I'm back!

So I just realized it's been a MONTH since I last posted!  That's insane!  That's what I get for trying to start a blog during first semester while taking my LAST (hallelujah!) semester of grad school.  I'm sorry.  It won't happen again.

I'll try to quickly catch you up to what's been going on...so this'll probably be a long post...sorry!

In my last post I mentioned my school losing 2 positions.  Well, we had two people volunteer to go to another school.  And they weren't happy with us so that is a blessing.  They are happier now and I'm happy for them.  The rearranging because of the loss wasn't terrible either.

I have lost and gained students and instead of the 19 I had at the beginning, I'm down to 16.  And 2 of them didn't start the year with me.  Last year I had one of the most stable classes in the school.  I only lost 1 students and only gained 3.  Now I'm doing the crazy shuffle along with everyone else.

My schedule is INSANE!  I teach reading for 3 hours, math for an hour and 45 minutes, and then I get around 20 for grammar/writing and 25 for science OR social studies.  I love my schedule, and HATE it, all at the same time.

I did want to share two activities I've done this past chapter.  Third grade studies the Universe in science.  We're responsible for teaching about stars, the sun, gravity, and telescopes.  I always start the chapter off with Magic School Bus Sees Stars.  I don't know, I just love it.

Anyway, after we learn about stars and constellations (which is actually not a word my book uses...weird), I read them some constellation stories, and then they make their own.

First they pre-write.

Then they draw their constellations and place their star stickers.

Last, they rewrite their stories onto fresh paper in their best handwriting.



Gravity is also a big thing in third grade for Florida.  I always do a bridge building activity.  (This also helps with team-building as well, shh, our secret.)

I give the kids a certain amount of supplies to build their bridge.  Halfway through the project I let them vote on whether they want more popsicle sticks or more tape.  It's always interesting to see what they vote on.

There's a lot more that's happened...but this is just a snapshot.  I'm going to try, really try, to update this more regularly.  That's my goal for this next month.

Thanks for sticking out this long post!