3C is the Place to Be!

Will You Follow Me?

2010-06-17T15:15:00.005-05:00

Today it is official - I am now a second grade teacher. Yep, I have taken the plunge and am filling in the last piece of my puzzle, having taught first and third. This is a very emotional post for me - you, my faithful followers, have been a great source of support for me throughout this last year. I hope that you will follow the link below to my new blog and continue the journey with me as I move into uncharted waters. Thank you for spending time with me and I hope to stay connected to you in the months and years to come.

Fondly,

Pam Ciway

http://2cistheplacetobee.blogspot.com

The 2009-2010 School Year "Floats" Away....

2010-06-09T17:30:00.023-05:00

Today the kids presented their Batavia floats to the class. They did an outstanding job on every part of the project - their smiles clearly indicate they are satisfied with the results of their hard work! Check out the slideshow below for all the presentation pics.:)

Ah, to be a kid again....

2010-05-18T06:54:00.010-05:00

Friday was our last Art Appreciation lesson of the school year. Once again, Mrs. B. came in and did a spectacular job engaging the kids in the lesson of the month. As I watched the kids work with the clay to create sculptures I went back in my own memory to the days when my daughters played with clay, designing wonderfully creative creatures and other figures. I wish kids had more time to do these types of things because the enjoyment on their faces was clear. Thanks, Mrs. B. for giving the kids this opportunity.

Public Works Field Trip

2010-05-10T17:15:00.007-05:00

Last week 3C went to our town's public works facility. The kids learned about sign making, electricity, the water works system and other fascinating aspects of what it takes to keep a town functioning properly. A big thanks to the men and women of the public works for giving up their time and talents to teach our kids. Thanks, everyone - you are all the best!

Be sure to check out the new slideshow at the bottom of the blog for many more pictures of our experience.:)

The Last Student Teacher of 2009-2010

2010-05-01T13:22:00.008-05:00

Sadly, 3C enjoyed the last Student Teacher of the year this past week. T had a fantastic time and especially enjoyed the reading of his favorite book. The kids were enthralled by the creative reading talents of Mrs. Clark. You can tell by T's face that she did a particularly good job! T's favorite job this week was pulling name sticks to assign jobs and positions in the line. Nice job, T!

A Possible Career Choice?

2010-04-23T17:00:00.002-05:00

This past week 3C enjoyed the hard work of our last female Student Teacher of the Week. I think N has the makings of a possible future educator! She kept the class on task and busy all week! Good job, N!

Earth Day Wishes

2010-04-23T16:57:00.002-05:00

In honor of Earth Day, 3C helped our planet by cleaning up the playground during lunch recess. We also expressed our hopes artistically through the creation of Earth Day postage stamps. Check out the Earth Day Wishes slide show below.

Happy Student Teacher of the Week

2010-04-19T07:16:00.004-05:00

Last week A was my Student Teacher and chose a familar favorite to read to the class. There is something about a "add on" book that makes reading aloud extra fun! The kids were an excellent audience and A chose a great partner to read with him - the first time a Student Teacher chose to partner-read with a classmate. Great idea, A!

What a find!

2010-04-19T07:12:00.005-05:00

Last week 3C was given the opportunity to take a very close look at a giant hornet's nest which was one of three discovered by A's grandfather. After carefully spraying the nest to ensure our safety, we were able to listen and learn about these amazing creatures. Thanks, A (and Grandpa!)

Float Building Time

2010-04-16T08:39:00.003-05:00

It is float building time in 3C! In this week's Friday Folder you will find a volunteer sign-up letter for this wonderful project. Please consider coming in to help - it is a lot of fun and many hands make much lighter work!
Also, we are starting the building on April 28th, so if you have not sent in a shoebox yet, please do so. If you cannot, don't worry - I am sure we will have extras!

Check out the Power Point Presentations

2010-04-13T19:06:00.003-05:00

Check out the Power Point presentations on Zeus and Saturn & Jupiter - just click on the link over on the left side of the blog. Once you are there, simply click the download button, open the document and enjoy!

Check Out the Reading Presentations Slide Show!

2010-04-10T11:11:00.004-05:00

Yesterday several groups of 3C students presented reading projects they have been working on for the last few weeks. These students reached their third quarter reading goals very early in the quarter and were given the option of researching a topic to teach to the class. Their families were invited to join in the fun and everyone did a fantastic job - presenters and audience alike. Bravo!

Happy Student Teacher, B!

2010-04-10T11:03:00.002-05:00

B did a wonderful job reading an old favorite to the class. Those can be the best because they bring back such happy memories. I had a great time with you this week, B! Hope you enjoyed it too!

Here We Go!

2010-04-05T11:40:00.004-05:00

Welcome to the fourth quarter. It is hard to believe that we are getting so close to the end of the year - it feels like it just began! Let's take care of each other, appreciating the last few weeks we will be officially 3C. Let's go!

"To the world you may be just one person,

but to one person you may be the world."

Anonymous

Finally!

2010-03-31T06:39:00.005-05:00

Well, here they are - Red Velvet cupcakes - the very first result using my brand new, professional grade Kitchenaid stand mixer. Mr. Ciway bought me the red monster for Christmas and sadly, due to my very busy schedule, I was not able to use it until this week. The exciting part is that I am NOT (emphasize NOT) a baker! I like to cook, but baking skills have eluded me. Not bad for my first project (including the first time I have ever made frosting from scratch or piped frosting from a bag!)

The Final Student Teacher of the Third Quarter

2010-03-31T06:33:00.003-05:00

My last Student Teacher during the month of March picked a really funny, witty book to read to the class entitled 17 Things I'm Not Allowed to do Anymore. What an appropriate choice for a guy who is funny and very witty! Great job, A - I had a wonderful time sharing last week with you.

Check out the Electrifyin' New Slide Show Below!

2010-03-21T16:42:00.002-05:00

Fan Favorite

2010-03-21T16:30:00.004-05:00

This week's Student Teacher must have a certain something about him - he received many multi-page letters from his peers. I think I see teaching in C's future... (he sure looks the scholarly type, doesn't he?)

Fun Student Teacher

2010-03-14T15:12:00.002-05:00

S and I had a great time together this week. S did a fantastic job - the kids really enjoyed her leadership. :) (By the way, happy birthday, Mrs. L!)

The Smells and Tastes of Summer....

2010-03-11T18:48:00.013-06:00

Imagine my delight when I arrived home tonight to find Mr. Ciway in a "summer" state of mind - the grill heating, the chiminea blazing and a fresh bag of Campfire marshmallows awaiting my metal prong - life does not get better than that on a March day that is teasingly reminiscent of summer!

What an Inspiration...

2010-03-09T16:46:00.009-06:00

This past Monday 3C had the distinct pleasure of a visit from Rianna's grandfather, Captain Norwood. I had the privilege of meeting him and his wife several years ago when Rianna's sister, Emma, was one of my students. Captain Norwood has lived a remarkable life - he is such an inspiration to all of us. His message to the students of 3C was clear:

Opportunity + Preparation = Success!

Thanks, Captain Norwood!

Magnetism

2010-03-04T17:37:00.001-06:00

Check out the new slideshow below!

Ahh, tulips!

2010-03-04T17:30:00.007-06:00

There is something about a tulip that makes you dream of spring... This lovely bouquet is a gift from my daughter Connie. Every Wednesday night while her husband is working she and my grandpuppy Milton come over for dinner and a chance to catch up. Last night Connie came bearing gifts of tulips and cream puffs - what a great way to end the day! Lovely daughter, lovely tulips and lovely (?) adorable Milton! What a combo!

For Your Viewing Pleasure...

2010-02-27T16:39:00.003-06:00

Check out the new slideshow feature at the bottom of the blog!

Such Fun!

2010-02-27T15:30:00.003-06:00

You did a great job performing all of the Student Teacher responsibilities this past week, D! Hope you had a memorable time.:) I did!

That's a mouthful!

2010-02-23T17:45:00.006-06:00

Today the kids shared their latest expository compositions (that's quite a mouthful for a third grader - and a third grade teacher, too!)

They know me well...

2010-02-21T11:31:00.004-06:00

It seems like every day I am lucky enough to receive a testament showing how much my 3C kids care about me - sometimes it will be a card, sometimes a letter, sometimes a piece of their morning snack, lovingly, (and often shyly) offered. Below you will see evidence of how well the kids even know which bird is my very favorite - a cardinal patiently molded out of clay, paper puppets for my enjoyment, a little stuffed cardinal to round out my stuffed cardinal family or a little Cardinal's baseball cap - all these gestures, great and small, speak to my heart and fill me up. No matter how hard I try, I can never equal the selfless generosity of a child -especially my 3C kids. Thank you, guys - you truly mean the world to me!

The week ended much too quickly....

2010-02-21T11:28:00.005-06:00

This past week just flew by - a true tribute to the delightful time I spent with my latest Student Teacher - all good things go by way too fast, don't they, S? Sorry to see it end!

Brain Teaser for a Friday

2010-02-19T07:13:00.008-06:00

What does one dog...

+ V8 Juice =

yes, a SKUNK!

One of Cobber's jobs each morning is to go get the paper at the end of the driveway. When he brought the paper to me for his treat I caught a whiff of something burning... I quickly realized that the scent was not smoke, but SKUNK! Mr. Ciway and I hustled Cobber off to the bathtub and we "put out the skunk fire" with my brand new bottle of V8. Good thing I am a V8 fan! I don't think O.J. would have done the trick! What a way to start the day!

Mrs. P. - Art Appreciation Lady Extraordinare!

2010-02-18T17:09:00.007-06:00

February Student Teacher

2010-02-15T15:30:00.004-06:00

The kids really liked your story, D! It was a pleasure working with you this past week!

Valentine's Day Part Two

2010-02-14T14:55:00.001-06:00

Coming soon for your listening pleasure...

Valentine's Day Part One

2010-02-12T15:10:00.020-06:00

We had a great time making Valentine cards for the ones we love!

February's Finest

2010-02-05T17:17:00.004-06:00

This week A did an excellent job fulfilling the role of Student Teacher. He did his job with efficiency and enthusiasm! Thanks, A! (Great book, by the way!)

As Promised - 3C Haikus

2010-02-03T18:19:00.009-06:00

Haiku Poetry

2010-02-02T10:08:00.008-06:00

Today we took a little side trip off of the expository composition highway. (We all needed a change of literary scenery!) To introduce the concept of Haiku we enjoyed a little book called "Dogku" by Andrew Clements. I was inspired by the hopeful beginnings of the month of February (wonderful, albeit snowier than I would have liked!) Here is my February Haiku offering and in the next day or so you will find the kid's poetic gifts.

Oh, February

You are tightly wedged between

the spring and winter.

January's Last

2010-02-01T05:55:00.003-06:00

Well, January certainly went out on a high note - my Student Teacher was excellent! She did all of her duties with energy and efficiency and kept the class captivated with her fine reading skills. Great job, J!

Student Teacher of the Week

2010-01-24T17:05:00.003-06:00

The week certainly flew by - this week's Student Teacher and I had a great time together. Sadly, (as always) it had to end. The kids loved your book choice, A - I think you found a new fan favorite!!

Jamie Wyeth

2010-01-24T16:53:00.014-06:00

Friday was Art Appreciation Day. We learned about the art and style of American artist, Jamie Wyeth. The kids did a beautiful job working with partners, each acting as the others' "eye" model. I hope your child's artwork made it home - the illustrations were "eye-catching"!

Happy Student Teacher!

2010-01-17T12:21:00.002-06:00

The Student Teacher of the Week letters were exceptionally beautiful this past week - the kids wrote them in cursive and their work was really wonderful. Well done! (Interesting book by the way, A!)

Inside recess

2010-01-17T12:20:00.002-06:00

Finally, a good picture!

2010-01-13T17:06:00.003-06:00

My Student Teacher from last week is just crazy about horses! You should see the cool awards she has for the amazing things she can do on and with a horse! (Notice the horse book T has chosen...)

Muscle Memories

2010-01-13T16:57:00.006-06:00

Today we learned about our muscles and had a great time working with models of arms, legs and our marvelous opposable thumbs! (I have to admit that I couldn't resist tap dancing with a well-muscled pair of stick legs!)

Camera (?) Malfunction

2010-01-11T05:34:00.003-06:00

OOPS! My camera decided to be a bit lazy and took pictures last week (sorry, my Student Teacher T) that were not up to its usual standards.... (maybe the photographer had a bit to do with it too...) Check back later for some pics!

Snowed In

2009-12-28T07:25:00.006-06:00

Can you believe the snow? Poor Mr. Ciway has turned into a popsicle from the plowing, but Cobber is loving every minute of it!

Last Student Teacher of 2009

2009-12-21T06:58:00.003-06:00

It is so strange to think that my next student teacher will not take the job until next year! However, my last student teacher of 2009 did a fantastic job. (Thanks for the cool block image of my name, D! I love it!)

Owl Pellet Day

2009-12-14T16:52:00.015-06:00

Today the kids dissected owl pellets as part of the skeletal system unit in our science curriculum. Imagine their delight as they found skulls (see below), ribs, teeth and various other parts of the skeletal systems of an owl's prey. Speculation about what type of animal they found was running high in 3C today! On Friday we dissected pellets virtually, so the kids were already familiar with what they might find. I have included the virtual dissection site in the list of fun sites to check out!

Student Teacher of the Week

2009-12-13T11:25:00.004-06:00

Excellent story choice, H! You read it like a professional.:)

Winslow Homer

2009-12-13T11:12:00.011-06:00

Our artist of the month was Winslow Homer. Mrs. Pruhs came in and taught us all about his life and style. The kids enjoyed learning about him and attempting to imitate his art medium. (The kids also enjoyed the candy canes - thanks, Mrs. Pruhs!)

Stellar Student Teacher of the Week

2009-12-05T12:22:00.003-06:00

You were outstanding, R!

Collaboration is the key to success!

2009-12-05T11:52:00.013-06:00

Over the course of the last few months my NIU students and my 3C students have gotten to know one another through various learning opportunities. Our 3C family has shared various pieces of work with my NIU students and vice versa. Even though they have never met or even talked, they share something in common - Elementary School Language Arts. One of the NIU class projects was the creation of a Nonfiction Listening Center. The NIU students created the centers with the kids in mind, and this past week the 3C students had the task of "evaluating" the activities. They took the assignment very seriously, giving constructive feedback and they learned a lot about a variety of topics along the way, including snakes and lizards, therapy dogs, autumn leaves, nutrition and germs! Take a look! (Thank you, my NIU students - you did a fantastic job on the centers. My kids and I appreciate all of your time and effort. Your hearts are clearly evident!)

Love Heals All Wounds

2009-11-22T08:15:00.007-06:00

Get well gifts from my kids (not even including the pile of get well cards and wishes!) Not only does my foot feel better - my heart is brimming over!

Very Important People

2009-11-22T07:36:00.028-06:00

Friday was our school's V.I.P. Day - an annual event filled with family and friends - enjoy (I certainly did!)

World Record

2009-11-18T07:13:00.003-06:00

Well, due to my unfortunate injury, my dear little Student Teacher of the Week has the dubious honor of holding the Student Teacher of the Week position the longest -a record 7 full days! Fortunately, she has been a spectacular one! L, your words flowed like water - excellent job reading your favorite book!

Snap, Crackle & Pop in the Computer Lab...

2009-11-13T07:02:00.007-06:00

Well, I thought I would give you the latest diagnosis on my foot. As you can see, I am pretty bandaged up. After the "crack" in the computer lab Wednesday I traveled over to my local Emergency Room where an x-ray proved inconclusive.

Yesterday I went to a foot doctor who told me that she is 99.9% sure that I have a stress fracture in the bone located along the outside edge of my foot. She told me that often these fractures are deep in the bone and do not show up on an x-ray until it starts healing. So, I am home again today, and am going to do my best to show up sometime next week because I need to be with the kids - not here with the t.v. and computer! I just wanted to let you know that I am fine, just in need of some TLC, ice and an elevated foot! Mr. Ciway and Cobber take excellent care of me. Cobber is perfectly willing to carry things for me (for a treat, however!)

The power of the written word

2009-11-03T05:31:00.006-06:00

Yesterday the kids made "exciting word" boxes. While they are reading, they are supposed to be on the lookout for exciting words they come across in the text. Whenever a word strikes their fancy, they are to write the word down and place it in their word box. This box will serve many purposes - not only will it help them to read more carefully, they will have a personal bank of words to use when they write!

Let the conversation begin!

2009-11-02T05:25:00.003-06:00

This morning at 7:30 a.m. I have my first parent-teacher conference. I think I want to re-name them "parent-teacher conversation times". "Conference" sounds so foreboding, don't you think? I always look forward to this week - I finally have the gift of a precious few minutes to share observations, offer suggestions and ask important questions of the experts who have raised and nurtured my 3C kids. I hope that you all feel the same way I do - we truly are a team, working for the benefit of the kids. We all want the same thing - for the students of 3C to leave in June better students, better citizens and simply better people, ready to move on to 4th grade the very best people they can be.

Happy Halloween!

2009-10-31T06:56:00.002-05:00

It's Halloween

by Jack Prelutsky

It's Halloween! It's Halloween!
The moon is full and bright
And we shall see what can't be seen
On any other night.
Skeletons and ghosts and ghouls,
Grinning goblins fighting duels,
Werewolves rising from their tombs,
Witches on their magic brooms.
In masks and gowns
We haunt the street
And knock on doors
for trick or treat.
Tonight we are
the king and queen,
For oh tonight
It's Halloween!

Funny book - excellent reader!

2009-10-30T13:05:00.003-05:00

This story made everyone laugh!

The end of a quarter

2009-10-22T04:32:00.004-05:00

It has been a quiet week (if you can call working with water, ice and thermometers quiet!) It is hard to believe that today brings the end of the first quarter in our 3C year. It seems like just yesterday it was the end of August and here we are, saying goodbye to October. The quarter has been a hectic one filled with new concepts and getting procedures down pat. The weeks have gone by in a whirlwind - racing towards first report cards and the first glimpse of flurries (yikes!) I am looking forward to the second quarter - time to really settle in and get this "third grade thing" internalized for good. I am also looking forward to my Parent/Teacher conferences - I relish the time I get to spend with my families, treasuring the opportunity to hear about the kids from an expert's perspective - yours!
See you soon!

Another Student Teacher Moment

2009-10-22T04:28:00.001-05:00

Excellent book choice!

Our Student Teacher reads her favorite book

2009-10-15T17:52:00.003-05:00

Great job, Miss Student Teacher!

Metric measurement can be fun!

2009-10-14T17:25:00.009-05:00

Mystery message

2009-10-14T17:23:00.001-05:00

Can you see it?

New Link

2009-10-12T07:11:00.001-05:00

Good morning, everyone! I have added a new link to our site - the link is to the Louise White LRC. If you explore it in detail, you will find many interesting links to games, family fun and even reference sites, including a homework hotline. Check it out!

Happy Student Teacher of the Week

2009-10-09T05:20:00.003-05:00

Hope it was fun! It was fun for me.:)

(Not So) Silly Pet Tricks

2009-10-08T04:35:00.004-05:00

Sometimes I think my dog Cobber is too smart for his own good (and mine). Being the proactive people that we are, Mr. Ciway and I have already started planning for our old age by teaching him how to pick things up for us when we drop them and give them back to us. Cobber is so good at it now (it only took a mere one or two attempts to teach him originally) that he even anticipates when we might be dropping something and waits eagerly for every opportunity. Yesterday my daughter Connie was visiting and told me that she was unpacking some items and figured her dad who was upstairs might be in need of them so she simply said "take this to Daddy" and as quick as a bunny Cobber was up the stairs, the items gently cradled in his mouth, taking them right to Mr. Ciway. What a dog!

Orange and yellow and brown... oh my!

2009-10-05T10:21:00.009-05:00

Wow, do I love October.... I love the colors, the crispness of the air and even the smell of rotting leaves (I know that is pretty gross!) Whenever I see a path on the side of the road or a street that has a canopy of leaves over it leading to a place unknown I have to stifle the urge to pull off and follow where it leads. What is it about this time of year that fills us with wanderlust? I can't answer that - just pondering the question itself is enough to get me unfocused and dreamy. Sigh...

Art, anyone?

2009-09-30T18:08:00.012-05:00

Today we learned about the muralist, Diego Rivera,

thanks to our wonderful art appreciation expert!

We had a wonderful time creating murals on the sidewalks by the school.

I wonder if the people who visited our murals later in
the day wondered who the fantastic artists were?

Student Teacher

2009-09-30T05:30:00.002-05:00

I love having a Student Teacher! My favorite part is getting to know each child better as we sit next to each other over the course of the week. I hope each 3C student enjoys the experience as much as I do!

Spelling Practice

2009-09-29T05:31:00.008-05:00

Spelling practice did not look like this when I was in third grade!
Is it tite or tight?????

Hmm...

Keep thinking!

Three is a lucky number!

Any volunteers??

2009-09-24T07:10:00.002-05:00

I am looking for parent helpers on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11:45 am until 12:45 pm. Anyone interested? Please let me know.;) Thanks!

The Joys of Teaching Third Grade

2009-09-23T18:31:00.002-05:00

Need I say more?

Getting to know you, getting to know all about you...

2009-09-21T23:13:00.014-05:00

Today 3C conducted its annual People Search. The first week of school the students are asked to write down a "secret fact" about themselves - something that they consider uniquely theirs. Today it was our turn to see if we could connect interesting fact with the correct person. We had a great time guessing and questioning each other about all of the information on the "People Search" paper. At the end, the true identities were revealed and the kids gave us the scoop on his or her special fact. Did you know that Mrs. Clark loves anchovies on her pizza? No? Well thanks to the People Search now you do!

Love makes the world go 'round...

2009-09-18T05:36:00.009-05:00

This past week 3C reviewed one of the 6 traits of writing - the trait of ideas. Writers produce their most thoughtful work when they write about subjects they know and care about the most. To generate some ideas, the students created maps of their hearts. These maps always show me so much about the kids - not only about what they love, but also about their priorities. Here is a sampling of their work - check out our hallway sometime next week to get a complete view of just how big their hearts really are - not only in size, but in their capacity to love.

Have playground will play

2009-09-14T23:04:00.009-05:00

Despite the fact that our new playground isn't finished yet, 3C still manages to have a great time!

LWS is the place to be

2009-09-12T06:25:00.006-05:00

Today's message is not about our 3C family, but about our LWS family. Long story short, it is very rare that you will find me in the staff lunch room during my 40 minute lunch. I take my lunch and scurry back to our room to eat and prepare for my afternoon session. Early in the week I was approached by members of my third grade team, requesting that I at least have lunch with them on Fridays since they don't get a chance to see me during the week. I gave a vague "we'll see" with a smile and off I went, scurrying as usual.
Well, yesterday as I slid into the lounge to get my lunch and quickly retreat I turned around and there, on the table where my team usually eats, sat this beautiful place card. (Yes, that is a spork attached to the card compliments of the lunchroom). When I saw this card, my heart skipped a beat and I went from the old Grinch to the new Grinch because my heart grew two sizes at that moment.
This old teacher learned a lot yesterday.... I was reminded that we have to smell the roses everywhere - not just with our families, but with our dear friends, as well. I was also reminded that the little things in life mean the most. I hope I can pay this sweet, oh so meaningful gesture forward soon. Thank you, thank you , my dear friends for making me feel so important on a Friday.

Thoughts for a Thursday

2009-09-10T18:30:00.004-05:00

Woohoo! We are really getting into the third grade groove now. Math review is underway and math facts are being practiced regularly. We are learning about the hemispheres, the continents and the oceans, too. (The kids had a great time pretending that they were astronauts who blasted off into space. ) As we "float" closer to Earth, we have to figure out how to get home without contact from NASA. Pretty cool stuff, huh? I wish I did those things when I was in third grade! The kids have been building stamina during independent reading time. It is a favorite time of our day - be sure to ask your son or daughter about this special time when we get lost inside our "good fit" books. Today independent writing started - cool, little red notebooks filled with blank pages just waiting for the creative thoughts and dreams of a third grader. Okay - I admit it - I am the lucky one - I get to witness it all happening, right here in our little 3C world.

Finally, business as usual...

2009-09-08T18:04:00.005-05:00

Well, it seems like Labor Day brings us more than just a long rest - it seems to get us all focused on the task at hand. Today finally felt normal - kids learning and working hard and teachers learning about the kids and working hard, too! It was such a pleasure to get the day going with procedures that are finally in place and everyone seems to "get."

Good news - our LRC friend, Mrs B. gave us the nicest (and well-earned) compliment. She told me that 3C was the best behaved, most well mannered and totally "with-it" group that had come to the LRC to check out books so far this year. :) I was beaming with pride - as were the kids! You have so many things to be proud of - namely 23 fantastic kids! Bravo! Let's keep it up, shall we?

Comments

2009-09-03T19:41:00.003-05:00

In case you are new to blogging, this is how you can leave a comment on a post:

1. Choose your favorite post

2. Click on the "comments" link that is right below the post

3. Enter your message in the big box

4. Type the verification word in the box provided

5. Choose "name/url" and type in your first name

6. Press "publish" and that is it!

Hope to hear from you soon.:)

Ahh, to be a kid again...

2009-09-02T17:03:00.013-05:00

Sigh...

It isn't easy being green....

2009-08-17T06:21:00.008-05:00

Well, my daughter Cathie has finally done it! All of her gentle (and not so gentle) urging has turned me into a much greener person. I am now more conscious of the choices I make each day to help sustain our planet and not hurt it. As a result, I am looking to you, my families, to help me on my quest towards a paperless 3C message system. Starting today, all messages that do not require a signature or reply from you on paper (such as a field trip permission slip) will be posted on this blog in a new column entitled "3C Documents" tucked below my personal profile. If you click on each of the documents it will take you to an online version of the paper. To return to our blog, simply click the back button. I will add/discard information as our year progresses, so please visit often! I will talk more about this at our Curriculum Night. Thank you for helping 3C to be part of the solution, not part of the problem.

Is it vacation time yet?

2009-08-05T13:24:00.003-05:00

Whew! I don't know what is worse - packing or unpacking... I spent the morning in our classroom - organizing books, emptying shelves and just generally putting back all of the things I packed away 2 short months ago. I have to admit that when I got to school at 7:00 am I was a bit daunted by the task ahead of me - part of me wanted to close the door and go back to summer vacation!
The more practical side of me won out, however, so I dove into my work with gusto, and by 12:00 pm I had accomplished a great deal. (Check back soon for some pictorial evidence of my labor of love.)

A picture speaks a thousand words...

2009-08-03T12:47:00.015-05:00

Today I finally set up the digital camera Mr. Ciway bought for me about 6 months ago.

(Interestingly, we both had the same idea at the same time and we both bought each other a frame! ) As I went through all of the pictures I have saved in my digital files, I went on a very long walk down memory lane. All of my past vacations, holidays, former students and families and other meaningful events filled my heart with joy and sometimes, with sadness, especially if the picture was of someone who is no longer with me. As I looked with much love at the pictures of all of these people who mean so much to me, I couldn't help but think about you - what kind of pictures will we share? After our year together is over, I will be looking at your pictures, feeling this very same way. I can't wait to start building our photographic history.

Go, Cougars!

2009-07-27T09:23:00.009-05:00

Mr. Ciway and I went to the Cougars' game on Saturday night. I was hoping to see some of my students and families, but we were sitting so close to the field I was not able to see much of the stands. Oh, well, maybe next time!

Welcome to 3C

2009-07-23T19:13:00.001-05:00

Welcome to the 3C blog! This is the place where you can get important information, check out pictures of our 3C community, and read my thoughts and reflections as we travel the third grade road together. I hope you enjoy the trip!