Oak Island Hike

On Thursday, September 29th, third graders and some very helpful adult chaperones embarked on our first out and about of the school year. We loaded the bus and headed to Oak Island to do some important research. Students and adults split up into small groups and partook in a scavenger hunt for different wildlife, signs of wildlife, as well as native plants and trees. Students and adults worked hard to complete this search (while also completing the 2.5 mile loop). Our research helped us build our forest scene which will be the background for our Chinookan village model in our classroom. It was a lot of fun and we are very thankful for the gorgeous weather and for all of the helpful adults who took time out of their busy schedules to join us.

Native American of PNW Unit

 

 At the end of September, third graders received a trunk full of mysterious artifacts and a letter from Virginia Parks, who works for the Department of Fish and Wildlife. She told us that these artifacts were found in this area (near Sauvie Island) and asked us to do some preliminary research to determine who might have used these artifacts.We studied these objects and wrote her back to say we predicted that they were made and used by Native Americans.

A few days later, Ms. Parks wrote back to say that we were indeed artifacts from a Native American tribe, but did we know there are over 500 Native American tribes in the United States? She asked us to do further research to determine which tribe might have used these artifacts since we knew they were found near Sauvie Island. We used our mapping skills to determine that were most likely from the Chinook tribe.

She wrote us back to say yes, indeed we were correct again (!!!), these artifacts are from the Chinook tribe. She asked us if we would be willing to create a Chinook village in our classroom to spread awareness about their tribe and culture to our school community. We researched how the Chinook lived long ago and set out to build the outsides of our Chinookan longhouses, which we will complete next week. What perfect timing since we are headed to see a plankhouse replica at the Ridgefield Wildlife Refuge next Tuesday! She asked that our representations be culturally respectful and historically accurate so we are going to wait until after our field trip to complete the insides of our models.

People Glyphs

During our first Math class of third grade we made people glyphs. Our glyphs help us show how we prefer to work and learn during Math time using colors, shapes, and symbols. What do you notice about our glyphs? What would yours look like? 

First Day of School 2016

On the first day of school we learned a lot about our new classroom, new teachers, and each other.

This is Ms. Andie, she will be student teaching in 3rd grade part time through December and we are so happy and lucky to have her!

Luckily we still remember our quiet coyote signals! :) 

Fairy Tale sharing with Kindergarten

As part of 3rd grade's read-a-thon on Friday afternoon we invited the kindergarteners into our extra cozy classroom to share the fairy tales and illustrations they recently finished. We also shared some of the stories we have written or been inspired by during our fairy tale unit. We so enjoyed their visit and were inspired by their creations. It was awesome to see our almost 4th graders take on a leadership role. 

Thanks to Ms. Jamie and the kindergarten class for visiting our class and for being such gracious and respectful guests. 

Scappoose Bay Canoe Trip

Edward Tulane Field Trip

Last Wednesay we were lucky enough to attend Oregon Childrens Theater's production of The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane. It took place at the Winningstad Theater in downtown Portland. We read the book as a read aloud in class. It is a touching and at moments heart-breaking story of a China rabbit who goes on an epic journey and learns how to love. The book was written by the fabulous Kate DiCamilio who also wrote the book Flora and Ulysses which we read earlier this year.