Students have completed their study of the Solar System. It was an interesting unit and the children all enjoyed learning about the stars, planets, sun and moon.

This week we are learning about Presidents Washington and Lincoln. The children are making small books to remember important facts about these famous leaders.

We have also been doing creative writing activities. Ask your child if they have had a turn to spin the "machine." It is an interactive writing activity we do on the SmartBoard. I will have samples to show you at conference time.

No School for students on:
Friday - February 18 (elementary conferences)
Monday - February 21 (President's Day)
Tuesday - February 22 (teacher inservice day)

This week we are reading about Proverbs and Fables. Ask your child about some of their favorite stories.

Spelling Words

1. bear
2. tear
3. haircut
4. stairs
5. wear
6. airplane
7. compare
8. repair
9. pear
10. prepare
11. stare
12. glare
13. sharing
14. fairy
15. aware


Fun Quote:
As we are studying the planets and their distance from the sun, we come to Earth.
One child asks, "So, Mrs. Richter, do you mean we're in space?"
I reply, "Yes, we are on Earth, which is part of the Solar System."
The child responds (with a look of awe), "WOW! That's so cool! So, how come we're not floating around?"
This lead back to our discussion on gravity.

I am enjoying getting to know each child. They are learning and growning so much!
Enjoy the sunshine!
Mrs. Richter

February 1, 2011

Welcome to February!

The students and I had a wonderful first week together. We are getting to know each other and each day brings us closer together. We have been learning about the Earth and the Moon. The students are enjoying this and for the month of February we will be keeping track of the moon's phases.

Book orders are due today!


Spelling List for Centerfield Ballhawk

1. boots
2. grouped
3. shook
4. school
5. looked
6. hood
7. choose
8. brook
9. zoomed
10. balloon
11. loose
12. soot
13. understood
14. cartoon
15. afternoon

Spelling Words - week of Jan. 17-20

This week's words are tough because of the use of the apostrophe. Some of the words are plurals (meaning more than one person or thing); some of the words are singular possessives (one person or thing "owns" one thing); and some are plural possessives (more than one person or thing and they each "own" something). For example : 2 dogs (plural); my dog's bone (singular possessive); and my dogs' bowls (plural possessive).

1. brother's

2. brothers

3. uncle's

4. uncles

5. sister's

6. sisters

7. sisters'

8. man's

9. men's

10. child's

11. girls

12. girl's

13. girls'

14. mine

15. yours

Weaving Projects

For the past couple of weeks, the third graders have been learning about several Native American tribes. One of the MN art standards fits very nicely with our unit. Students are supposed to be able to recognize a Native American craft. We learned about sand painting and weaving in our social studies books. My students have been weaving small rugs for the past week or so. They are doing a great job!

Spelling Words - week of Jan. 10-14

1. wrinkles
2. friend
3. timer
4. shutter
5. film
6. peonies
7. farmer
8. perfect
9. pantry
10. flute
11. bicycle
12. picture
13. memories
14. darkroom
15. answers

Spelling Words for week of Jan. 3-7

1. journey
2. meadow
3. camera
4. travel
5. lilacs
6. album
7. photograph
8. garden
9. glasses
10. mother
11. grandmother
12. father
13. grandfather
14. sister
15. brother

Happy New Year!

Hello Third Grade Families!

I hope you have enjoyed this winter break as much as I have. The snow is so much fun at this time of the year. I have been having fun sliding, ice skating, snowmobiling and ice fishing with friends and family.

I am looking forward to getting to know the third graders in the weeks to come. I will be visiting the classroom for a few days in January to get acquainted with the children and school routines and am excited to start working with the third graders. I had the opportunity to meet with the children briefly on the day of the music program and it was wonderful to see all of their smiling faces and answer a few questions.

2011 will be a great year!

See you soon,
Mrs. Richter