Long Range Study:  Third Grade Students participate in a Long Range Study.  For three months students study a topic of their choice and then present what they have learned to the school community using a presentation board.

Field Trips:  The third grade will be going on a number of field trips this year.  Among these are:

• Cougar Mountain Zoo – structures of life
• Sound Bridges (Benaroya Hall) – physics of sound
• Uwajimaya and Bush Garden – unit on Japan and cultural understanding
• Seattle Underground Tour and Pike Place Market – study of Seattle
• St. James Cathedral and Lakeview Cemetery – study of Seattle

Japan Day:   In the spirit of Japanese tradition, and as a way of really connecting to what life might be like for Japanese students, the children plan a “Japanese Day” based upon what they learn during our unit on cultural understanding.  The children to come to school dressed as Japanese children would (perfect uniforms and indoor shoes to change into).   They participate in a number of activities that allow them to experience Japanese language, art, food, and fun. 

Ida Culver:  Third graders share community with the elderly residents of the Ida Culver House, just a few blocks from A.S.B.  The kids walk with an adult chaperone to Ida Culver in small groups every other week, each child having a couple chances to go throughout the year.  Our trips to Ida Culver are an opportunity for the kids to share their learning and to spend time with people who can share their experiences with the kids.  We bring activities such as math games, puzzles, poetry, artwork, writing projects, etc. to share each time we visit.  The dates for Ida Culver this year are:  

10/6, 10/20, 11/3, 11/17, 12/1, 12/15.   Dates for the new year will be posted as we approach them. 

Art Parents:  We will again have this wonderful opportunity once each month to learn about a variety of artists and artistic styles thanks to the help of our parents.  Here are the dates for the 2009-2010 year:

10/22, 11/19, 1/21, 2/18, 3/18, 4/15

Class Parties:  We celebrate several occasions in third grade with class parties.  Among them are:   

• Halloween
• Christmas
• Valentine’s Day Breakfast
• Banana Split Learning Celebration

Birthdays:  The students may have free dress on their birthday celebration day. Students with summer birthdays will have a celebration day on their ½ birthday. Parents are also welcome to join us for lunch on the birthday celebration day. *A reminder: if invitations are passed out at school, either the whole class needs to be invited, or all the girls/all the boys. Treats are welcome, but not required. If you choose to send a treat, please check with me concerning allergies, and provide napkins as well. You may send the treat in the morning or bring it at lunchtime (12:20 – 12:45).

Superstar/VIP:  Each student will have a school week dedicated to him or her. Each one will make a display about him/herself to put on the bulletin board in our classroom.  Once during the week the superstar may invite family members to join us at lunchtime (we eat from 12:20 until 12:45).  A list of superstars was sent in the first Wednesday envelope.  Please let me know if you need another copy (or simply the date of your child’s superstar week).