Open House2014

Mrs. Crowley

Third Grade is an exciting year!

The average Third Grader is explosive, excitable,

dramatic, and inquisitive.

A Third Grader –

Possesses a "know-it-all" attitude. Is able to assume some responsibility for his/her actions. Actively seeks praise. May undertake more than he/she can handle successfully. Is self-critical. Recognizes the needs of others.

At eight-years-old, your child is learning how to set goals and understand the consequences of his/her behavior. You can help by encouraging him/her as he/she:

Explores the relationship of feelings, goals,

and behavior. Learns about choices and consequences. Begins setting goals. Becomes more responsible. Learns how to work with others.

Adapted from familyeducation.com

We have adapted these internal skills into our classroom rules.

We have agreed that our classroom is a safe place for our minds, our bodies and our belongings.

We are not only learning new skills but learning how to treat each other with respect within the IALAC model.

Third Graders are S.T.A.R.S.!

Stay safeTake responsibilityAlways try your bestRespect

We are using Star charts to records our behaviors and realize we are responsible for our actions. We will transfer to using our Clip Up chart soon.

Behavior PolicyClip Up Chart

Everyone starts on green – Ready to Learn each day“Clip up” for positives“Clip down” for unwanted behaviors

End the day on red (Outstanding) and you get a star. Five stars equals a prize.

• Students will be exposed to a wide variety of literature as they read books that cover a variety of literary genres: biographies, historical fiction, fairy tales, mysteries, science, and social studies, as well as a choice of fiction books.

• The students will be participating in the Readers’ Workshop program which consists of focus lessons, individual, partner and group reading

The Students will learn to talk about books while improving their reading comprehension and reading fluency.

How is Reading in 3rd Grade different?We are reading to learn. Students must be able to give evidence from the text to support their thinking. Students must be able to communicate their ideas verbally and in writing.

Reader’s Workshop

Word Study/Fundations• Word Study, a component of Readers’ Workshop, is the study

of spelling, new vocabulary, word meaning, and word structure.

• Students will be using a program called Text Talk to learn new words and become familiar with compound words, synonyms, antonyms, homophones, figurative language, contractions, possessives, prefixes, suffixes, and root words. The goal of a word study program is to improve everyday spelling and understand written language.

• Grade three spelling lists will consist of Fundation Words.

• Third graders will continue the Fundation program to help students continue to grow as spellers.

SpellingWeekly spelling listsIf a student receives a 100 on Monday’s pre-

test he/she will be given a set of challenge words from our Text Talk series or other areas of study

Homework each nightTests on Friday

Writers’ Workshop• Like Readers workshop, students will participate in a focus

lesson that models a specific writing skill or concept.

• Students will then practice this skill or concept as they write a personal narrative, a fictional story, various forms of poetry, and an expository composition.

• Students will learn about nouns, pronouns, verbs, adjectives, and adverbs.

• They will learn to write a complete sentence with proper punctuation and a good, well written paragraph.

• Students will also learn how to revise their writing and edit for correct punctuation, spelling, grammar, and capitalization.

Math

The entire district will be using Eureka Math, also The entire district will be using Eureka Math, also known as Engage NY.known as Engage NY.

The year is broken into 7 Modules.The year is broken into 7 Modules.Module 1: Properties of Multiplication and Module 1: Properties of Multiplication and Division and Solving Problems with units of 2-5 Division and Solving Problems with units of 2-5 and 10and 10

For more details see the Eureka Math letter in your packet

Eureka Math Sites

• http://commoncore.org/parents• http://commoncore.org/maps/math/home

Visit this site to learn more about Eureka math! There are helpful tips as well as informative videos.

Social Studies• Study the voyage and settlement of the Pilgrims in

New England

• Study the cultures and history of the Wampanoag tribe

• Study biographies of famous people who contributed significantly to our society, world, or country

• Study the geography and history of Massachusetts and Holden (Boston Tea Party, Revolutionary War and early colonial life)

• Study the history and significance of major American holidays

Science

• Lifecycles – plants, butterfly, and frog

• Animal Adaptations/Classifications

• The Solar System

• Matter

Penmanship

Students are expected to have neat and legible printing at this point

We will begin reviewing cursive letters so that students may write names. After that it is their choice to use it or not.

Homework

30-40 minutes of homework Mon. – Thurs.If your child is taking longer please let me

know right away

Typically Math, Spelling, or one other skill. Reading 15 minutes a night.

Sign homework or planner to let me know if assignment was particularly challenging

Planners

Homework and reminders copied each day Please check it to make sure your child is

doing the right workPapers travel between home and school in

the Dawson folder. ** Planners and Dawson Folder go home and come back to school every day!

Organization

Traveling Dawson folderMailboxesIn desk: folders

red folder – Work in Progressblue – Social Studiesyellow – writinggreen - Science

Pencil box for belongings

It would be helpful to know if your child:

– is taking any medication that may affect his/her performance in school

– is having a challenging time in school or out of school

– has circumstances at home that may affect learning at school

Birthdays

In lieu of the increasing number of food allergies and childhood obesity we are a food free room.

I recognize each child’s birthday with a certificate, pencil or book mark and the

Birthday Necklace.

Healthier option to snack: donating a book to our classroom or school library.

Schedule9:00-9:05 Morning work – DOL9:05 - 9:30 Center Time9:30 - 10:30 Reader’s Workshop10:30 - 10:40 Snack10:40 - 11:30 Science/Social Studies 11:30 - 12:15 Specials12:15 - 1:15 Lunch/Recess1:15 -2:30 Math2:30 - 3:15 Writing/Word Study3:15 Pack up and dismissal

Other scheduling notes

Morning snack break (10:30/10:45)Please pack ONE healthy snack

Specials: M – MusicT – P.E. (Gym)W – LibraryTH – ArtF – Music

Fridays switch:11/17 PE3/16 Art

Volunteers

Sign up on the clipboard on the front table if you would like to be a volunteer. Please specify, if you wish, in what area you would like to help.

9-9:30 each day to work with small groupsSpecial projects – holiday crafts or games

CommunicationOn the website: Monthly newsletter

Homework, Spelling words and Spelling examples

Websitehttp://TeacherWeb.com/MA/DawsonElementarySchool/MrsCrowley/

Another way to get there:Go to TeacherWeb.com – Parents and Students, Find Teacher,

Find School, click on Mrs. Crowley

Email – jennifer_crowley@wrsd.net

Notes or phone call