Social Studies... A new way of testing

So I am going a little "out of the box" for social studies this year and am having some fun with how to test the kids. Basically, I want them to be able to show me they understand the BIG idea without putting a traditional test in front of them. So... for Unit 2 our BIG idea was 'How communities change over time?'. Their projects had to show me just that, how a community changed over time.

However, my class took it a little further and we had some groups take the main ideas from the unit and show their knowledge through other projects. Most of our groups created 2 posters, one showing a community from the past and then one showing a community from the present. They were so creative (you might have been wondering why "toys" had been coming to school). We had groups use Legos, Barbies, play horses and cars. We also had a group report on inventions and how they can help us. We had a group create 4 posters and put it together as a timeline. We also had an individual who reported on Louis and Clark and why they were so important to history.

My class always amazes me with their abilities. Our communities were SO great. They did such a nice job showing what they learned and they thought this was WAY better than an actual test. :-)

Project Linus

Today we helped create blankets for Project Linus. First, we learned a little bit about Project Linus,  why we would create blankets and what they were used for. Then we got busy cutting and tying blankets. Our class was able to create 4 blankets. We had a BLAST working together. I was so proud to watch how well behaved, responsible and respectful we were while working. I am truly blessed with my class. Enjoy the pictures.

 

 

 

Holiday Art

 

Just a little holiday art...

 

 

 

We finally have our favorites

It is amazing how long it can take a 3rd grader to type. :-) We finally have finished our Favorite Things project. Enjoy!

**On a quick side note, if you are wondering why you are not seeing anything come home that we are doing as far as writing and art, it is because I am compiling a portfolio that they will take home with all their projects at the end of the year.

 

 

 

My Favorite Things

By: Tatum

My favorite things are great. I love my family because they love me back. I enjoy reading because I want to learning. I like the mall because I get to see lots of things that look cool. I like movies because I can see all of the stuff that are real and not real. Crafts are fun because they make me

 

My Favorite Things

By: Jayden

My favorite things that are the best ever. I love to play with my transformers and sqeekie boys. I also like to play with videogames that are on my dads friends t.v and nitendo . I don’t really like to spend money on comics and trading cards but I have to. I really love snacking on candy but I have to tell dad if I want some. I also love going on on fishing trips with my family its really fun . for chrismas I love getting lego sets there fun to put together.

 

My Favorite Things

By: Parker

My favorite things are the best ever. I love Legos because they are buildable. I love family because they are kind. I love bay blades and Pokémon cards and tech deck because I love to play with them. I love movies because they have good graphics. I like pizza because it tastes good I love video games because they are fun to play on.

My Favorite Things

By: Kaitlynn

My Favorite Things are really cool I like coffee because it is really good. I like pop because it is really good. I like dogs because they are really sweet and cool. I like my family because they are really cool, helpful, and sweet. Holidays are my favorite because they celebrate god. I like pets because they are very sweet. I think my favorite things are great.

My Favorite Things

By: Jordan

My favorite things are the best ever. I like tennis because it is fun. My favorite foods are nachos and pizza because they taste awesome. I like TV because it has my favorite shows. I enjoy Legos because I can build stuff. I enjoy searching on Google. I enjoy watching movies too.

My Favorite Things

By: Jaxon

My favorite things are the best ever. I love to play Video games and watch TV because they entertain me. I like to swim and tube at high speeds because I love the water. I love when it’s winter because it’s my birthday and I like making snowballs, and snow forts. I really like to spend time with my friends Jordan, Luke, Anthony, and Zane.

My Favorite Things

By: Elli

My favorite things are really cool. I like picnics because you can go to the park with your family to have lunch .pets are fun to play with because you can go to the park with your pet to play. Shopping is fun because you can go with your mom to your favorite store. Shoes are cool I like getting new shoes. I like my family because they are sweet to me and they are nice to me too. Juice is my favorite drink because it is sweet. I like playing outside because you can play tag with your friends. Candy is good because I think it is sweet. I really enjoy my favorite things.

 

 

My Favorite Things

By: Ava

My favorite things are the best ever. I enjoy trips because you can go to many places. I love my family because they are caring and loving. I do bowling because it is my # 1 favorite sport. I enjoy pets because you can cuddle with them and sleep with them to. I like Iowa because I was born there and I like their mascot to. I also like bright colors because they are cool. I really like my favorite things!

My Favorite Things

By Sydney

My favorite things are great. Dogs and cats are awesome because they can be real cuddly and cute. Dancing is fun because I can listen to music and get the groove and dance to the beat. Friends are important to me because they make me happy and I call them my family. Traveling is fun because I get to see all sorts of things and places. Leggings are cute and I love them because they are comfy to wear under skirts and shorts. Ice cream tastes the best also because it can change flavors.

My Favorite Things

By: Lane

My favorite things are the best ever. I love to drink mountain dew and hot chocolate because it tastes good. I love to eat spaghetti, cookies and pizza because it is awesome food. I like TV because it has my favorite TV channels. I like Wii because it has my favorite Wii games. Bay blades because they are really fun. Birth day party because you get presents cake and you get to play. Cheetahs because they are really cool. Family because they make food for you and they help you. Friends because they are nice to you.

My Favorite Things

By: Anthony

My favorite things are the best things ever. I like popcorn, donuts, candy, and Raman because they are tasty. I love friends and family because they are always there for me. I enjoy school because you get learn new things. I like television and computer because they are interesting. I enjoy games and Legos because they are fun.      

Coping with the tragedy

My heart is heavy after this past week's events. We have suffered our own losses in the district and now face a national tragedy as well. It is likely students have seen footage over the weekend and may or may not have had many questions and concerns. It is mostly important that we assure students that, as a school and their family, our utmost priority is to keep them safe at school and we will continue to do so. So hug them a little tighter and cherish the moments you have with them. I have included some information that was sent out to our staff. Read and use as you see appropriate.

Mrs. Farkas

Alan Kazdin, a professor of child psychology at Yale University, offers the following four tips for parents to talk to and help your children cope:

Don’t Over-Talk This
Parents can easily project their own fears onto their children. Your children will likely hear about it, so your child has questions. Answer at the level of the question. Parents shouldn’t dwell on the tragic nature of it, but don’t be evasive. Don’t lie; don’t withhold.

Shield Children From the Media
After 9/11, children suffered trauma from overexposure to the media. Child psychologists call it “secondary terrorism.” As parents, we sometimes take the stance that our children need to be tough and “they might as well know the truth.” But psychologists say they need to be ”coddled, cushioned and comforted” now so they can be emotionally stronger later.

Maintain a Normal Routine
Try to keep as many normal rituals going on as possible. Go to soccer practice. Keep that play date. Children need you to know that this doesn’t affect them.

Reassure, Reassure
If your child develops a fear of school, tell him or her, “This is so rare. Something this terrible has never happened before. This never happened to mommy’s school. Grownups are doing everything to keep kids safe.”

Remember that through “middle childhood,” kids have normal excessive fears: the dark, sharks, etc. If they say, “I don’t want to go to school,” help them distance themselves from it. Repeatedly reassure without dismissing their fears, and give them a hug. Touch makes a huge difference.

Polar Express

This week our third graders will be completing a Polar Express unit during their reading block. We will read the book and complete various activities. The main idea of the story is the belief that anything is possible!

On the last day of the unit we will be watching the Polar Express. While watching the movie, we would like to serve the students Polar Express Trail Mix and hot cocoa.

If your child would like to bring in something to add to our trail mix or the hot cocoa, that would be GREAT! Please contact me regarding what you would like to bring jfarkas@west-fargo.k12.nd.us ASAP!


Polar Express Items:
1. 1 Box Golden Graham Cereal
2. 1 bag mini marshmallows
3. 1 bag sweet chocolate chips
4. 1 large canister of hot chocolate mix
5. 1 package of holiday napkins
6. 25 lidded disposable coffee cups (similar to what you get your coffee in at a gas station or a coffee shop)


Please wait for your confirmation from me prior to picking up your item, and please send everything by Wednesday, December 19th!!!


Thanks for your help!!!

Online Math Practice

I recently read about a website called Sumdog. It's a free website with highly engaging games for practicing math. Games can be played for any skill. Players choose a skill and then choose one of the games. The game randomly matches a player up with other online players or the computer to add another level of competition.

While the games are free, there is a parent subscription available that provides additional functionality. If you get a subscription, there are reports you can print and set up your child's learning as well as having the control over the players your child plays with. You would have to sign up for a parent account to get pricing though.

This is a great resource for making math practice fun! I hope you'll check it out.

Also, don't forget about Everyday Math Online. If you need your child's username and password, either check their agenda, or pop me an email.

Quick Notes

I am extending the deadline to submit December book orders until tonight so you can still submit one online or send the paper copy with your child tomorrow. As I was assembling them, I noticed that The Polar Express was on the front cover of one of the pamphlets (and at about half off). If you are looking for a great holiday book, that's it! Also, we'll be reading it over the last week prior to Christmas break, and anyone who has their own copy is encouraged to bring it in that week!!!

Several of my sweet kiddos have started to ask what I would like for my Christmas gift. Please know that I in no way expect one, but since so many kids have asked I thought I'd give you a few ideas. I truly don't need anything, but I'm always picking up things for my classroom. I would so appreciate gifts that benefit my students and our classroom as well. Ideas: games or puzzles (my indoor recess stash is getting a little worn), Expo or Mr. Sketch markers, colored cardstock, or a gift certificate to Michaels.

Some of the kids asked what they could get just for me, so I've told them that I love to drink coffee and Mountain Dew, shop, read, shop, sew, shop, and spend time with my hubby and kids.

Also, I have to comment on what an AMAZING group of students I have. I am constantly bragging about my kids and how well behaved they are and how I can trust them to do the right thing (even when I am not in the room). I am so blessed and thankful for such a class.

Important Announcements

Report cards were sent home on Friday! Please make sure you got yours!!!

Book orders are due on Thursday. If you would like anything in the order to be put aside secretly for Christmas gifts, please email me and we can make arrangements to leave those items in the office.

November Fargo Force calendars should be turned in ASAP! If you have a minute, please total the minutes on your calendar! Thanks!!!

This Friday will be Packer Pride Day...wear your Westside or Packer apparel!

Remember to wear boots, snow pants, etc every day! Students are expected to arrive in the proper attire in the morning and wear the same apparel on the way home!

Looking forward to a great week!!!