And the winner is...

February 2, 2016

Hello!
Last night several people gathered in Hollywood, CA for a huge night of awards! The best movies, movie makers, behind the scenes people, and actors/actresses were awarded for their hard work last year. Everyone looked so fancy and spent the night reflecting on a year in the movies.

  

Today we, as a third grade community, will celebrate the hard work and attitudes of February. It is so important for all people ~ students, teachers, even Hollywood actors to reflect on their work and commitment. In February the teachers looked for strong examples of being balanced and reflective.

As always, when students are honored, it does not mean that others did not practice those attitudes. Remember! We are honoring those who consistently were balanced and reflective... without reminders or consequences.

Be good. Be nice. Behave. 

Junior Achievement

February 25, 2016

Hello thinkers,
In the last week or so we have all experienced JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT. These volunteers came to share their knowledge with banking and money. What a great way for us to learn about the importance of really be strong thinkers when it comes to money.

Soon we will all be starting businesses in our classrooms; some of you may already have! Here is a great story of a kid just like you following the action cycle. What connections can you make with Caine?

Caine's Arcade

Be good. Be nice. Behave. 

Middle of the Week

February 24, 2016

Well hello there 3rd graders,
We work and play so hard that sometimes it really feels like times is flying by! Have you ever thought about why it feels like time goes slowly or quickly? They say, time flies when you're having fun... do you agree with that?

Each week we've been doing a work check to make sure everyone is committed to getting their work done. And hopefully, done well. Sometimes though, this has been stressful for children and even frustrating. I'm wondering, as a third grader, what do you think is more important, getting your work done well or getting it done quickly?

Your teachers really want you to have the true feeling of being proud of yourself. Believe it or not, pride is a much better feeling than ten minutes of free time!

 

Be good. Be nice. Behave. 

Book Talk Tuesday

comes to us from kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Derryberry!!!

I have been reading your blog all year long so when Bella asked if I wanted to do a Book Talk Tuesday, I was excited to have a chance to share my love of reading with the third graders! I grew up in a house with a family that loved to read and that love of reading was definitely passed on to me! I love to read all kinds of books but I am sure it will not surprise you to know that picture books are one of my favorite things to read!

One of my favorite picture book authors and illustrators is Ezra Jack Keats. If he were still alive, Ezra would turn 100 this year on March 11^th. Ezra was born into a white, Jewish family in Brooklyn and during his time the Army in 1943, he experienced discrimination based on his religious beliefs. It was this experience that lead him to write and illustrate books about children with dark colored skin as the main characters. Up until his books about Peter, children of color were only depicted in the background of books. I think that Ezra Jack Keats is a great example of the PYP Action Cycle. He reflected on the feelings he had when he when he was discriminated against, chose to highlight others who had suffered similar hardships in his writings and paintings, and he acted by publishing books with children of color as the main characters.  My favorites of his books are the ones that are about Peter like; The Snowy Day, A Letter to Amy, Whistle for Willie and Pet Show.

  

    

  

Even though reading good fit books and challenging yourself as a reader in an important part of being a lifelong reader, don’t forget the enjoyment, powerful messages, and ideas that come from reading picture books! 

Be good. Be nice. Behave!