News from 3B - Week of February 4, 2008

We are busy inventing !

The Invention Convention is coming to our school on March 5th!

Each student in our school will be inventing something new to solve a problem or make a task easier.  We have spent many classroom hours brainstorming, working and creating.  Be sure to ask your child what they have invented – and help them if they don’t have an idea yet.

Next Wednesday everyone in 3B must bring to the classroom a completed backboard for their invention.  Details are going home in today’s Friday envelope.  Be sure to follow the directions and to get this in on time!

Next Friday, February 15th, students will bring home their completed backboards and will have 2 weeks to complete a model of their invention.  I will send information on this next week.  Spend the weekend thinking about the inventions surrounding us in every part of our lives.

A Wonderful Field Trip!

Yesterday we traveled to the San Mateo County Historical Museum located in the Old Courthouse.  After a pleasant lunch in the sun, we took part in several Ohlone activities and learned about the natural resources of the area.  We talked about how settlers used resources and went on a hunt to find various items within the museum.  Students learned much about the history of the Peninsula.  Thanks to parents who drove and helped on the trip.

Literature Circles Continue

Students were put into new Literature Circles this week and began reading new books.   I tried to match students to their interests and reading level.  We are practicing thinking about books – and writing thinking questions to discuss.  Literature Circles will continue for several weeks.

As a class, we are reading aloud Poppy by Avi – one of my favorite books.  Students are enjoying the adventures of this brave – and foolish - deer mouse.

Have a great weekend!
-Victoria Blackman