Egg Drop!

On April 8th, third grade students completed in the annual Egg Drop.

We start off with easy drops, and they get progressively more difficult.

Congratulations to Mary, the first ever winner from one of my classes!  Well done, Mary!

Field trip to the Capitol and IMAX!

We went on our third field trip on March 31st, just a few days after we returned from Spring Break.

Thankfully, we got some pictures on the steps of the Capitol before a scheduled speech there later in the day.  We scheduled our trip on what ended up being an exciting day--several union groups were there supporting the minimum wage bill, Reverend Franklin Graham was there giving a speech, it was Cesar Chavez Day, and apparently (although we missed her), Jennifer Garner was also there with her daughter!

While in the Capitol, Larissa's mom had arranged for us to meet with the Senate President pro Tem of the Senate, Kevin de Leon.  He was so kind to let us visit for about a half hour, answering all sorts of questions from our kiddos.

A wonderful and educational field trip!

Green Days

We got to listen to a presentation called "Talk About Trees" where we learned about trees being a natural, renewable resource and all the things that can be made with trees!

On March 16th, a few kids from my class that remembered the leprechauns who visited our first grade classroom asked if we were going to make traps again.  With the last four minutes of class, we rapidly assembled some leprechaun traps...

...and wouldn't you know it, some leprechauns DID visit our class!

A couple kids did SEE our leprechaun visitors, but sadly we didn't catch any.  Maybe next time, folks!

Field Trip to Sutter's Fort and California Indian Museum

On March 11th, we took a field trip to Sutter's Fort and the California Indian Museum.  It was predicted to be rainy, we hoped it wouldn't be rainy...but It. Was. Rainy.

Despite the pouring rain, driving winds, and mud puddles, we got some smiles!

We took shelter in some of the Sutter's Fort rooms and got to listen to some of the presenters while they waited for another group who was coming later in the day.  This man explained to us what trappers did and what they used furs for.

I am so absolutely thankful for all the chaperones who came with us.  Each and every parent was cheerful, helpful, and patient with the kids.  THANK YOU!

How fun to see this basket at Sutter's Fort, just like the ones we wove in class!

Mrs. Rosales was so kind and arranged for us to eat lunch at St. Francis of Assisi church, who generously opened up their doors to us so we didn't have to eat outside in the rain!

Despite the rain, we had a great time!

Read Across America Week!

Read Across America Week is one of my absolute favorites!

We started off Monday with Crazy Hat Day...

Tuesday was Twin Day...

(the Force was strong with a few of us)...

In case you missed it, your Stonegate teachers had fun dressing up together too!

On Wednesday (Pajama Day), Superintendent Linda Luna came and read to our class.  What an honor and what a wonderful reader!

Who wouldn't want to spend a day in pajamas?

We also had two student athletes from Sac State come read to us too!

Crazy Sock Day was Thursday!

Last but not our least favorite day, Friday was Crazy Colors Day!

Also during Read Across America week, our class researched different authors and read several (picture) books by each one.  Our author study made it up on the office bulletin board!

Our staff pictures are also featured on the office bulletin board directly to your right when you walk in.

Check out our wonderful work!

More from our California Indians unit

After reading a selection of legends, students in our class wrote their own, and shared them around smaller campfires.  We also made a class book with all our legends collected together!

Mrs. Rosales also arranged a visit from the Maidu Museum in Roseville, which our generous PTO paid for.  Our presenter showed us real artifacts from local tribes!

All third graders also got a chance to grind acorns!