On Wednesday, December 16th, the two classes experienced quite an amazing scientific journey through the Botanical Gardens! First, we were taken to the outdoor classroom where we created out own SOLAR OVENS! Then, we used the solar ovens to bake s’mores while we explored the gardens with our guide Ms. Moore. While we explored, we discussed the importance of renewable and non-renewable resources. As we followed the trails, the students were on a Scavenger Hunt finding renewable & non-renewable resources along the way. After the Scavenger Hunt, the students enjoyed freshly baked S’MORES! What an amazing trip! We had a great time and we learned so much about the importance of conservation and alternate forms of energy.
The third grade celebrated the completion of their spooky stories this past Monday, November 9th! We hoped you enjoyed reading our truly terrifying tales of ghosts, ghouls, and monsters! We had been learning why spooky stories made us scared. The published stories included spooky vocabulary, horrifying characters, a spine-tingling setting, and a frightening plot. The party was a HUGE success thanks to all of our visitors, and the amazing effort and hard work the third grade put into their writing. Excellent job 3rd Grade!!!
The 3rd grade just finished up our final writing piece for the year! We celebrated the completed comic books Thursday, May 28th with friends, family, and FOOD! The students worked extremely hard to create original comic books. From “Beast Girl” to “Rocky, the Pet Rock”, “Goo-Guy” to “The Adventures of Isse the Iguana”, these comic were truly AMAZING! I am so proud of all the hard work the Third Grade students put into their comic books! GREAT JOB! This was our very last publishing party of the year. I am so proud of all the effort and creativity they have put into their writing projects this year! Congratulations 3rd Grade! – Camila Duke Byczek
As we have been studying Japan, what better way to experience the culture than to try an authentic Japanese meal. The 3rd grade had an amazing lunch at Kyushu Thursday, April 2nd. We walked in and were transported to the island of Kyushu! Zen gardens, koi ponds, Tatami rooms, and SUSHI completed the experience. The students had a private Tatami Room, which meant we were able to sit on the floor, and their favorite…. TAKE OFF THEIR SHOES! Everyone tried something NEW! They all tried the miso soup, terriyaki chicken, ginger, wasabi, and of course….SUSHI! We loved our brief journey to “Japan” and hope to return one day. Thanks to Kyushu for a great experience!
The Third Grade has been studying the country of Japan. We have been immersing ourselves in Japanese culture, history, literature, language, and even MARTIAL ARTS! As part of our study, and Physical Education curriculum, we were fortunate enough to have an Aikido black belt teach us the basics of this form of Japanese self-defence.
Aikido is a Japanese martial art developed by Morihei Ueshiba as a synthesis of his martial studies, philosophy, and religious beliefs. Aikido is often translated as “the Way of unifying with life energy” or as “the Way of harmonious spirit.” Ueshiba’s goal was to create an art that practitioners could use to defend themselves while also protecting their attacker from injury.Aikido is performed by blending with the motion of the attacker and redirecting the force of the attack rather than opposing it head-on. This requires very little physical energy, as the aikid?ka (aikido practitioner) “leads” the attacker’s momentum using entering and turning movements. The techniques are completed with various throws or joint locks. Aikido can be categorized under the general umbrella of grappling arts.
John Duke, an Aikido instructor on Big Pine Key, volunteered his time to teach us the basics of this form of self-defence. We had a BLAST and would love to have him back. Thanks John (Sensei)!
