Solving a Mystery: A Unit on Chemicals

 Jotting down properties of the "mystery goo" in our science journals

 Using our sense of touch to gather more properties of the goo

Today marked our very first science experiment!  We are in a unit on chemicals where we are examining five mystery powders (common household substances).  Stay tuned for more pictures as we get closer and closer to solving our mysteries!

What We are Loving Most About Grade 3!

The first two days are down (Friday being VERY eventful with the storm that came through!), and the kids and I couldn't be more excited about third grade.  Here's what we are loving lately:

*Weston and Travis: recess and lunch (and who doesn't, right?!)

* Graysin, Madison, Aubry, Makenzie, Alex, Brandon, Grace, Alec, Natalia and Kaia: Readers' Workshop

* Blake, Cora, Brandon, Megan, Sam, Clay, and Annika: my teacher - gotta love 3rd graders! :)

* Madeline K.: Writers' Workshop

*Miranda: chewing gum (a special reward they got for having their assingment notebooks signed - I am afraid I may have started something here...)

*Madelynn, and Peter:  Art, Library, and Music

*Dylan and Cana: Math Bingo

*Owen: game time

*Mrs. Steif: her 26 amazing, curious, smart 3rd graders!!

Are You Ready?

 Dear Almost-Third-Graders,

The first day is almost here!  If you are like me, you're probably feeling a little nervous (yes, even teachers get nervous before the first day!).  I think it is just the start of something new that makes me nervous.  I KNOW it will be a really fun year of learning and growing.

Last week, the NDLC teachers and I spent our days learning about reading and writing.  We got some really great ideas for teaching non-fiction reading and writing.  I can't wait to tell you all about it!

I hope you enjoy the last few days of summer - get out and do something fun!

:),
Mrs. Steif

Hello Third Graders!

I spent the day loading up on stuff for our room - fun lamps, G.E.A.R. binders (I tell you more about them soon), craft supplies, stickers and even a huge umbrella that will be great for reading under!  The other teachers and I picked out paint colors for the room (something cozy), and our new furniture is arriving.  How exciting!  I hope you are all enjoying your summer and doing something fun everyday - even if it is just exploring your backyard or the bottom of your toy box!