Growing, Moving and Changing in our classrooms, our school, and our world! Follow our journey...
Tuesday, September 30, 2014
A Day on the Courts
A huge thank you to the United States Tennis Association for their generous support of new racquets, balls, and nets for our school. Thanks, also, to the BTC for allowing us the use of their courts...what a great experience to play on real courts! Thank you to Alex, a USTA Tennis Pro, for donating his time to help us learn and practice our skills, and to Mrs. Ankerson for helping to arrange the trip to the courts at the BTC today.
Summer Reading Challenge Success #RESreads
Try to read as many genres of literature as you can over the summer and keep track on a reading log.
Here are the results:
As you can see, third graders love the fantasy genre! We look forward to a fabulous year of reading and learning together!
Monday, September 22, 2014
Summer Memories
Friday, September 19, 2014
Investigating Streams #resvt #stem
Investigation Stream Source
In Science this week, 3rd grade scientists used their observation skills to investigate how a steady stream source would impact the erosion on a land model. As a class, we developed a testable question and then students worked in small groups to investigate the topic. We'll be continuing this work in the coming weeks with further investigations. Stay tuned!
Wednesday, September 17, 2014
Open House! #resvt
Emily Ankerson, Tonya Darby, Marie Ayer
Monday, September 15, 2014
Launching Chromebooks in Third Grade #resvt
It has been an exciting time in third grade, as we launched our new one-one initiative! Each scholar has been assigned their own Chromebook to be used only here at school. Scholars are learning how to properly care for them, how to log into their computer, and how to safely navigate the internet. By the end of the week, you will see that your child will have their login information and passwords in their homeschool folder. As we slowly launch this program, we ask that scholars only access their google accounts during school time. Eventually, they will also be able to use their google accounts at home.
This year, their new morning routine will be complete FASTT Math lessons prior to morning meeting. Scholars will be coming home with other ways in which they can practice their basic math facts.
Scholars are so excited to welcome you into our classrooms for Open House on Wednesday night, where you can learn more about what we are doing on Chromebooks!
Friday, September 12, 2014
A Stoplight of Internet Safety #resvt
As third graders prepare to begin using Chromebooks for the first time, we are working to establish routines and expectations with students. Mrs. Rankin stopped by each of our classrooms this week for a conversation about internet safety using the metaphor of a stoplight. Each class discussed their ideas of what websites and activities might fall into each category of the stoplight.
Green Light: These are websites that are approved by teachers, parents/guardians or other adults and students can use these websites with confidence knowing they are safe. Examples include: Fastt Math, Edutyping, PebbleGo, or anything on the CESU "Great Sites for Kids" page.
Yellow Light: These are websites that should be used with caution. Perhaps they require a sign-in or email address, or there is a "chat" feature that can be used. These are sites that students should use carefully, under the supervision of an adult and stopping to ask questions if necessary. Examples include: Penguin Jump.
Red Light: These are sites that should not be used by students because the material is inappropriate or unsafe for students. If students happen upon one of these sites, they should either shut off their computer or find an adult immediately to help.
As we continue throughout the year, we will continue to revisit this discussion. Please feel free to use this analogy at home, too, as you have your own family discussions about online safety.
Learning to Use a "Storyteller's Voice" #resvt #tcrwp
Even better, Mr. Berry was there to caption the entire story so that we'll be able to refer back to it as a "mentor text" throughout the year. All students were eager to head back to class and get started writing (or continuing to write) their own small moment stories using their "storyteller's voice."
Thanks for the inspiration, Mr. Alberghini! We can't wait until you return to tell us the muskrat story.
You can find a video of Mr. Alberghini's story here. And an interview about the story with Mr. Alberghini here.
And, the Tarrant Institute for Innovative Education at the University of Vermont heard about our storytelling special guest and wrote their own blog about it! Check it out here on their blog: The power of transmedia storytelling.
Friday, September 5, 2014
Spotlight on: Grade 3 Library Classes #RESvt #CESUvt
Third graders have been learning new skills to help them use the library independently. They are practicing how to search the library computer catalog
- if you know what a book is called (that's a title search),
- if you know who wrote the book (that's an author search)
- if you know what a book is about (that's a subject or a keyword search)
They will be able to use these search skills in other libraries as well, and also for their third and fourth grade research projects. The most exciting part of the day was when a scholar used his new skills to look for a book about building forts. He was thrilled with the book he found, independently!

Thursday, September 4, 2014
Four Winds Nature Education Program At Richmond Elementary Seeks Volunteers
Tuesday, September 2, 2014
Homework! #resvt
Today, third graders brought home their first homework of the year! Each Monday (or Tuesday), students will receive a YELLOW newsletter in their mailboxes to bring home. This newsletter includes a little information on each of the subject areas we are covering in class and should provide a nice starting point for conversations at home. Instead of asking "How was school today?" you may want to try asking about the game played in math or the strategy learned during reading workshop! (More ideas can be found here!)
On the other side of the newsletter is a recording sheet for students to keep track of the books read during the week, the activities used to practice for word study, etc. An empty calendar is included at the top of this page to help students plan their week. It is a great opportunity to help students learn time management by helping fill in the week's events. By doing so, students will be able to see when they should work on their homework to make sure it is completed on time. This recording sheet needs to be signed by an adult and returned to school on Friday.
Each week, the newsletter will be added to the "Family Community" tab on our blog -- it's located at the top of the page. A blank recording sheet will also be posted here, in the event that the family dog does actually each your homework (by accident!) one week!
If your child ever encounters any difficulty with homework, please encourage them to seek help early in the week from their classroom teacher. We're more than happy to help sort out any misunderstandings or to give them a little boost of encouragement. If it's not possible, simply include a little note with the week's homework.
Weekof9.2.14
9.2.14homeworkrecord
(Clipart from: http://myclassroomnotes.com/resources/holiday-homework-clipart-i1.jpg.opt772x153o0,0s772x153.jpg)
Thursday, August 28, 2014
A Fantastic First Day! #resvt
Wow! What a wonderful first day of school! We had such a great first day together! We met new and old friends, reminded each other of the school-wide expectations and started to get into the groove of third grade together!
Tuesday, August 26, 2014
New Friends are Waiting! #resvt
Shelly & Yoshi
Kermit & Freddie
Froggy
Monday, August 4, 2014
Starting a New Year!
Wednesday, June 25, 2014
Thanks for a GREAT year!
Thank you ALL for a fabulous year in third grade!
(And don't be a stranger when you pass by us in the hallway on your way to 4th grade!)
On the Road: Rock of Ages
Rock of Ages
We had the opportunity this spring to visit Rock of Ages in Graniteville, Vermont, to see geology in our own backyard! While at the quarry, we watched a video of the history of granite quarrying in Vermont as well as the improvements over time in the granite carving/polishing processes. We were taken on a guided tour of the quarry where we had the opportunity to ask questions and relate it back to our learning in geology. We also had an opportunity to try out granite sandblasting to create our own keepsake AND saw granite workers in action in the factory.
Thanks to our chaperones for helping to make this trip possible.
Wednesday, June 18, 2014
Sailing Away on Lake Champlain!
Sailing 2014
Many thanks to Larry Thomson, RES guest teacher, for introducing our students to the geography of Lake Champlain, shared nautical maps, and even a crash course in sailing prior to our field trip experience!
Friday, June 13, 2014
A Day on the Green
Tuesday, June 10, 2014
The First Tee Program at RES
Students are excited to be on a real course and practice their skills. They will rotate through stations that involve putting, chipping, pitching, driving, and actually playing part of the 18th hole. We want to thank the Vermont Golf Association for helping to cover 80% of the cost of the equipment, donations from families during the Walk-a-Thon and Cedar Country Club for hosting our students. Brian Godfrey hopes to expand this program to more grades next year! Check out the video and website for more information on this national program!
The First Tee Program
More Than a Game
Wednesday, May 21, 2014
A Chick is Born!
(Or directly link to the video on YouTube here.)
All of our third grade classes are currently watching the life cycle of a chicken occur before our eyes as our incubated eggs have been hatching this week! We were able to capture this video of the 19th chick hatching...check it out!
Monday, May 19, 2014
Pollination Time
This Week's News
Be sure to read this week's newsletter...it has important updates about field trips (Track Meet this Friday) as well as end-of-the-year information.
Newsletter Week of May 19: 3rd grade newsletter May 19
Friday, May 16, 2014
Live Chick Cams!
Our classroom chicks are nearing the expected hatch date and we've set up webcams on our incubators (and we'll move them to the brooder area when our chicks move there, too). Tuesday, May 20th is the expected hatch day...keep an eye on the cams for live coverage!
Mrs. Ankerson's chick-cam: http://www.ustream.tv/channel/chicken-hatch-cam
Mrs. Ayer's chick-cam: Mrs. Ayer's Cam
Miss Darby's chick-cam: http://www.ustream.tv/channel/miss-darby-s-chick-cam
We're using a web application called "UStream" which also has a free mobile app on iOS and Android devices. Look in the app store to download these apps to see the live action on the go!
(Image from Microsoft Office Clipart Gallery)
Thursday, May 15, 2014
Third Grade Art Show
| Digital slideshow generated with Smilebox |
Or, click here for a direct link to the slideshow.
Tuesday, May 13, 2014
Library Connections: Life Cycle Science Research with Third Grade
A guest post from our teacher librarian, Beth Redford.

life cycle partners with their science notebooks
Third grade scientists have been researching animal life cycles during their library classes. Last week they used PebbleGo online database and World Book Online to collect information for their science notebooks. This week they began working with partners to create Google Presentations like the example below.
This project has allowed them to practice their note taking skills as well as learn some great features in Google Apps like using template documents, sharing documents, and collaborating with other students to create a presentation together. Next week they will also have a chance to practice citing their sources.
The scholars have also been having some great conversations about similarities and differences in animal life cycles. Did you know that ferrets have live births and blue jays have egg births, but they both have about six young at a time? Why do you think that is?
Monday, May 5, 2014
A Visit to Shelburne Farms
| Customize a free digital slideshow |
or, to see the slideshow click here.
Thank you to the parent chaperones and Shelburne Farms educators who helped make this day possible!
Monday, April 28, 2014
Library Connections - Fairy Tales with Third Grade
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As part of my work with third graders this year, I have been collaborating with their classroom teachers on their current writing unit. The scholars are writing fairy tales in their Writing Workshop. They began this unit by reading and listening to dozens of fairy tales, both in their classrooms and in the library. We held a day of special guest readers in the library (teachers, parents, and our principal). I had a chance to read my favorite fairy tale, Andersen's "The Wild Swans," to one class. I checked out dozens of the library's fairy tale books to the classrooms so students could have these mentor texts close at hand when they began writing their own.

Once the writing began, I helped students in their classrooms as they reread, revised, and added details to their own fairy tales. It has been a privilege to work with these talented writers as they learn and develop their skills! I can't wait to read the published stories. - Mrs. Redford


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Tuesday, April 15, 2014
Dress Rehearsal
Tomorrow morning at 9:00 am, we'll be sharing our show, "Character Matters", with the RES community with our final dress rehearsal. This would be an excellent opportunity to see the show if you're unable to make our evening performance!
Thursday, April 17: call time for actors is at 5:15. They should proceed to their classroom in order to prepare for the show. Families & friends may take a seat in the gym.
Following the show will be the FOCUS Third Grade Family Potluck!
And...a tease for you too...
Hope to see you there!
Wednesday, April 9, 2014
Sneak Peek!
Last week, we went "off-script" for the first time and today we took our show into the gym to start working on the staging!
We are hoping to organize the set tomorrow (April 10) after school. Please let us know if you're able to help out! We hope to have all the costume pieces ready by April 11, too.
3rd Grade Pot Luck
THIRD GRADE POT LUCK!
Thursday, April 17th, 2014
Immediately Following Grade 3 Play!
RES Cafeteria
Last Name A – F Once Upon a Time Appetizers*
Last Name G - O The Story Unfolds Main Course*
Last Name P – Z The Sweet Ending Dessert*
Join the third grade community for a meal!!! Enjoy your child’s friends and their family in an informal and fun setting! Dinner and play--what could be better?!
We have also created a sign up genius to get a feel for how many people are planning on attending and who is bringing what. This will help us to ensure we have enough drinks and plates! If you have a minute, please click below to let us know of your plans! And to provide everyone with entertainment, feel free to name your dish after a fairy tale :)
* If you have a favorite pot luck item, feel free to vary from this. It is just a guideline so we do not end up with 50 desserts!
Monday, March 31, 2014
*New* Change of Dismissal Form
RES is implementing a new form for parents to use when their child will be riding home from school on a different bus to improve the safety for all students. Copies of the form are being sent home with students today AND are available on our blog (see Family Communication page) and the RES website. Thank you for your cooperation!
From the CESU Bus Garage:
The bus garage has asked that all Chittenden East schools write physical 911 addresses on bus passes to assist bus drivers in knowing where students are going. In order to make this process easier for the office, we are asking that parents use the attached form, which can also be found on the website, or on social media sites, or make sure to include this information on notes sent into school. We appreciate your assistance.
Bus Dismissal Form
Friday, March 28, 2014
Student-Led Conference Feedback
Tuesday, March 25, 2014
A Flynn Performance: At Nightfall
Today, we had the opportunity to watch Sursaut Dance Company perform their piece, "At Nightfall." The story told throughout the performance is about a man named Auguste who never allows himself to take a break from his job as a shoemaker, making him grumpy and stressed. One day, on his way home from work he accidentally discovers an enchanted water forest populated by wild and fantastical creatures. Their playful whimsy and utter beauty inspire a remarkable transformation, as Auguste learns to appreciate the wonders of the world around him.
Our classes were also lucky enough to participate in a companion workshop offered by the Flynn Theater performing artists. Heather & Stacy came to RES last week and shared with us ways that dancers use their bodies and movement in order to help tell the story. As one student remarked, "the workshop helped me to communicate with the dancers" throughout the performance. Read more about this opportunity on Mrs. Rankin's Enrichment Blog.
Thank you to Mrs. Rankin for arranging both of these wonderful opportunities for us, to the Flynn Theater for coming to RES and helping us to understand the performance on a new level and to all of you, families, for supporting Enrichment opportunities at RES.
Monday, March 24, 2014
Monday, March 17, 2014
Friday, March 7, 2014
RES Family Science Fair 2014
A huge thank you to Mrs. Rankin for sponsoring and setting up this awesome learning opportunity!!
| A free picture slideshow by Smilebox |
Sunday, March 2, 2014
Save the Date: Upcoming Events in Third Grade
March 6: RES Science Fair
March 21: Half-Day for Students
March 25: Flynn Theater Field Trip ~ At Nightfall (morning)
March 26: RES Family Wellness Night
April 10: Shelburne Farms Field Trip ~ Join the Flock (all day)
April 17: Third Grade Team Play & FOCUS Family Potluck
May 14: 3rd & 4th Grade Art Night & Sprint Concert
May 23: 3rd & 4th Grade Track Meet (Rain Date 5/28)
May 29: Field Trip to Rock of Ages, Barre (all day)
June 3: Ankerson & 1/2 Darby to Community Sailing Center (morning)
June 4: Ayer & 1/2 Darby to Community Sailing Center (morning)
June 6: Move-Up Day (afternoon)
June 9: RES Field Day (Rain Date 6/10)
June 11: Cedar Knoll Golf Trip
June 17: Last Day of Third Grade
Wednesday, February 12, 2014
RES Family Science Fair-What's the Benefit for Students?
Darcie Rankin has announced the annual RES Family Science Fair! All students have already brought home an information sheet and sign-up. As a third grade team, we encourage all students to take this opportunity to explore an area of science that really interests them!
In recognizing the work that this can mean for families, we are offering an incentive to students. All students who enter the science fair and present their project on Thursday, March 6th, will be exempt from ALL HOMEWORK the following week!! That includes reading, FASTT Math, etc.
Not only will your child have a week free from homework, but they will have the unique opportunity to explore an area of scientific interest, gaining skills in communicating this wonderful learning to the community.
Monday, February 10, 2014
Thursday, January 30, 2014
Teaching Division Through Literature
We have introduced division to third graders through literature! In the book, "The Doorbell Rang" by Pat Hutchins, Ma bakes 12 cookies for her two children. They are excited to share them among themselves. Suddenly the doorbell rings and two more children enter. Being gracious hosts, they decide to share them equally with their new guests. Unfortunately, more guests keep arriving to share. The best thing is when Grandma arrives with more cookies!
Students modeled the story in math using equations and drawing diagrams to represent them! They even added onto the story thinking about what would happen if more kids or cookies entered the house.
Friday, January 24, 2014
Science in Antarctica!
We learned some fascinating information through the webinar...check it out:
- Antarctica is a continent located at the South Pole and is the size of the United States and Mexico combined!
- 98% of the continent is covered by ice, some of it is 3 miles thick! Scientists have recently discovered that there are rivers and lakes under all of the sheets of ice on the continent.
- It is 3 times higher than any other continent.
- Antarctica is a desert, receiving less than 8 inches of precipitation each year.
- It is the coldest place on earth. The mean temperature is -76˚F; the coldest temperature ever recorded was -128.6˚F.
- Yesterday, January 23, the temperature at McMurdo Station was 30˚F. (It was 8˚F in Richmond, VT!)
- Mount Erebus is an active volcano on the continent.
While watching the webinar, we kept notes on our Wows! and Wonders...
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Thank you Time for Kids and edWeb for this fantastic opportunity!
Check out the Time for Kids Antarctica website for more information. Miss Darby's friend, Sheryl, has lived on Antarctica supporting the scientists researching on the continent. You can find her story here. You can also explore the Twitter chat where classrooms just like ours all asked questions of the scientists in the webinar by following #edwebchat.
Friday, January 17, 2014
Listen Carefully as Third Graders Try to Convince You!
Soccer Goals Soccer Goals4 Soccer Goals3 Playground Equipment
Lunch in Classroom Eating Lunch Outside Box Tops
Appreciating our Bus Driver Appreciating Mrs. Redford Appreciating June Banks
Soccer Goals2 playground equipment2 More equipment on Playground
Appreciating June Banks2
Students in Mrs. Ayer's class have been working for the last month on writing speeches. They explored a variety of topics before settling on one to publish. Their topics range from getting different drinks in the cafeteria to trying to negotiate a later bedtime. Click on a topic below to hear their speeches. Have they convinced you?
Chocolate Milk Computers for Live Y'ers Chocolate Milk 2 A Later Bedtime We Need More Sleds No Pledge in School Longer Recess Places That are Noteworthy in London No Chores on Monday and Tuesday More Percy Jackson Books More Equipment on the Playground in the Winter Lemonade in the Cafeteria More Equipment on the Playground Every Season Family Dinners Together I Need a German Shepard
Groups of students in Miss Darby's class read articles, looked at advertisements and watched videos about the pros and cons of chocolate milk. Then, they collaboratively wrote speeches to convince Mrs. Kent and Mr. Berry to offer chocolate milk in the RES Cafe. What do you think?
Chocolate Milk is Good For You Chocolate Milk Makes Happy Kids Chocolate Milk in Schools Chocolate Milk is Good Good Good It Doesn't Make a Difference Super News for Kids
Thursday, January 16, 2014
Follow Boo!
After reading this story, third graders were given an opportunity to participate in a contest for Scholastic, writing a paragraph to explain how Boo helps Nate heal from the loss of his grandfather.
Congratulations to the winner from our class...one of only 10 winners in the contest!
Check out the Scholastic Story Works website here: Story Works!