Learning about the Cherokee with Ms. Iris

Ms. Iris is a part of Wellford Academy's awesome custodial crew!  She was willing to come and share her Cherokee heritage with all third grade classes!  We learned that her Native American name is "Laughing Waters," and that she is a part of the "wolf" tribe!  She also brought many beautiful Native American artifacts that we enjoyed viewing.  Who knew such history could come alive in our own school!  Thank you, Ms. Iris!  Please check out the the "Animoto" about our special speaker!!
http://animoto.com/play/wpBzrmVM9qMQeQmXJfCliA

You are Incredible!

Third graders, this year has been fabulous so far.  You have amazed me with your eagerness to learn and willingness to work hard.  The Native American projects turned out to be incredible!  Please tell me what you thought about the experience.  Here are the links to the Animoto presentations.  Enjoy!!

http://animoto.com/play/sPCqiiVRTiGFEigTM1Q9lw

http://animoto.com/play/DWnYoYlO41DR12dHi03d0w

http://animoto.com/play/qQZFfXPPnbc1flt8EvAUlw

http://animoto.com/play/xpiB1x64m9oiguhG0u95XQ

http://animoto.com/play/HCwzTTee4vNTbsQi7wj01w

http://animoto.com/play/DMWr3u9afmjKcWQnQHWCNA

A True Hero

Mrs. Gillespie invited Marcus Lattimore to Wellford Academy to play a round of "Are you Smarter than a 3rd Grader".  Once again, third grade, you rocked and showed your intellect and knowledge of third grade concepts!  Marcus was very impressed with us, and I think all of us were impressed with him as well.  Marcus told both classes to remain positive, respect your teachers, and go to college.  What do you think about his visit?  Did anything he say strike a chord with you, and make you think about your own life? Please share your thoughts about his visit.   


Photograph by Tim Kimzey

http://www.goupstate.com/article/20110517/articles/110519626?sudsredirect=true

Way to go, Mrs. Gillespie! Way to go, amazing third graders!

Mrs. Gillespie challenged Jamarcus Jackson from Scene on 7 to play Qwizdom with our third grade students!  He accepted the challenge, and our students from Wellford Academy were ready to show off their math skills.  Stay tuned to find out when you can see the results for yourself on Scence on 7.

Click on the link and read the article from our district website about this exciting event! Tell me your thoughts.

http://www.spart5.net/spart5/cwp/view.asp?A=3&Q=319910

Poetry, Poetry, Poetry!

Poetry, the most exciting type of writing there is (well, in my opinion).  We can be creative.  We do not have to follow all of the rules of grammar.  We can get our point across in a whimsical way.  Today we listened to poems from Nikki Giovanni's, Hip Hop Speaks to Children:  A Celebration of Poetry with a Beat .  We created mental images on paper and decided what the message or main idea was within each poem.  Here was one of our favorites.  What do you think the author wants us to understand?  Do you have a favorite poet or a favorite poem?  Please share!

Things
-Eloise Greenfield
Went to the corner
Walked in the store
Bought me some candy
Ain’t got it no more
Ain’t got it no more
Went to the beach
Played on the shore
Built me a sandhouse
Ain’t got it no more
Ain’t got it no more
Went to the kitchen
Lay down on the floor
Made me a poem
Still got it
Still got it

For more information on Nikki Giovanni:  http://nikki-giovanni.com/hiphopspeaks.shtml
For more information on Eloise Greenfield: http://www.eduplace.com/kids/hmr/mtai/greenfield.html

MAP Testing ~ How can you do your best?

MAP and PASS testing are right around the corner.  We can do our best, and take our time taking these tests.  However, some of us feel really nervous about taking these tests.  How can you do your best?  What advice can you give your classmates on how to deal with the stress of test taking?