In the news...
Germs, Germs, Germs...
Our class has been learning about healthy eating with Marta Bagley, our Purdue Extension Office Educator. She presents a program called "Professor Popcorn." The program is once a week for about 40 minutes over the course of six weeks. We have added instruction from our health book to go along with Mrs. Bagley's lessons. On Thursday, March 20th, we talked about staying healthy and disease free. One of the number one ways to prevent illness is to wash our hands well. Students did a little experiment with glitter to represent germs. You need to look closely at our photos, but everyone is showing pink glitter on their hands. Each group of students then "washed" their hands in a typical way that we see students do each day. The group that used soap and water, sang "Happy Birthday" twice, before drying their hands were able to get rid of all of their glittery germs. Other groups that washed in other ways found they were left with many germs!
Our class has been learning about healthy eating with Marta Bagley, our Purdue Extension Office Educator. She presents a program called "Professor Popcorn." The program is once a week for about 40 minutes over the course of six weeks. We have added instruction from our health book to go along with Mrs. Bagley's lessons. On Thursday, March 20th, we talked about staying healthy and disease free. One of the number one ways to prevent illness is to wash our hands well. Students did a little experiment with glitter to represent germs. You need to look closely at our photos, but everyone is showing pink glitter on their hands. Each group of students then "washed" their hands in a typical way that we see students do each day. The group that used soap and water, sang "Happy Birthday" twice, before drying their hands were able to get rid of all of their glittery germs. Other groups that washed in other ways found they were left with many germs!
Flashlight Friday:
Our class celebrated another reading unit complete with some fun reading, snacking, and relaxing with our favorite books and friends!
Our class celebrated another reading unit complete with some fun reading, snacking, and relaxing with our favorite books and friends!
The Harlem Wizards Visit Triton Elementary
On Monday, November 4th, Triton Elementary had a chance to celebrate Trojan Pride and see the entertaining Harlem Wizards. Space Jam and Blender were the two representatives from the team to show off some of their tricks in the gym. They, along with the entire team, preformed for our community Monday evening at the high school. I am sure that everyone enjoyed their show!
On Monday, November 4th, Triton Elementary had a chance to celebrate Trojan Pride and see the entertaining Harlem Wizards. Space Jam and Blender were the two representatives from the team to show off some of their tricks in the gym. They, along with the entire team, preformed for our community Monday evening at the high school. I am sure that everyone enjoyed their show!
Social Studies-Native American Artwork
Our class has been learning about the Native Americans. One very important that we have learned is that nature was very important to these people. They greatly respected nature and their creator. The everyday objects that were made by the Native American people often became works of art to show the honor and respect the felt. Students in our class enjoyed taking time to make their own artwork by creating things that may have been used by this culture. Take a look at the great artists at work and the artifacts that they created.
Our class has been learning about the Native Americans. One very important that we have learned is that nature was very important to these people. They greatly respected nature and their creator. The everyday objects that were made by the Native American people often became works of art to show the honor and respect the felt. Students in our class enjoyed taking time to make their own artwork by creating things that may have been used by this culture. Take a look at the great artists at work and the artifacts that they created.
SPIDER MATH
Thursday, October 24th was our fall party day and we want to thank all of the families that sent in treats for a delicious afternoon party! Everyone seemed to enjoy all of the wonderful goodies. The event was a success because of you! In addition to the fall party, our class tried to add to the fun by having spider math and bat reading. Please enjoy viewing photos of our class having fun doing multiplication, graphing, problem solving, and problem writing during math. We used plastic spiders to sort and count before creating graphs to work from. Our math was also done in a dark room with a spooky music mix.
Thursday, October 24th was our fall party day and we want to thank all of the families that sent in treats for a delicious afternoon party! Everyone seemed to enjoy all of the wonderful goodies. The event was a success because of you! In addition to the fall party, our class tried to add to the fun by having spider math and bat reading. Please enjoy viewing photos of our class having fun doing multiplication, graphing, problem solving, and problem writing during math. We used plastic spiders to sort and count before creating graphs to work from. Our math was also done in a dark room with a spooky music mix.
Third Grade Visits Fair Oaks Dairy
After spending time learning about cows, rural communities, goods and services, economy, and the food groups, our big day at Fair Oaks finally arrived. It was a long trip, but worth it. It was amazing to see all the things that we talked about in class come to life at the dairy. Our parent helpers were awesome at keeping all of the kids moooving along as we went from event to event. Everyone seemed to enjoy the trip even if we missed a few things. We were just minutes late to see a baby being
born. We still were able to see that new little calf, all wet, and very cute, being cleaned by her mother. It was a wonderful trip.
Below you can see some pictures of things we were able to see.
After spending time learning about cows, rural communities, goods and services, economy, and the food groups, our big day at Fair Oaks finally arrived. It was a long trip, but worth it. It was amazing to see all the things that we talked about in class come to life at the dairy. Our parent helpers were awesome at keeping all of the kids moooving along as we went from event to event. Everyone seemed to enjoy the trip even if we missed a few things. We were just minutes late to see a baby being
born. We still were able to see that new little calf, all wet, and very cute, being cleaned by her mother. It was a wonderful trip.
Below you can see some pictures of things we were able to see.
Talented kids are starting work on their personal memory books. In class we call these books journals, but they contain many things that we work on throughout the year. The pictures that were taken of students on the first day can be found on our classroom bulletin board in the hall and a copy is also inside student journals. We will take another photograph at the end of the year to add to our book. Students are usually amazed at home much they change and grow over the few months they spend together in third grade.
Flashlight Friday
Our class celebrated completing the first unit in their reading book by having some time to enjoy reading in the dark with their flashlights. Students brought books, blankets, pillows, and snacks to enjoy during part of our reading time. It was a great way to show that we love to read!
Our class celebrated completing the first unit in their reading book by having some time to enjoy reading in the dark with their flashlights. Students brought books, blankets, pillows, and snacks to enjoy during part of our reading time. It was a great way to show that we love to read!
Writing
Students tell about things they learned as we studied rural communities; specifically dairy farming in social studies.
Chandler
Where can you see cows, get squirted with milk during a 3-D/4-D movie, and have fun? At Fair Oaks Dairy! That is where my class went after learning about cows. Did you know that a cow has for stomachs and that means they are ruminants. Cows eat silage, hay, and grain to get the nutrition they nees to survive and make milk. Cows can sleep on many things, but some farmers have water beds for their cows. When my class went to Fair Oaks Farms, I saw people packing cheese in the cheese factory. In the dairy we felt bars that were warm from milk coming out of the cow and the other bar was after the milk was cooled. The cooled milk is taken by trucks to processing plans where it gets boiled to kill germs. That is called pasteurize. When we went to lunch the milk they gave us was like a milkshake. YUM! You will love Fair Oaks Dairy, I know I did!
Morgan
Dairy, Dairy, it is everywhere! I have seen guest speakers, videos, books, and even a fun place called Fair Oaks Dairy, so I know a lot about cows. Cows have four stomachs which means that they are ruminants. I also learned cows can have water beds, beds made from straw, wood chips, or sand. I learned farmers take the manure from the cows and turn it in to electricity for their house and barn. Cows have to be miled twice a day, but don't give milk until they have a baby. The cow is called a heiffer until it has a baby and then it is called a cow. We learned five kinds of cows, but the most common is the Holstein. It is a black and white cow known for its abundant milk production. There is also a Brown Swiss. It is pale brownand produces very creamy milk. A Guernsey is a large brown cow known for being hardy and the second larger producer of milk. The Jersey is a light brown and white dairy cow andc the last is the Ayrshire which is red and white with white legs and known for its efficiency for converting grass to milk. I had fun at Fair Oaks Dairy and I hope you will have fun there too!
Lilee
Dairy, Dairy Everywhere! I learned many interesting things about dairy with my class. Did you know that cows sleep on water beds? They can! A cow can have beds made of straw, wood chips, or sand too. We love cows because we eat dairy foods all the time even when we don't know it. Cows can also drink up to 40 gallons of water each day. That could fill up a bathtub. The best part was Fair Oaks Dairy. My class took a fun trip there. Some day yo ucould learn more about cows and go to Fair Oaks. You may learn more that I could ever put on paper.
JonMichael
My class went to Fair Oaks Dairy. We saw a wheel carrying the cows and milking them on the way. One time around means that the cow is finished, but sometimes a cow gets a free ride. The wheel is called the Dairy-go-round. Cows produce 200 glasses of milk a day! That is a lot of milk! Cow waste can be used a electricity! Pretty amazing. Cow waste comes from the parts of food cows don't need. Speaking of food, cows have four stomachs called a ruminant. Cows chew, then swallow, then it comes up, then it goes to the next stomach.
Keegan
My third grade class went to Fair Oaks Dairy. Dairy is everywhere and cows live all around the world and in the US. Cows have to take a big shot when they get sick. Dr. Leeper came to our class and showed us all of the things that he uses to keep cows healthy. We also saw Nurse Newman and Katie from Purdue. They told us even more about dairy farming. Last we got to go to Fair Oaks Dairy Farm. We rode a bus through a long barn and saw lots of cows. We watched a 3-D/4-D movie too. If you go to Fair Oaks Dairy Farm yo will have a blast.
Cheyenne
My third grade class went to Fair Oaks Dairy. Did yo know a cow can eat about 100 pounds of food each day. It is amazing! They love grain, silage, and hay. They can also drink a bathtub full of water everyday! A cow of course gives us milk, but farmers can use the manure for electricity in their barn and house too! The manure is put in tanks where as gas is collected and used to make electricity. My class had a great time visiting Fair Oaks Dairy and I bet you will like Fair Oaks too!
Students tell about things they learned as we studied rural communities; specifically dairy farming in social studies.
Chandler
Where can you see cows, get squirted with milk during a 3-D/4-D movie, and have fun? At Fair Oaks Dairy! That is where my class went after learning about cows. Did you know that a cow has for stomachs and that means they are ruminants. Cows eat silage, hay, and grain to get the nutrition they nees to survive and make milk. Cows can sleep on many things, but some farmers have water beds for their cows. When my class went to Fair Oaks Farms, I saw people packing cheese in the cheese factory. In the dairy we felt bars that were warm from milk coming out of the cow and the other bar was after the milk was cooled. The cooled milk is taken by trucks to processing plans where it gets boiled to kill germs. That is called pasteurize. When we went to lunch the milk they gave us was like a milkshake. YUM! You will love Fair Oaks Dairy, I know I did!
Morgan
Dairy, Dairy, it is everywhere! I have seen guest speakers, videos, books, and even a fun place called Fair Oaks Dairy, so I know a lot about cows. Cows have four stomachs which means that they are ruminants. I also learned cows can have water beds, beds made from straw, wood chips, or sand. I learned farmers take the manure from the cows and turn it in to electricity for their house and barn. Cows have to be miled twice a day, but don't give milk until they have a baby. The cow is called a heiffer until it has a baby and then it is called a cow. We learned five kinds of cows, but the most common is the Holstein. It is a black and white cow known for its abundant milk production. There is also a Brown Swiss. It is pale brownand produces very creamy milk. A Guernsey is a large brown cow known for being hardy and the second larger producer of milk. The Jersey is a light brown and white dairy cow andc the last is the Ayrshire which is red and white with white legs and known for its efficiency for converting grass to milk. I had fun at Fair Oaks Dairy and I hope you will have fun there too!
Lilee
Dairy, Dairy Everywhere! I learned many interesting things about dairy with my class. Did you know that cows sleep on water beds? They can! A cow can have beds made of straw, wood chips, or sand too. We love cows because we eat dairy foods all the time even when we don't know it. Cows can also drink up to 40 gallons of water each day. That could fill up a bathtub. The best part was Fair Oaks Dairy. My class took a fun trip there. Some day yo ucould learn more about cows and go to Fair Oaks. You may learn more that I could ever put on paper.
JonMichael
My class went to Fair Oaks Dairy. We saw a wheel carrying the cows and milking them on the way. One time around means that the cow is finished, but sometimes a cow gets a free ride. The wheel is called the Dairy-go-round. Cows produce 200 glasses of milk a day! That is a lot of milk! Cow waste can be used a electricity! Pretty amazing. Cow waste comes from the parts of food cows don't need. Speaking of food, cows have four stomachs called a ruminant. Cows chew, then swallow, then it comes up, then it goes to the next stomach.
Keegan
My third grade class went to Fair Oaks Dairy. Dairy is everywhere and cows live all around the world and in the US. Cows have to take a big shot when they get sick. Dr. Leeper came to our class and showed us all of the things that he uses to keep cows healthy. We also saw Nurse Newman and Katie from Purdue. They told us even more about dairy farming. Last we got to go to Fair Oaks Dairy Farm. We rode a bus through a long barn and saw lots of cows. We watched a 3-D/4-D movie too. If you go to Fair Oaks Dairy Farm yo will have a blast.
Cheyenne
My third grade class went to Fair Oaks Dairy. Did yo know a cow can eat about 100 pounds of food each day. It is amazing! They love grain, silage, and hay. They can also drink a bathtub full of water everyday! A cow of course gives us milk, but farmers can use the manure for electricity in their barn and house too! The manure is put in tanks where as gas is collected and used to make electricity. My class had a great time visiting Fair Oaks Dairy and I bet you will like Fair Oaks too!
In The News...
Five amazing third graders from Triton Elementary (Gabe, Shade, Olivia, Ana, JayMason, and JonMichael) are members of Community Destination Imagination and they have earned the prestigious honor of going to the Global Final competition in Knoxville, TN at the end of May! Destination Imagination is a creative problem solving group designed to teach youth many skills that will benefit them throughout their lives. Students learn how to work with others, look at problems to find solutions, creative use materials and design solutions, work within a timeline and budget, plus so much more. In fact DI is sponsored by many big companies such as 3M and the Dairy Council to name just two. These companies know the value of DI and are always on the look out to hire former DI participants because they know that these individuals will come to them with outstanding skills! This group is gearing up for their futures for sure! They have worked together to solve a problem about finding objects that cannot be seen. They have created a skit, props, and music to go along with their solution. They won first place in the elementary level at both regional and state competitions, so that they could earn a place in the finals among the world's best problem solvers!
Currently they are needing help raising money to pay for room and board to attend the competition from May 20-24 in Knoxville. If you want to help them out, there are many opportunities. Some events include: Present a coupon found from a DI member, the Bourbon Bank, or Bourbon Post Office (or print the one below this story) anytime on Monday April 28 & 29th to Subway and/or Bourbon Street Pizza and a percentage of your order will be donated to DI, a garage sale will be held at the Bourbon Park, May 3rd from 8AM-3PM, a breakfast is being held at the Tippecanoe at the firehouse May10th from 7AM-10AM, Pizza Hut will be donating money to DI for every buffet ordered on May 5th from 5PM-8PM (you will be entered in a chance to win a large pizza a month for a year!), and anyone can also donate to these kids at: http://www.crowdrise.com/CommunityDIPStriptoGlobals/fundraiser/juneyazel
I am especially proud of this team because three of the six of them happen to be members of our class! YEAH! Go TEAM!
Five amazing third graders from Triton Elementary (Gabe, Shade, Olivia, Ana, JayMason, and JonMichael) are members of Community Destination Imagination and they have earned the prestigious honor of going to the Global Final competition in Knoxville, TN at the end of May! Destination Imagination is a creative problem solving group designed to teach youth many skills that will benefit them throughout their lives. Students learn how to work with others, look at problems to find solutions, creative use materials and design solutions, work within a timeline and budget, plus so much more. In fact DI is sponsored by many big companies such as 3M and the Dairy Council to name just two. These companies know the value of DI and are always on the look out to hire former DI participants because they know that these individuals will come to them with outstanding skills! This group is gearing up for their futures for sure! They have worked together to solve a problem about finding objects that cannot be seen. They have created a skit, props, and music to go along with their solution. They won first place in the elementary level at both regional and state competitions, so that they could earn a place in the finals among the world's best problem solvers!
Currently they are needing help raising money to pay for room and board to attend the competition from May 20-24 in Knoxville. If you want to help them out, there are many opportunities. Some events include: Present a coupon found from a DI member, the Bourbon Bank, or Bourbon Post Office (or print the one below this story) anytime on Monday April 28 & 29th to Subway and/or Bourbon Street Pizza and a percentage of your order will be donated to DI, a garage sale will be held at the Bourbon Park, May 3rd from 8AM-3PM, a breakfast is being held at the Tippecanoe at the firehouse May10th from 7AM-10AM, Pizza Hut will be donating money to DI for every buffet ordered on May 5th from 5PM-8PM (you will be entered in a chance to win a large pizza a month for a year!), and anyone can also donate to these kids at: http://www.crowdrise.com/CommunityDIPStriptoGlobals/fundraiser/juneyazel
I am especially proud of this team because three of the six of them happen to be members of our class! YEAH! Go TEAM!
Check out this video
Our class has been very fortunate to be one of two classes in the K-3 hall that has been given the honor of having 1 to 1 computers. We are finally starting to get to use them on a daily basis and our students are learning many new skills that will prepare them for their futures. We use this classroom webpage to launch all of our activities from. Families are welcome to go to the "More" tab and locate the dropdown called "websites," families can click on this page and check out the many activities that we have and can use to extend learning of our state standards. There are some links that stay on our site, but others are here for awhile while, and then leave when we change what we are learning. We were asked to get student opinions about our computers to share with the school board, so in the final 5 minutes of school I recorded a few willing volunteers and added them to a video. If you want to see students in action with our new computers click on this link:
http://animoto.com/play/pbjpKJYvXCkcF6rjk9xrNA
Our class has been very fortunate to be one of two classes in the K-3 hall that has been given the honor of having 1 to 1 computers. We are finally starting to get to use them on a daily basis and our students are learning many new skills that will prepare them for their futures. We use this classroom webpage to launch all of our activities from. Families are welcome to go to the "More" tab and locate the dropdown called "websites," families can click on this page and check out the many activities that we have and can use to extend learning of our state standards. There are some links that stay on our site, but others are here for awhile while, and then leave when we change what we are learning. We were asked to get student opinions about our computers to share with the school board, so in the final 5 minutes of school I recorded a few willing volunteers and added them to a video. If you want to see students in action with our new computers click on this link:
http://animoto.com/play/pbjpKJYvXCkcF6rjk9xrNA
Destination Imagination
Some of our the students in our class were part of a creative problem solving program called Destination Imagination. They spent months working at preparing a skit, props, and a solution to a challenge. After earning their way through regional and state competition, they were awarded an opportunity to take a trip to complete at the global finals in Knoxville, Tennessee. Take a look at some of the things our students took part in while they were away from school. Congratulations third graders on earning your way to Global Finals 2014!
Please click on the Destination Imagination button below to view:
Some of our the students in our class were part of a creative problem solving program called Destination Imagination. They spent months working at preparing a skit, props, and a solution to a challenge. After earning their way through regional and state competition, they were awarded an opportunity to take a trip to complete at the global finals in Knoxville, Tennessee. Take a look at some of the things our students took part in while they were away from school. Congratulations third graders on earning your way to Global Finals 2014!
Please click on the Destination Imagination button below to view:
Writing in the classroom... our timeline
Our students are well into their final "BIG" writing project about travel. Student selected a place that they would like to travel to and turned in 9 note cards last week. (at least they should have) This week we have been trying to write a rough draft from those note cards. A rough draft is due this Friday, May 2nd. We will let students meet Monday, May 5th to read their rough drafts and get ideas to work on editing for the final writing due Friday, May 9th. I will then review them over the weekend and make final suggestions. Monday, May 12th is when final touches can be made and students can begin typing them to send on Edmodo! We have some incredible writers, but KEEP UP!!!! Our class time is getting shorter and shorter.
Our students are well into their final "BIG" writing project about travel. Student selected a place that they would like to travel to and turned in 9 note cards last week. (at least they should have) This week we have been trying to write a rough draft from those note cards. A rough draft is due this Friday, May 2nd. We will let students meet Monday, May 5th to read their rough drafts and get ideas to work on editing for the final writing due Friday, May 9th. I will then review them over the weekend and make final suggestions. Monday, May 12th is when final touches can be made and students can begin typing them to send on Edmodo! We have some incredible writers, but KEEP UP!!!! Our class time is getting shorter and shorter.
Take a look at our class cookbook
Learning about Cultures and Family
The weekly selection stories that we have been reading in our reading book in unit 5 have been all
about families and their cultures/heritage. Unit 5.4 has a story called "Jalapeño Bagels" where a boy has a school a ssignment to bring something in that shows his family culture. Our students were given Family Tree pages, so
that they could go home and ask about their families. Students were to complete one family tree (both sides if they wish) with the help of someone at home. Spelling names, places, and getting dates were helpful to students that were
trying to learn about their family. Our selection story also featured a special recipe that the boy (Pablo) felt meant something to his family. I also asked students to find a special recipe used in their family to share with our class.
Students have contributed to making a cookbook full of special recipes. Thank you for your help in sharing your family favorites with us!
Learning about Cultures and Family
The weekly selection stories that we have been reading in our reading book in unit 5 have been all
about families and their cultures/heritage. Unit 5.4 has a story called "Jalapeño Bagels" where a boy has a school a ssignment to bring something in that shows his family culture. Our students were given Family Tree pages, so
that they could go home and ask about their families. Students were to complete one family tree (both sides if they wish) with the help of someone at home. Spelling names, places, and getting dates were helpful to students that were
trying to learn about their family. Our selection story also featured a special recipe that the boy (Pablo) felt meant something to his family. I also asked students to find a special recipe used in their family to share with our class.
Students have contributed to making a cookbook full of special recipes. Thank you for your help in sharing your family favorites with us!
What do you do when you are stuck inside...
Sadly, school was called off this past Friday and our third grade trip to the Shrine Circus for this year could not take place. According to the recorded message from Mrs. Burroughs, it sounded as if the plan will be for current third graders to go to the circus next year while in 4th grade. While we seem to have extra time inside since the weather has been so uncooperative, I thought I would suggest that students take a look at our Edmodo site and/or log on to Brain Pop. I have added a poll and a blog to Edmodo, along with the link to Brain Pop. There are several subject areas on Brain Pop with movies, games, and more. Our user name is: tritones
password: brainpop
http://www.brainpop.com/science/energy/light/
In addition to these activities, if you check out our website page, you will see some changes. I have tried to make those long lists of links somewhat organized. I hope that you find the new scroll feature easy to use. The math and reading links are complete!
Have fun, stay warm, and I hope to see everyone soon!
password: brainpop
http://www.brainpop.com/science/energy/light/
In addition to these activities, if you check out our website page, you will see some changes. I have tried to make those long lists of links somewhat organized. I hope that you find the new scroll feature easy to use. The math and reading links are complete!
Have fun, stay warm, and I hope to see everyone soon!
Sumdog
During our math station rotations, I am able to work on individual student needs by allowing work time on homework, small group practice, and with computer activities. I prefer to be able to do these rotations daily for about 15 minutes each. Sometimes rotations do not work out, but my goal is to have them most days out of each week! Our class has had the opportunity to practice math in a new and fun way by adding Sumdog to the list of our computer activities. I gave students passwords that can be used at home to play the games from the www.sumdog.com website. These games are based on our Indiana State Standards, and there are over 100 of them looping through each activity that kids select to play. Students may play against the computer, their classmates, or other students around the world that are also in the game. The site is secure and will not specifically share where children are playing. If students play against others in the world, they will only identfy the country of the player. Our classroom has been buzzing about this game, and it is a fantastic way to allow kids to practice math skills! I hope you have been hearing about this site and have had a chance to look it over.
Important Information about the Shrine Circus
As our weather has become very unpredictable lately, Mr. Riffle has asked third grade teachers to prepare families for the possibility of how poor weather could change our third grade study trip plans this Friday. Third graders are scheduled to attend the Shrine Circus on Friday, January 24th. However, if a delay or closing should occur on Friday, third graders at Triton will not be going to the circus. The positive side of this is that it is customary for the Shrine Organization to take students that miss the circus in third grade the following year as 4th graders. We expect that this would be the case for any students/schools that should happen to be unable to attend the event this year.
As our weather has become very unpredictable lately, Mr. Riffle has asked third grade teachers to prepare families for the possibility of how poor weather could change our third grade study trip plans this Friday. Third graders are scheduled to attend the Shrine Circus on Friday, January 24th. However, if a delay or closing should occur on Friday, third graders at Triton will not be going to the circus. The positive side of this is that it is customary for the Shrine Organization to take students that miss the circus in third grade the following year as 4th graders. We expect that this would be the case for any students/schools that should happen to be unable to attend the event this year.
Welcome Back! Let's make 2014 and Semester Two
The Very Best Yet!
It is hard to believe that we have made our way through half of the school year already! I am very happy with how far our students have come at this point because it sure looked like such a long way to go back in August. We have accomplished a lot and now we have so much more to challenge ourselves with as we get closer to our opportunity to show everyone just how smart and talented we have become with ISTEP and IREAD. I know we will all be ready and I am excited to get back to bigger and better things!
The Very Best Yet!
It is hard to believe that we have made our way through half of the school year already! I am very happy with how far our students have come at this point because it sure looked like such a long way to go back in August. We have accomplished a lot and now we have so much more to challenge ourselves with as we get closer to our opportunity to show everyone just how smart and talented we have become with ISTEP and IREAD. I know we will all be ready and I am excited to get back to bigger and better things!
ENJOY YOUR BREAK!
We have finished semester one and are ready to start a well deserved two week break over Christmas! I hope everyone will enjoy their time with family and get some rest and relaxation in if at all possible! I want to thank everyone for making our first half of third great so wonderful! There is so much that goes on each day for us at school that it is astonishing, but without families at home supporting, practicing, and encouraging our kids, things just would not be nearly as successful! I am very proud of our students for making such incredible gains in every area since they arrived here this fall. I am counting on everyone taking advantage of the break and coming back with a refreshed energy for semester two. We will really be moving ahead into bigger challenges and getting ready to show the state of Indiana how smart Triton third graders are when we take ISTEP and IREAD! I know we can do it!
THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!
I also want to thank everyone that helped us to enjoy such a delicious winter party. Everyone loved the treats that families so willingly sent in to help with this very fun event. Thank you also for all of the very kind teacher gifts! It was so sweet to be thought of and I truly love everything. I am lucky to have such caring families to share kids with.
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
We have finished semester one and are ready to start a well deserved two week break over Christmas! I hope everyone will enjoy their time with family and get some rest and relaxation in if at all possible! I want to thank everyone for making our first half of third great so wonderful! There is so much that goes on each day for us at school that it is astonishing, but without families at home supporting, practicing, and encouraging our kids, things just would not be nearly as successful! I am very proud of our students for making such incredible gains in every area since they arrived here this fall. I am counting on everyone taking advantage of the break and coming back with a refreshed energy for semester two. We will really be moving ahead into bigger challenges and getting ready to show the state of Indiana how smart Triton third graders are when we take ISTEP and IREAD! I know we can do it!
THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!
I also want to thank everyone that helped us to enjoy such a delicious winter party. Everyone loved the treats that families so willingly sent in to help with this very fun event. Thank you also for all of the very kind teacher gifts! It was so sweet to be thought of and I truly love everything. I am lucky to have such caring families to share kids with.
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Pilgrims and Indians-History Alive
Our students have been studying the history of English settlers moving west to American and meeting the Wampanoag Indians that lived on the eastern coast of the United States. They have participated in many activities, but today, students were able to learn about the Potawatomie Indians from our area and what the first Thanksgiving was really like. We started with Mrs.Willard and her husband. They came today to share a little about the American Indian culture from our area. Mrs. Willard is a historian with the Fulton County Historical Society and has been adopted into the Potawatomie Indian Tribe. She had many photographs of important chiefs and others that played a part in our local Indian history. Mrs. Willard told us that Native American is not the preferred name category that most Potawatomie want to be referred to. This is because that name can be any person born as a native to America. Generally, the tribes like to be called "Indians" or "American Indians" because that is more true to their culture. She also shared with us that this is the 175th anniversary of the Trail of Death from Indiana to Kansas. She explained that the Indians were tricked in many ways by many people which led to them being pushed out and sent west. The trail began at Twin Lakes in Plymouth and as it progressed, 859 Potawatomie were marched at Gunpoint through Rochester's main street. The first death was a baby, and this happened just six miles south of Rochester. Over 300 tribal people were sick by the time they arrived in Logansport, so a tent hospital was set up. After they marched many miles, they finally had arrived at Sugar Creek, Kansas. This would be their home, but there were no housing arrangements. The group needed to keep warm in the canyon huddling near rocks until they themselves could construct shelter. Along the way, 42 had lost their life and around 100 had deserted the group. We greatly appreciated Mr. & Mrs. Willard taking time out to come see us! Our students ended their studies of the Pilgrims and Indians by having foods that represented what the actual Harvest Feast of 1621 would have included. It was a great chance for students to compare and contrast the differences from a Thanksgiving in 1621 to the Thanksgiving we know today!
Our students have been studying the history of English settlers moving west to American and meeting the Wampanoag Indians that lived on the eastern coast of the United States. They have participated in many activities, but today, students were able to learn about the Potawatomie Indians from our area and what the first Thanksgiving was really like. We started with Mrs.Willard and her husband. They came today to share a little about the American Indian culture from our area. Mrs. Willard is a historian with the Fulton County Historical Society and has been adopted into the Potawatomie Indian Tribe. She had many photographs of important chiefs and others that played a part in our local Indian history. Mrs. Willard told us that Native American is not the preferred name category that most Potawatomie want to be referred to. This is because that name can be any person born as a native to America. Generally, the tribes like to be called "Indians" or "American Indians" because that is more true to their culture. She also shared with us that this is the 175th anniversary of the Trail of Death from Indiana to Kansas. She explained that the Indians were tricked in many ways by many people which led to them being pushed out and sent west. The trail began at Twin Lakes in Plymouth and as it progressed, 859 Potawatomie were marched at Gunpoint through Rochester's main street. The first death was a baby, and this happened just six miles south of Rochester. Over 300 tribal people were sick by the time they arrived in Logansport, so a tent hospital was set up. After they marched many miles, they finally had arrived at Sugar Creek, Kansas. This would be their home, but there were no housing arrangements. The group needed to keep warm in the canyon huddling near rocks until they themselves could construct shelter. Along the way, 42 had lost their life and around 100 had deserted the group. We greatly appreciated Mr. & Mrs. Willard taking time out to come see us! Our students ended their studies of the Pilgrims and Indians by having foods that represented what the actual Harvest Feast of 1621 would have included. It was a great chance for students to compare and contrast the differences from a Thanksgiving in 1621 to the Thanksgiving we know today!
Lions Club Bring Dictionaries
The Bourbon and Enta Green Lions Clubs came to Triton Elementary to deliver dictionaries to all third grade students. This is a community service project that these clubs take part in each year. Triton Elementary has been a grateful recipient of dictionaries from the Lions for 4 years. The students truly enjoy this gift and are able to enjoy them all year in school. When the year is over, these dictionaries will go home with students to keep forever. Thank you Lions!
The Bourbon and Enta Green Lions Clubs came to Triton Elementary to deliver dictionaries to all third grade students. This is a community service project that these clubs take part in each year. Triton Elementary has been a grateful recipient of dictionaries from the Lions for 4 years. The students truly enjoy this gift and are able to enjoy them all year in school. When the year is over, these dictionaries will go home with students to keep forever. Thank you Lions!
Bourbon Fire Department
Doug Eyrich and Shawn from the Bourbon Fire Department came to school today to spend time talking with K-3 students about fire safety. Many ideas were shared, but some important tips that Mr. Eyrich reminded us were:
1. Have smoke alarm.
2. Plan where your family will meet if you have a fire.
3. Know the emergency number 911.
4. If on fire, stop, drop, and roll.
THANKS BFD!
Doug Eyrich and Shawn from the Bourbon Fire Department came to school today to spend time talking with K-3 students about fire safety. Many ideas were shared, but some important tips that Mr. Eyrich reminded us were:
1. Have smoke alarm.
2. Plan where your family will meet if you have a fire.
3. Know the emergency number 911.
4. If on fire, stop, drop, and roll.
THANKS BFD!
Nurse Newman Visits Our Classroom
On Tuesday, September 25th, Nurse Newman came to visit all third grade students to share some information about cows. Miss Newman has a lifelong history with dairy cattle and grew up on a dairy farm in Culver. She was able to share different breeds of dairy cattle and what they are known for some interesting webpages and videos, along with some amazing real-life events with cows. We are very happy to have a cow expert around as we learn about how dairy farming effects a community and prepare for our visit next week to Fair Oaks Farm. Thanks Nurse Newman!
On Tuesday, September 25th, Nurse Newman came to visit all third grade students to share some information about cows. Miss Newman has a lifelong history with dairy cattle and grew up on a dairy farm in Culver. She was able to share different breeds of dairy cattle and what they are known for some interesting webpages and videos, along with some amazing real-life events with cows. We are very happy to have a cow expert around as we learn about how dairy farming effects a community and prepare for our visit next week to Fair Oaks Farm. Thanks Nurse Newman!
Dr. Leeper Visits Third Graders
Our third graders were able to enjoy meeting a community service provider on Wednesday, September 25th as we continue to study communities, cows, and goods and services. Dr. Leeper was our guest. He shared many activities that are part of his job working in the community to keep animals healthy, along with what school subjects are important to learn and do well with in order to be successful in his job as a veterinarian. We learned that he needed to study hard and do well in school, so that he could go to college and be an animal doctor. Dr. Leeper began sharing with us in the classroom and then took everyone outside to see the tools that he needs to use to help farmers keep their animals happy, healthy, and productive. Dr. Leeper had many interesting tools that our kids really enjoyed seeing. Thank you Dr. Leeper!
Our third graders were able to enjoy meeting a community service provider on Wednesday, September 25th as we continue to study communities, cows, and goods and services. Dr. Leeper was our guest. He shared many activities that are part of his job working in the community to keep animals healthy, along with what school subjects are important to learn and do well with in order to be successful in his job as a veterinarian. We learned that he needed to study hard and do well in school, so that he could go to college and be an animal doctor. Dr. Leeper began sharing with us in the classroom and then took everyone outside to see the tools that he needs to use to help farmers keep their animals happy, healthy, and productive. Dr. Leeper had many interesting tools that our kids really enjoyed seeing. Thank you Dr. Leeper!
Thank you VIP's for joining us this year in third grade...
We were very lucky to find a full house of wonderful guests that were able to join us for an event that our students so dearly love. We are all very blessed to have so many kind families to support our Triton kids and take time out of their busy lives and spend time with us. Our class was able to enjoy our guests and share some of what we learned about cows by making butter. I truly appreciated everyone taking time out to stop by and for the extra hands with our projects! THANK YOU!
Our time went so quickly and I am sorry that we missed one of the most important parts of out day, we did not get a chance to let our students share what they learned about their VIP's (from the student interview) with the class. Usually after sharing who the teacher is, I typically let kids introduce their guests, but I wanted to get our butter making in and made a quick change of plan. I personally enjoy getting to know who took their valuable time to be with us and so I am looking forward to students sharing their VIP interviews with us on Monday. I lmpw that our students are so proud to share their visitors with us too. Although it is not quite the same, we will post VIP pictures and introductions on our class webpage next week. If any of our visitors wish to share a special story, something about school when they were younger, or something else, please email www.mrsstrycker.k12.in.us with that information, so I can add it to what each student shares about their VIP's. We enjoy hearing about school memories of the past and special family connections. I missed that this year and wish I had gotten that valuable part in. Thank you to all of our VIP's for making our day so pleasant. Everyone helped us to have a wonderful day!
Please enjoy the photos below AND introductions on the VIP Day link under the MORE TAB above:
We were very lucky to find a full house of wonderful guests that were able to join us for an event that our students so dearly love. We are all very blessed to have so many kind families to support our Triton kids and take time out of their busy lives and spend time with us. Our class was able to enjoy our guests and share some of what we learned about cows by making butter. I truly appreciated everyone taking time out to stop by and for the extra hands with our projects! THANK YOU!
Our time went so quickly and I am sorry that we missed one of the most important parts of out day, we did not get a chance to let our students share what they learned about their VIP's (from the student interview) with the class. Usually after sharing who the teacher is, I typically let kids introduce their guests, but I wanted to get our butter making in and made a quick change of plan. I personally enjoy getting to know who took their valuable time to be with us and so I am looking forward to students sharing their VIP interviews with us on Monday. I lmpw that our students are so proud to share their visitors with us too. Although it is not quite the same, we will post VIP pictures and introductions on our class webpage next week. If any of our visitors wish to share a special story, something about school when they were younger, or something else, please email www.mrsstrycker.k12.in.us with that information, so I can add it to what each student shares about their VIP's. We enjoy hearing about school memories of the past and special family connections. I missed that this year and wish I had gotten that valuable part in. Thank you to all of our VIP's for making our day so pleasant. Everyone helped us to have a wonderful day!
Please enjoy the photos below AND introductions on the VIP Day link under the MORE TAB above:
READY, SET, GO!
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR AWESOME THIRD GRADE RACERS! As we continue through the steps of the scientific and design process our students were ready to race their puff mobiles. Mr. Carpenter kindly shared his gym with our class and allowed us a great area to share in a friendly competition with each other. After all teams raced, we had four teams in our final round. One team physically got their car across the line first, but was disqualified for not following the constraints of the design. The second place team was named the overall winner in our first round of design competition and they are: Trace, Alex, Barre. On Friday, September 12th, we will let each team present their design to the class and tell what they found out worked and could be improved on in a second redesign that they will each get to create at home. Students will need to recreate their puff mobile following the following guidelines:
1. A body for the puff mobile (Straws were used in ours)
2. A way to catch air (paper was used in ours)-Powered by us blowing on the car
3. A way to support the body off the ground (Life Saver wheels were used on ours)
Students can use any materials that they find around home to build their car; including recycled items. Please do not go out and buy special materials.
I also want to take a moment to remind everyone that we encourage family participation, but I hope parents remember that this activity is for our kids. It is very easy to tell our kids what we know to help them, but we had to learn once too, and now it is our turn to help our kids learn. In keeping to this thought, In the classroom when a student asks me a question, I often ask one back. This is a great habit to get into with kids because it helps lead them to discovery and learning rather than just being told something and then likely forget it. If you are not sure what I mean, here would be an example of how to answer your child's question: Student: "Hey, how do I get my car to move faster?" Adult: "Well, what are ways fast things move?" Student: "Let me think...I know most things have wheels." Adult: "Are their other ways things can move?"
Yes, this method can take a while, but it does wonders for helping kids learn to be thinkers and come up with solutions. Some kids will naturally be quick to think of ideas, others will need encouraged, but either way don't give up. Everyone can learn to think a little deeper and be more creative! We will plan for another race Thursday, September 19th. Our first race photos can be seen below. Pictures from building have moved to our archive page.
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR AWESOME THIRD GRADE RACERS! As we continue through the steps of the scientific and design process our students were ready to race their puff mobiles. Mr. Carpenter kindly shared his gym with our class and allowed us a great area to share in a friendly competition with each other. After all teams raced, we had four teams in our final round. One team physically got their car across the line first, but was disqualified for not following the constraints of the design. The second place team was named the overall winner in our first round of design competition and they are: Trace, Alex, Barre. On Friday, September 12th, we will let each team present their design to the class and tell what they found out worked and could be improved on in a second redesign that they will each get to create at home. Students will need to recreate their puff mobile following the following guidelines:
1. A body for the puff mobile (Straws were used in ours)
2. A way to catch air (paper was used in ours)-Powered by us blowing on the car
3. A way to support the body off the ground (Life Saver wheels were used on ours)
Students can use any materials that they find around home to build their car; including recycled items. Please do not go out and buy special materials.
I also want to take a moment to remind everyone that we encourage family participation, but I hope parents remember that this activity is for our kids. It is very easy to tell our kids what we know to help them, but we had to learn once too, and now it is our turn to help our kids learn. In keeping to this thought, In the classroom when a student asks me a question, I often ask one back. This is a great habit to get into with kids because it helps lead them to discovery and learning rather than just being told something and then likely forget it. If you are not sure what I mean, here would be an example of how to answer your child's question: Student: "Hey, how do I get my car to move faster?" Adult: "Well, what are ways fast things move?" Student: "Let me think...I know most things have wheels." Adult: "Are their other ways things can move?"
Yes, this method can take a while, but it does wonders for helping kids learn to be thinkers and come up with solutions. Some kids will naturally be quick to think of ideas, others will need encouraged, but either way don't give up. Everyone can learn to think a little deeper and be more creative! We will plan for another race Thursday, September 19th. Our first race photos can be seen below. Pictures from building have moved to our archive page.
The Scientific Process in Action
Our class has been learning about the tools scientists use including the scientific process:
1. Purpose
2. Research
3. Hypothesis
4. Experiment
5. Analysis
6. Conclusion
Our classroom has spent time building paper airplanes to learn a little about this process and are now moving on to Puff Mobiles while learning the beginning phases of the engineering process. We have followed the scientific processes steps 1-3, made designs in our science notebooks and are now in the building phase. You can see the start of our car construction below. Hopefully we will be able to race by Thursday! We tied these two processes together with a story about a young girl Mattie Knight in the story "Marvelous Mattie." She designed many things including the paper bag with a square bottom. Through the use of keeping her designs in a dated design notebook, she was able to prove this idea was hers and get it patented!
Our class has been learning about the tools scientists use including the scientific process:
1. Purpose
2. Research
3. Hypothesis
4. Experiment
5. Analysis
6. Conclusion
Our classroom has spent time building paper airplanes to learn a little about this process and are now moving on to Puff Mobiles while learning the beginning phases of the engineering process. We have followed the scientific processes steps 1-3, made designs in our science notebooks and are now in the building phase. You can see the start of our car construction below. Hopefully we will be able to race by Thursday! We tied these two processes together with a story about a young girl Mattie Knight in the story "Marvelous Mattie." She designed many things including the paper bag with a square bottom. Through the use of keeping her designs in a dated design notebook, she was able to prove this idea was hers and get it patented!
SLED
Science Learning through Engineering Design,is a National Science
Foundation/Math Science Partnership project of Purdue University’s Colleges of Education, Engineering, Science, and Technology; the Discovery Learning Research Center; regional industries; and the Lafayette, Tippecanoe, Plymouth, Triton, and Taylor Community schools. Our class will participate in SLED as a way to help Purdue University gather evidence about outcomes that contributes to a better understanding of how teachers teach using design and how students learn science through design-based activities. Since our classroom is part of a research study with Purdue University we need families to sign a consent form. Students will not be identified by name in any reports, but they will participate in fun design activities based on Indiana Science Standards and complete tests to demonstrate what they have learned in our classroom.
Science Learning through Engineering Design,is a National Science
Foundation/Math Science Partnership project of Purdue University’s Colleges of Education, Engineering, Science, and Technology; the Discovery Learning Research Center; regional industries; and the Lafayette, Tippecanoe, Plymouth, Triton, and Taylor Community schools. Our class will participate in SLED as a way to help Purdue University gather evidence about outcomes that contributes to a better understanding of how teachers teach using design and how students learn science through design-based activities. Since our classroom is part of a research study with Purdue University we need families to sign a consent form. Students will not be identified by name in any reports, but they will participate in fun design activities based on Indiana Science Standards and complete tests to demonstrate what they have learned in our classroom.
Class Dojo
Our classroom will try using ClassDojo, a classroom management system to encourage positive behaviors in our classroom. It's very easy to set up whether you're using an Apple or Android device -- there's an app available for both. With this tool, I hope to accomplish the following three goals.
1. Improving Behavior
ClassDojo has avatars assigned for each student and students may change them with the code I handed out to them. I then have the ability to award points, affectionately known as "dojos" in my classroom, for positive or negative behavior. I can award individual or multiple students at any time.
ClassDojo can be used with our interactive whiteboard, laptops, desktops or my smart phone. Students get immediate feedback to their behavior by the distinctive sound made when their avatar is clicked.
2. Sharing Data
ClassDojo automatically keeps track of behavior in our classroom by tracking the behaviors that were clicked. It can create reports that are emailed to parents. Parents can connect through printed or emailed invites. Once they connect, they receive an email every Friday reminding them to view their child's reports. Parents of students enjoy receiving the reports because it keeps them in the loop.
The reports are easy to read. The information is provided in a donut that shows the percentage of clicked behaviors and underneath a written version of the data for each day.
3. Saving Time
ClassDojo saves time by recording behaviors and accomplishments in the class with just one click. I leave ClassDojo on the Smartboard all day. It's not always visible, but the sound can be heard. Whether I'm working with small groups or greeting students at the door, I have my smartphone in my hand. I'm ready to give out positives or negatives without leaving my seat or entering the classroom. A definite time saver!
Most families have expectations for their children, just as I do in the classroom, to encourage and expect success. I am
hopeful that this will help all us meet our highest expectations. I will continue to use Class Dojo as long as it benefits and inspires constructive behaviors. Please feel free to check it out at:
http://www.classdojo.com/
Our classroom will try using ClassDojo, a classroom management system to encourage positive behaviors in our classroom. It's very easy to set up whether you're using an Apple or Android device -- there's an app available for both. With this tool, I hope to accomplish the following three goals.
1. Improving Behavior
ClassDojo has avatars assigned for each student and students may change them with the code I handed out to them. I then have the ability to award points, affectionately known as "dojos" in my classroom, for positive or negative behavior. I can award individual or multiple students at any time.
ClassDojo can be used with our interactive whiteboard, laptops, desktops or my smart phone. Students get immediate feedback to their behavior by the distinctive sound made when their avatar is clicked.
2. Sharing Data
ClassDojo automatically keeps track of behavior in our classroom by tracking the behaviors that were clicked. It can create reports that are emailed to parents. Parents can connect through printed or emailed invites. Once they connect, they receive an email every Friday reminding them to view their child's reports. Parents of students enjoy receiving the reports because it keeps them in the loop.
The reports are easy to read. The information is provided in a donut that shows the percentage of clicked behaviors and underneath a written version of the data for each day.
3. Saving Time
ClassDojo saves time by recording behaviors and accomplishments in the class with just one click. I leave ClassDojo on the Smartboard all day. It's not always visible, but the sound can be heard. Whether I'm working with small groups or greeting students at the door, I have my smartphone in my hand. I'm ready to give out positives or negatives without leaving my seat or entering the classroom. A definite time saver!
Most families have expectations for their children, just as I do in the classroom, to encourage and expect success. I am
hopeful that this will help all us meet our highest expectations. I will continue to use Class Dojo as long as it benefits and inspires constructive behaviors. Please feel free to check it out at:
http://www.classdojo.com/
Welcome to Third Grade
It was great to meet all of the new families that will be part of our third grade classroom. I am very excited to welcome everyone and I am looking forward to a great year with students and families. I appreciate the time each of you took to come to open house to meet me and see the room that will be our home away from home for the next several months. Below are some views of our room. The first shows the front of our room where state standards, spelling works, class rules, the calendar, and our interactive whiteboard take center stage for daily learning. The center and top right photos show our writing and reader response areas full or grammar and writing tips. The bottom left photograph is where small group lessons happen, station tasks, reading genres, and vocabulary information can be located. One of the highlights of our room is the classroom library picture below the other classroom views. Students will find a large selection of books for many ability levels, genre, and subjects and will be able to find books that they enjoy to read during various times during the school day each week.