Marvelous Musical!

As third graders it's our duty

To perform a musical each spring.
This year to celebrate our country,

We though about it we would sing!

The symbols, the people, the history,

There is so much to learn and explore.

Add some songs, & some groovy dance moves

And the audience begs us for more!

Here we are at our last rehearsal

Tying up any loose ends.

Our hard work will pay off, the show is a go, 

Now it's time to perform for our friends!

Bill Peet Can't Be Beat!

As our end of the year author study, we are delving into the world of the fabulous, Bill Peet.  This author/illustrator/film maker has written and illustrated over 30 children's books, as well as contributed to Disney classics, such as101 Dalmatians, The Sword and the Stone, Peter Pan, Alice in Wonderland, Cinderella, Pinocchio, and Sleeping Beauty.  

We have just begun to explore the amazing stories of Mr. Peet, but already we are recognizing common themes, like realizing we are all special in our own way and the importance of showing gratitude and generosity.  It is obvious that Bill Peet was a very special man with many important, worthwhile messages to share with his readers.   We look forward to our continued exploration of the wonderful world of Bill Peet!

Which book has been your favorite?  Which character have you enjoyed the most?  Why?

Publishing Time

We took a lesson from Santa this week, when working to publish our nonfiction narratives.  We checked them once, and we checked them twice!!!  We edited our pieces alone and with a partner before comparing them against the project rubric to be sure our piece would measure up on deadline day (this Monday the 21st).  A copy of the rubric can be seen below.

Nonfiction Narrative Rubric

Narrative Element	Description of Narrative Element	Self Assessment	Peer Assessment	Teacher Assessment
Engaging Beginning	Characters and setting have been introduced in an engaging manner
Story Structure & Sequence of Events	Beginning, Middle, and End that follows a logical sequence of events
Closing	Ending wraps it up and reflects on lesson learned using an engaging format
Word Choice	Use of vivid verbs to enhance story  (Ex.  Darted rather than ran or devoured rather than ate)
Figurative Language	At least one example of simile, metaphor, personification, alliteration, or onomatopoeia exists in the piece
Editing: C.U.P.S. & Paragraph Form	Corrections have been made in capitalization, awkward wording, punctuation, spelling, and paragraph form

Total Score:  ______

                             18

On Monday, we will work once again with a partner to assess our published work.  Check out these pictures that highlight some of our peer review at its finest.

Looks like these writers will be ready to turn in their published pieces on Monday!  Will you?

Hungry for a Good Book!

Every so often, you see that something that stops you in your tracks and warms you heart.  As reading teachers who hope to instill a love of reading in each and every student, this was one of those moments.  Here is a friend from our class, who is so engrossed in her story, she could not put the book down during lunch.  She read in line, she read at the table, she even read on her way to recess.  While it is not recommended to read while walking (for the obvious head-on-collision risk), there was no stopping this young lady!  Her enthusiasm for reading outweighed any possible dangers (and apparently the lunch offered today in the cafeteria)!   

Eager for Readers' Theater!

We are beginning work on our next class project; Readers' Theater presentations.  This activity allows students to continue developing fluency and intonation in their reading, while having fun and collaborating with peers at the same time.  Students were divided into groups and assigned a book this week.  After reading the book together, students will complete an analysis of the text before receiving scripts, assigning parts, blocking movements, and creating props.  This has been a highlight for many students in past years and we are excited to see their enthusiasm and creativity shine, as they bring these old favorites to life!  Check out the students previewing the books below!

 

Bid Hello to Summer Fun!

Bid hello to summer fun this Friday at Arts Extravaganza from 6:00 P.M. to 8:30 P.M.  It's your chance to bid on our class "Summer Fun" basket (cooler) filled with tons of activities and items to guarantee that you have a fun summer.  You can also listen to music, view artwork, and participate in creating some artwork of your own.  Mrs. Z will be at the maraca booth from 6:30 to 7:30.  Be sure to stop by and say hello.  See you there!