Lovely Logs

In addition to our nightly reading, we complete a reading log for homework each night.  The pink log sheet is all too familiar to our students.  We know we are responsible for filling in the title, time read, and a comment, question, or prediction about our reading from the night.  Some things as third graders, we should be aware of:

• the title of a book should be capitalized
• a third grade quality response includes capital letters, punctuation, and is a thoughtful response
• the amount of space provided is a good clue about the length of the response expected

Take a look at these great student examples!  If your work is equivalent...keep it up!  If not, make some adjustments so you meet expectations in the future!

Halloween Scream!!!

What's in the bag?  That was the question of the day!  During our Fall Celebration, those who dared, reached into a mystery bag and had to guess the contents.  The bags had names of course...Goblin Eyes, Mummy Snot, Frankenstein's Brain, Witch Fingers, Intestines...you get the picture. 

 

It was up to our students to use only their sense of touch to discern what these bags might actually hold...no we did not manage to get our hands on Frankenstein's actual brain.  What began as squeals of anticipation and excitement, did eventually turn into shrieks of dread and revulsion!  Even with our gag reflexes put to the test, we screamed for more!  Check us out! 

Well guys, now that it's over, what did you think?  Which bag was the easiest to guess?  Which bag contained the grossest mystery substance?  We're dying to hear from you!

Diamond D-light!

We just returned from our wonderful trip to the Diamond D Ranch.  

Who knew a working ranch could be so much fun?!?  

I certainly didn't know what to expect, and was pleasantly surprised.

We started the morning off with a wild ride on, The Drum Roll.  Many of us were nervous, but after being securely strapped in, cries of delight could be heard from within the swirling, burly ball.  A few of our friends opted out of the experience, but all that partook in the opportunity did not regret it!

Then it was off to hear about the animals on the ranch.  Here we met the very gentle, Boris, who did not protest when we surrounded and patted him with great vigor and joy.  Thank you Boris, for being so agreeable! 

From there, we dashed to the wagon and piled aboard for a tour of the property.  We got the chance to feed baby goats who eagerly lapped up the food we offered.  So cute!  Then it was back on the wagon to the cow pasture.  From a distance the cows glanced at us uninterested...but pull out a bucket of unusual, pellet-like food and they literally come charging for a snack.  This fellow had quite a system...keep the long, alien tongue to the side so that 52 kids will throw pellets directly down his throat with ease!  It was a very efficient system. He ate more than any other cow!

The Nature Walk was a pleasant break from the hectic events of the early morning.  Before venturing through the woods we were prepped with an example of poison ivy, and reviewed as a group the chant, "If you see three, let it be!"  Words to live by!  We also received the chance to touch the antlers of a white-tailed deer.  They are made from calcium and were surprisingly dense.

At the conclusion of our walk, we stumbled upon a serene looking pond.  Our guide handed us food for the "fish."  Looking into the water we noticed nothing but minnows and were feeling slightly underwhelmed.  On the count of three and after a gentle toss...boy were we shocked, as the water erupted into a frenzy of gigantic catfish thrashing and feasting with delight.  We could not contain our excitement.  Never before has such joy been experienced from watching fish eat!

The day was coming to a close and we were approaching actual departure time, but you can't leave a ranch without riding a horse!  Our final stop was the Pony Ride station.  Somehow the members of the ranch managed to subdue and harness these wild stallions...just kidding.  We were lucky enough to ride twelve of the sweetest, most gentle horses in Jacksonville.  None of us were afraid or nervous.  With horses named Hershey, Chocolate, Lucky, Goofy, and Mr. Goodbar, why would we be?!?  Check us out...we look like real cowboys and cowgirls!!!  Yeehaw!

Did you enjoy the trip?  Let us know what parts were your favorite!  Take the poll!!!

The Earth Dragon Awakes!

We have begun our newest read aloud, The Earth Dragon Awakes: The San Francisco Earthquake of 1906.  Already, we are overcome by tension, awaiting the inevitable disaster.  The author has done a tremendous job of grabbing our attention through clever foreshadowing..."But is has been thirty-eight years since the last strong earthquake.  People have forgotten how bad it can be.  But soon they will remember."  WOW!  I want to read more!

This book falls into the genre of historical fiction, which means it is a fictional story that takes place in a particular time period from the past.  The characters are fictional, but experiencing real events from history.  We don't have a lot of background knowledge about this time period or area of the country, so I thought I would put some of the images from our in-class discussion on the blog for you to refer to as we continue to read the text!

 San Francisco in 1906,    

before the earthquake.

San Francisco in 1906, 

after the earthquake and

fire that followed.

The City Hall Tower

before and after the earthquake.

Present day Chinatown.

This is the community where

Chin and his father reside in the book.

Present day San Francisco.  

These are the type of homes Henry and

his family would have lived in.

A trolley car  travels through

the city, transporting citizens.  

Chin and his father take a trolley

to Chinatown from work at the Travis home. 

San Francisco today.

Rebuilt and thriving!

The Golden Gate Bridge. 

A famous landmark in 

San Francisco.

Hopefully this helps you visualize, as we continue reading this fascinating book!  Let me know what you think of it so far!  Are you enjoying it?  Do you have any predictions about what might happen to Henry and Chin!?!

A Touch of Chocolate

We've chosen our newest read aloud, The Chocolate Touch, by Patrick Skene Catling, about a boy John Midas, who loves chocolate more than anything else.  Many of us can relate to John's love of the creamy delight that is chocolate.  Me?  I prefer white chocolate.  How about you?  Could you ever have too much chocolate?  Based on the title of our newest read aloud, what do you predict the story will be about?  The Chocolate Touch?  John Midas...any connection to King Midas?  Hmmm.  Let me know what you think!  I cant wait to get started and see what happens to John!

It's a Safari for the Senses!

We made it!  Our long walk to our first field trip was certainly an adventure!  We weren't exactly sure what to expect, but I think we were all pleasantly surprised.  Traveling from station to station and learning about animals from around the world was like being on a real safari!  Check us out here with this ferocious wolverine!   

Who knew that hippos are one of the most dangerous animals in Africa?  They are very aggressive and can eat over 150 pounds a night!  Look, there's one now about to devour one of our friends!?!





What was your favorite part of the experience?!?  Mine was definitely the walk there (just kidding)!  Which animal was the most interesting?  Were there any facts that totally shocked you?  Let me know so we can remember and enjoy our wonderful journey at the Sensory Safari!


Check out more cool animal facts by clicking here!

We Have Fudge-a-mania!!!

I'm so glad we started our year off with Fudge-a-mania, as our read aloud.  I remember reading Judy Blume books when I was in the third grade, so it has been wonderful for me to get a chance to revisit an old favorite!  I thought you might be wondering more about the author, Judy Blume.   She sure does a great job making us laugh and beg for more each day!  

Well, I looked about and stumbled onto her official webpage.  Click here to read about her inspiration for many of her best books!  I hope you enjoy this site as much as you seem to be enjoying her book!  What has been your favorite part of Fudge-a-mania so far?  Has anyone taken the initiative to start reading more Judy Blume books?  Let me know!  Keep on reading!