In Social Studies, we are learning about the Geography of Michigan. The students practiced using maps to find cities, highways, and bridges (which are all human characteristics). The students had to use the map to plan road trips throughout Michigan. I loved seeing how close they got to the map to look!

On Tuesday, we had Mrs. Evans stop in to teach us about natural resources! The Ottawa County Agricultural Education Services sent Mrs. Evans to teach us about Michigan's natural resources. The students participated in a sorting activity where they realized everything we have comes from either a farm or a natural resource. 

Comfy, cozy, blanket fort making day - Wow. What a day!

The students and I had a blast creating an epic fort, reading in with our comfy items, and eating lunch inside our blanket fort. Thank you for allowing your child to take a few extra items to school!

Cinnamon Roll Day is a perfect match for Blanket Fort day!

It was an epic fort!

What are we learning?

Math - Continuing to practice multiplication and division facts through story problems and drawings

Writing - Starting our persuasive essay unit

Reading - Starting our information reading unit

Social Studies - Learning about the geography of Michigan (human and natural characteristics, how does this place connect to other places)

Bible - Learning about Isaac and Jacob's family

"Ms. Snoeyink said we could bring in Christmas stuff!" - IN preparation for the Christmas season, the students and I thought it would be fun to each bring in a Christmas decoration from home. This item could be an ornament, lights, a little tree, a snowman sticker...whatever is "extra" at home and will not be missed. The students and I will decorate the classroom on MONDAY, Dec. 6. 

Because of Winn Dixie Party - The students and I have been reading Kate DiCamillo's book Because of Winn Dixie. This story is incredible and ignites the student's love for reading. The book talks about friendship, acceptance, and loving those who need the love of Jesus. We will finish the book this week and I would love to let the students watch the movie in class. The movie is rated PG. The word "idiot" and "stupid" are mentioned once in the movie. Please let me know if you have any concerns about this movie. We will be watching this movie on Monday, Dec. 6.

Gingerbread Houses - On Wednesday afternoon, December 8, from 1:30 to 3:00, the third graders will be putting together gingerbread houses. We are excited about this annual Christmas project. Children will be taking home a gingerbread house of their very own. We are looking for as many volunteers as we can get to help with the construction. Because volunteers will be assisting small groups of students, we are asking that NO younger siblings be taken along. Thank you for understanding. As the day approaches, please let me know if you are willing and able to help with construction. Please let me know via email, note, or text so that I can plan on your help.

Christmas Service Project - We will be collecting items to go in care packages for US military troops deployed overseas. Items needed are listed on the green paper that was sent home. You can also find the list on the previous blog post. Glass and aerosol containers are not allowed. We will be collecting these UNWRAPPED from Nov. 15-Dec. 13. Thank you for your contributions.

Classroom Christmas Party - We will have our Christmas Party on Wednesday, Dec. 15th from 1:15-2:45. We will NOT be trading presents, but instead playing games and doing some activities. I am looking for 2 more parent/grandparent helpers to lead a station for 5 students. I have the games and activities prepared, and just need a helper to lead the station. If you are available to help, please email me and let me know.

IMPORTANT DATES:

Mon. Dec. 6: Winn-Dixie Party and Movie

                     Bring in a Christmas decoration from home

Wed. Dec. 8: Making Gingerbread Houses (1:30-3:00)

Mon. Dec. 13: Final Day for collecting Service Project items

Wed. Dec. 15: Classroom Christmas Celebration (1:15-2:45)

Dec. 20 – Jan. 31: No School – Christmas Break