together to overcome setbacks and to modify their designs and models. Each student was video taped explaining their process and presenting their final product. Temescalians were also excited to share their designs with grown ups who visited Friday morning.

In info literacy with Susan students discussed the difference between what is personal and what is private, as it applies to sharing information online and in the world.

We learned about the facts behind Columbus Day by watching a Brain Pop video, and then listened to historical fiction from a native child’s point of view when Columbus arrived in the “New World.”

For Super Science and Art on Friday Julianne lead us in a chromatography lesson that explored how permanent and water-soluble marker colors separate on paper when rubbing alcohol is applied. We observed how color is made up of other colors, which is preparing us to conduct a similar experiment with autumn leaves.

Another birthday and another special time celebrating a Temescalian being born!

Friday morning with grown ups is a magical time reading, writing, building, drawing, talking, and playing math games. Check out the Upcoming Events sidebar to see when grown ups are welcome to join us again. Also thank you to those who have brought in flowers and have done kitchen/laundry duty so far. It makes a big difference by brightening and sprucing up our space. To sign up for this see the Sign-Up Wiki Link at the top of this blog.

Due to the air quality levels and the recommendation to limit outdoor activity, the third graders had more time than usual inside. We made the best of this situation with lots of body breaks, dancing, and playing games. We also had more time for two Temescal favorites, tracing “cuteness” and building with geometric blocks! In the middle of the week students got a chance to really run at the BYA gym across the street. It looks like air quality will be much improved by Monday because of shifting winds . . .

GoNoodle’s Blazer Fresh leading us in “Banana, Banana, Meatball”

Learning how to dab with GoNoodle’s Blazer Fresh crew.  With guest dancer, Mitch!

GoNoodle’s Koo Koo Kanga Roo’s “Pop See Ko”

We are continuing to collect supplies for Puerto Rico (in our classroom), and for those affected by the fires (at the front desk). Thank you for all your engagement and generosity!

Also a reminder to bring in pumpkins that your Temescalian can lift by him/herself.  Please write his/her name at the base of the pumpkin and send it in by Thursday, October 19 as we will be scooping them out that afternoon and carve them with the 7th grade buddies the following day.
If you have any time at 1:00-1:40pm on 10/19, adult help would be greatly appreciated to scoop out the pumpkins!  Also, if you have any tools we could use, please label them and send them in with your Temescalian!  Thanks!