Dear Third Grade Families,

Last week, we began our last block of the semester: Fibers. The students spent time learning about two fibers: cotton and linen. We began with cotton, given the history of its importance in Georgia. The students were able to listen to stories about cotton as well as have the opportunity to see the different parts of the cotton plant (seeds, boll, lint) and several examples of finished products. The students looked at their own clothing tags, were able to see the different kinds of fibers that cotton can be blended with, and could feel the difference between different knits and blends. The class is working closely with Ki Ieva during this block as we bring hands-on projects to tie in with the fibers presented. The students had fun as they made bracelets with cotton fiber and a craft with cotton balls.

After learning about cotton, we moved on to linen. The class heard a story about a boy in Russia who waited months for his family to plant, harvest, and process linen for a shirt. The students were very interested in seeing all the steps used to process this fiber. They again had the opportunity to touch and feel several samples of linen fabric, as well as different linen articles of clothing that parents let us borrow for the day.

Next week, we will be moving to protein fibers and will spend the week learning and talking about wool. The class will work with Ki Ieva washing, carding, and spindling wool. They will learn about the many different things that wool can be used for, as well as different ways to process it and work with it.

The class has also welcomed our new class “pets”-silkworms! The students have been thrilled to watch the silkworms grow and eat. Each day, a different student is tasked with feeding the silkworms. They eat a mulberry paste that the student has to “shred” into the silkworm’s container. This has been a fun and interesting task that they take very seriously. The silkworms should begin to spin silk cocoons right before the end of the block. Ki Ieva will work with the class in making something with the silk cocoons.

This week, we will also hold our Winter Spiral on Thursday. Walking the spiral with a lighted candle is symbolic of each of us sharing our light with the world and how together we can help guide each other through the dark. Our walk will begin promptly at 11:40 a.m. in the sanctuary. Families are welcome to watch their child’s class walk the spiral.

Announcements and Reminders:

Help us support Tweens and Teens this year for the MUST Ministries Toy Drive. Please see the Main Message in the Garden Messanger for more information.
It is time for our annual TOY DRIVE for MUST Ministries. Please see the Main Message for more information.
The winter weather is coming, and it is much cooler in the forest! Please dress your student(s) in layers. Winter coats and rain gear are required every day.

We need Greenery for the Winter Spiral on Thursday. Please consider asking for extra clipping from tree lots or donating trimmings from pruned evergreens in your yard. Greenery can be left alongside the fence in the field area. Thank you!

Upcoming Events:

12/07 Grades 1st - 5th Winter Spiral
12/08 Kindergarten Winter Spiral
12/20 Grades Assembly - 12:00 p.m. & Last Day of Fall Semester - Half Day
12/21 Teacher In-Service (No School)
12/22 - 01/03 Winter Break (No School)
01/04 First day of Spring Semester

With Gratitude,

Paulyna