EARTH SCIENCE

Experimenting with mock rocks in order to understand that rocks are a combination of different materials.

Earth’s materials can be broken down and/or combined into different materials such as

rocks, minerals, rock cycle, formation of soil, and sand – some of which are usable resources
for human activity.

As students learn how igneous rock is formed they experiment with reproductions of volcanos.

Life Cycles

As 3rd graders explore " The duration and timing of life cycle events such as reproduction and longevity vary across organisms and species" we chart the life cycle of a chicken from egg to chick.

Kindness Week

Kindness Week was all about "Taking the Challenge" and finding how we could apply random acts of kindness in our everyday lives.  My 3rd graders felt inspired by.... "Every great dream begins with a dreamer.  Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patients, and the passion to reach for the stars and change the world." ~ Harriet Tubman  As a class we took the pledge of kindness, as individuals we each had a personal dream we shared.

Hour of Code

Trying new approaches to get things done equals innovation & invention

The "Hour of Code" is a global movement reaching tens of millions of students in 180+ countries.  GRE had the opportunity to participate by exposing our students to the art of Computer Science.  The use of Computer Science helps nurture problem-solving skills, logic and creativity.  By starting early, students will have a foundation for success in any 21st century path.

Creativity, Resiliency, problem solving & Critical Thinking

"Reverse Trick or Treating" at the Parker Task Force

Analyze characteristics of effective citizenship

Third graders are learning about civic responsibility and what it looks like to be an effective citizen.  Spending a day giving back to our community of Parker.

Math: Visual Displays are used to Describe Data

As we begin our math unit on data, our students are showing how they are discovering the answers behind gathering information and the questions that can be answered.

Welcome

Welcome to 3rd Grade!

Welcome to 3rd grade!  I am so excited to meet each and every one of you.  I would love to introduce myself and let you know a little bit about myself.  I am married with three children.  There is my husband Greg, daughters, Emma (15) and, Kaitlyn (13), and my son Aidan (11).  We spend most of our free time watching/playing hockey, tennis and volleyball.  The five of us moved to Colorado 9 years ago from the Phoenix area where I was born and raised.  I earned my BS in Biology from Arizona State University (Go Devils!!!) and my Master’s in Education through the University of Phoenix.  I am also an avid reader, play tennis, and love to spend time with my family.  

I am looking forward to getting to know each of your children.  Teaching is my passion and I believe that each year brings new adventures and challenges.  This year will be a special year for your child and I am blessed to be a part of it.  Please know that I have an open door policy and want to hear what your thoughts and feelings are concerning your child and their learning experience.  I am convinced that it takes a village to raise a child and that the cooperation between teacher and parent is imperative for a successful education.  I’m looking forward to a fabulous year!

Sincerely,

Lara Castro

3rd grade teacher