The Last Month of School

I know.... I know.... I can't believe it's almost the end of the school year!  How did that happen?

Well, we will continue to review for our social studies SOL, which will be next Tuesday.  Then we will be studying Thomas Jefferson in a bit more detail, up until the time of our field trip to Monticello next Friday. Our schedule will remain as consistent and predictable as possible, though flexibility and change are inevitable as we enjoy the upcoming end of year events!

We are applying many of the skills we've learned this year, as we work on creative and engaging types of projects. Our current "Busch Gardens" project requires the students to use what they know about reading charts, measurement, planning/recording information, time, money and teamwork to create a schedule for a day at Busch Gardens!  (Don't be surprised of your child comes home asking for a trip there this summer.)

We will also be investigating and sharing unique information related to topics of study this year (or other special interests.) There will be a series of science experiments and a special 3rd grade celebration the last week of school. We are going to be quite busy the next few weeks.  Thank you for keeping your child on a regular school schedule as much as possible.... "Early to bed and early to rise...."

Here is one of our latest finds, a really cool video that mixes a visual representation of musical notes and instruments with a familiar classical tune.  It's fascinating!  ENJOY!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qqe0GdUpJHs

Virginia Natural History Museum- Outreach Instructor

Today we had the pleasure of listening to a special presentation by one of my first teaching mentors, Ms. Nancy Newman, from the Virginia Natural History Museum.  She brought with her many specimens of wildlife from the Rivanna River areas of central Virginia, including a bass fish and a river otter.  Enjoy these photos and be sure to ask your child about this review of aquatic environments, food chains and animal adaptations!

Well-Rested and Ready!

Dear Parents,

We are in full-swing of review and preparation for our 3rd grade SOL tests.  This will be the first experience these students have with state testing and we are doing everything we can to make the experience a positive one!  Thank you for your help at home with finding FUN and engaging ways to review science and social studies.  The science information was sent home Monday!  Later, the social studies review packet will also be sent home. 

It is crucial that all students arrive to school on time during the SOL testing window, but especially on testing days. Keeping a tight bedtime schedule, to ensure plenty of rest, and eating breakfast can assure that your child is physically ready to work on an SOL test. In addition, keeping your interactions positive and encouraging will help your child to be in a positive frame of mind as they arrive to school.

Thank you for your continued support at home!  It makes all the difference in your child's success.

Sincerely,
Bethany Robinson

4th Quarter Instruction

During the month of April, and into the beginning of the month of May, we’ll continue our usual schedule and 3^rd grade instruction.  The month of May will bring a variety of changes in the way we spend our time each day.  We’ll begin a series of curriculum review sessions that will also include information on testing strategies in preparation for the upcoming SOL tests.

A formal letter will be sent home to parents soon with specific dates of the tests, as well as suggestions for your family during this period of testing.  I will do my best to make this process as normal as possible for all the children.  Keeping the children feeling confident, and not stressed, is going to be crucial to their success.  Please provide as much normalcy as possible at home as well.  Thank you all for your continued support!!!

THINGS YOU CAN DO AT HOME:                        

 Keep your spring schedule as normal as possible. 

Help your child stay focused on school responsibilities. 

Reduce stress related to concerns about upcoming tests.

 

STEAM NIGHT

Thanks to all of the families that came out to celebrate our machine building!  The students had a great time sharing their work. Smiles all around!

Take a peek at these wonderful photos contributed by Kate Kehlenbach. 

The simple machine museum will NOT be open on Thursday morning. Our teams of engineers will need that time to continue working and callibrating all machines for STEAM NIGHT. See you then!

Building Machines

This will be a memorable experience for sure!  Each third grader will be working on an engineering team to design and build a compound machine that operates and serves a function.  We will begin the building process very soon and have some machines on display next Thursday, March 20th.  The machine museum will be open on Thursday morning, per invitation.  The machine museum will also be open during STEAM Night. Be sure to stop by!

This process of designing and building will be another opportunity for students to use listening skills, leadership skills and team work. Everyone's ideas will be incorporated into the initial building, followed by trial and error problem solving to reach the ultimate goal. Flexibility in thinking and whole-group effort will be keys to success.

An amazing example of a modern Rube Goldberg machine can be observed on the following youtube music video of OK Go.  The kids LOVE this!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qybUFnY7Y8w