Community Time in Third Grade!
Posted by anniehenry
Third grade students have been diving into the study of Native American tribes, exploring their cultures, histories, traditions, and lasting impact. One of the most meaningful themes students noticed as we compared and contrasted the different tribes was the deep value many Native communities place on community itself: gathering together, sharing stories, supporting one another, and making time to connect.
Inspired by this important idea, we will be spending the final blocks of Social Studies creating our own version of “Community Time” with the Unquowa community! Our Community.
During these blocks, students will have opportunities to connect with others across campus through shared activities, conversations, collaborative projects, and community-building experiences. The hope is that students not only continue learning about community, but also experience the joy and responsibility of being active, caring members of one themselves.
This past Monday we hosted our Makerspace teacher Mr. Casey, who read one of his favorite childhood books. We discussed his upbringing in Kentucky, and were able to ask him what brought him to Connecticut. He shared stories, and we made tissue paper butterflies. Yesterday we hosted the first grade class. We buddied up and asked “get to know you” questions. Third graders read a book of the first graders choosing to them, and we finished by hearing what everyone learned from one another. I learned the rainbow sherbert seems to be the fan fav Unquowa dessert.
We are excited to continue this meaningful way to close out our Social Studies work, and to help students strengthen connections throughout the Unquowa community.
Chef For The Day!
Posted by adamstuart
Luka traded his third grade classroom for the kitchen recently as he stepped into the role of “Chef for the Day” and fully embraced every part of the experience.
Working alongside the Unquowa Chefs, Luka spent the day learning what it takes to prepare lunch for an entire school community. From grilling more than 140 grilled cheese sandwiches to prepping fresh ingredients and serving lunch to his classmates, he quickly discovered that a busy kitchen requires teamwork, focus, and a lot of energy.
Throughout the day, Luka learned how to make tomato soup and marinara sauce, practiced knife skills while cutting cucumbers and romaine lettuce, and even prepared homemade ranch dressing from scratch. He also helped toss and serve the Caesar salad during lunch service and proudly wrote the day’s menu on the board before announcing lunch to students and teachers.
One of the sweetest parts of the day came when Luka joined Chef Helen to make Strawberry Shortcake Cups. He learned how to use a piping bag while topping desserts with fresh whipped cream. A skill he was excited to master!
Behind the scenes, Luka also worked preparing pizza dough for the next day’s lunch, getting a firsthand look at how much planning and preparation happens long before meals are served.
Luka’s Chef for the Day Menu Included –
- Grilled Cheese
- Cucumber Sticks with Luka’s special Ranch dressing
- Tomato Soup
- Caesar Salad
- Rainbow Sherbet
As a Chef, Luka even added a special item to the salad bar: egg noodles – one of his favorite foods!
By the end of the day, Luka wasn’t quite ready to leave the kitchen. In fact, he asked if he could come back to help with dishes and cleanup because, as he put it, he wanted “the full chef experience.” It was such a great day!
Language Learning the Fun Way!
Posted by kellyyeh
Play! Play! Play! Learning a new language is exciting and fun!
In the Lower School Mandarin classroom, PreK students used face stickers to create animal faces. They had so much fun designing their own animals while learning vocabulary for different facial features.
Second graders played a game called “Draw My Little Monster.” Students drew a monster based on the teacher’s instructions. For example, they were given prompts such as, “The monster has five blue mouths” or “three small ears.”
Other grades used family member cards—similar to poker cards—to play a game. Students had to say sentences such as, “I have three older sisters,” in order to place their cards. The first student to get rid of all their cards won.
Every child loves to play. Learning a language through fun activities not only helps students build skills, but also keeps them interested and engaged. The Mandarin classroom atmosphere is lively, full of energy, and filled with fun!
Year of the Fire Horse!
Posted by Carina Blackwell
Xīn Nián Kuài Lè, Gōng Xǐ Fā Cái – Happy New Year and Wishing You Good Fortune!
Our Grade 4 through 6 Mandarin students kicked off the Chinese New Year celebrations by preparing over 600 vegetable dumplings, which, along with other delicious Chinese dishes created by our Chefs, were enjoyed by the entire school during a special festive lunch. Meanwhile, our younger students had fun practicing their Mandarin skills by crafting Play-Doh dumplings, listening to stories about why red and firecrackers are essential for Chinese New Year Celebration and making colorful Chinese New Year crafts. As part of the celebration, all Mandarin students received traditional Red Envelopes to mark the New Year of the Fire Horse.
A special thank you to Unquowa parent Mrs. Toolan, who visited the 5th and 6th grade Mandarin class to share insights into Chinese New Year traditions. The students had a great time taking turns wearing the festive dragon costume and dancing around the classroom!
Throughout our two-week celebration, Mandarin students across all grade levels showcased their language skills with performance on the school assembly. Their songs were filled with wishes of good luck and health for the New Year. Adding to the joyous spirit of the occasion, everyone came to school dressed in red!
Enhancing our foreign language program, this cultural experience is always a festive and delicious highlight of the year that our Unquowa community looks forward to celebrating.
Gators Got Game!
Posted by Sarah Pollex
Our Grade 3/4 basketball team is lighting up the gym! With basketballs bouncing, sneakers squeaking, and laughter echoing, these Gators are having a blast! From speedy dribble relays to the ever-popular Dribble Knockout, every practice is full of energy, cheers, and high-fives. One thing’s for sure—these Gators aren’t just playing basketball… they are magic in the making on the court! “Gators on three! One, two, three, Gators!”
Boogie Woogie with Mondrian
Posted by Alice DesGranges
Our third graders explored abstract art through the work of Piet Mondrian, an artist known for using structured grids, bold lines, and primary colors to create balance and rhythm. Students applied these ideas by creating their own grid paintings and learning how abstract art can show movement and feeling without realistic images. While dancing and painting to boogie woogie music, students connected rhythm and visual structure, making the learning experience both fun and creative.
