Welcome to Third GradeWelcome to Third GradeBack-to-School NightBack-to-School Night

September 9, 2013September 9, 2013

Amy BinderMeg RussellKelly CaioneJen Dunleavy

Sarah HuntingtonKaren Lilienfeld

9 Year Olds in the Classroom

Able to copy from board, such as assignmentsPhysical control still an issue, can’t sit stillMore fine motor control, cursive comes more easilyEnjoys challenge, race against themselves“Reading to Learn”Needs reassurance

Can work in groups, though disputes about facts/rules take longer to resolveTakes pride in finished workCliques may beginAge of “lets make a deal”Laughter is the best medicine

Reference

YardsticksYardsticks

Children in the Classroom Ages 4-14

A Resource for Parents and Teachers

By Chip Wood

1997, Northeast Foundation for Children

Language Arts CurriculumJourneys supports the Common Core Standards by emphasizing systematic and explicit instruction in reading, fluency, writing, speaking and listening, and language.

A variety of paired fiction and nonfiction reading selections along with many resources and activities allows teachers to differentiate lessons for different types of learners.   

Common Core State Standards are a set of internationally benchmarked standards that will provide students throughout the country with the learning experience and skills they need to be successful in higher education and the workforce. 

"Read Alouds" and independent self-selected reading continue to be an important part of daily language arts instruction, helping children grow as readers and develop a lifelong love of books. The children are expected to have an on-level independent reading book at all times. We can help them select these books from our in-class and school libraries.   

Third Grade Online ResourcesThinkCentral Journeys Reading Website:

One wonderful feature about the Journey’s program is the reading materials are available on-line. This can be helpful if your child is absent for an extended period. However, the same materials you have access to at home are the materials we’ll be using on a daily basis in the classroom, so at this time, we do not anticipate frequent on-line assignments.

Pearson Success Math Website:

Extra review, practice, and missing practice book sheets can all be accessed on-line. Instructions for using the website, including password information is available on the 3rd grade website.

The Sol Feinstone Home Pagehttp://www.crsd.org/site/default.aspx?domainid=2042

Math is Problem Solving!• Academic Standards

– Number and Operations– Patterns, Functions and Algebra– Geometry and Spatial Sense– Measurement– Data Analysis, Statistics and

Probability– Problem Solving– Reasoning, Proof, Connections– Communication– Trigonometry (right triangles)– Concepts of Calculus (Continue

patterns of numbers; estimate areas and volumes)

• EnVision: Scott-Foresman Addison Wesley

EnVision is the district's math program. It is a problem-based interactive and visual learning program. The curriculum simultaneously develops conceptual understanding, computational fluency, and problem-solving skills. Scott-Foresman Addison Wesley continues to update this program to maintain its alignment with the Common Core Standards.

Social Studies and Science

• Communities

• Investigating geography, economics, government and history

• Essential questions• Materials

– Harcourt Brace Horizons

– Time for Kids readers– Time for Kids magazine

• Market Day

• Rocks and Minerals• Plant Growth and

Development• The Science of Sound

PSSA Testing

• All third graders are tested in reading and math. March 17th – 28th are the scheduled testing dates this year.

• Teaching of test-taking strategies and familiarity with the testing format.

• Everything your child has learned in school so far has prepared him/her for State testing.

Homework

• Average nightly homework = 30 Minutes • Parental support is important. However, your

child should be able to complete his or her homework independently; if that is not the case, please contact us.

• Our district policy does not permit us to send work home BEFORE a vacation.

• Help your child develop good study habits: a quiet place to complete homework and keep things organized.

• Help you child become responsible and independent; please don’t return to school to pick-up left homework or supplies.

In third grade, what we are most concerned with is that children make progress and that any area of strong concern is addressed.

The report card uses a rubric system of 4-3-2-1; these numbers do not correspond to traditional A through F grading.

Please do not instill the expectation of “All 4’s” in your children. It is extremely rare, especially at the beginning of the school year. Most children will receive some 2’s on their report cards.

It is important that you read the indicators listed in the report card folder carefully to understand your child’s progress.

More Important Odds n’ Ends

• Instrumental Music Lessons: – Your child’s schedule is based on a rotation – Your child should have a copy of his/her schedule and should know

the lesson time each week.– He/she will not miss the same curriculum area on a regular basis – Your child is responsible for finding out and making up the

work he/she misses during his/her lesson. Often our only option is to work with children through recess.

• Snacks: – Classrooms are PEANUT AND NUT FREE!– Very limited time so quick, neat, and healthy is appreciated– Make sure to include any utensils needed

• Birthdays: – Send in treats to share during our snack time. INCLUDE LABEL

WITH INGREDIENTS ! Please include anything needed for sharing (napkins, plates). Please send in individual portion treats like cupcakes, soft pretzels, cookies , ice cream sandwiches etc.

– Summer birthdays: consider celebrating half-birthdays: June in December; July in January, etc.

Helping YOUR Third Grader succeed!

• Remember: We’re a team!• Communicate any concerns with your child’s

teacher as soon as they arise• Check Go-home folder, Assignment Book

and\or BEARS binder every night!• Promote responsibility in your third grader• Ask your child about school.• Provide a stable, supportive “homework

environment.”

Education takes place

in the combination of the home,

the community, the school,

and the receptive mind.

Harry Edwards

We are for creating a foundation for life-long learning that embraces curiosity and builds confidence.We are for cultivating the potential in one another; growing readers and leaders, artists and athletes, mathematicians and musicians, scientists and citizens, writers and thinkers.We are for seeking connections between what we learn and how we live, acting with R.E.S.P.E.C.T., and carefully considering the world in which we live.We are for Success For Everyone. We are Sol Feinstone Elementary.

Sol Feinstone Elementary champions the unique potential of each child.  Through an unwavering commitment to individual and collective success, we broaden both the mind and the character of every student.  Our school promotes a respectful environment where self-esteem is fostered through positive relationships and accountability.  Students, parents, teachers, and community members are actively involved in the learning process.  Together we prepare our children to thrive in the world that awaits them. 

Sol Feinstone Elementary believes…

-It is important to recognize students’ strengths, talents, interests, and ambitions by providing opportunities to explore and realize the unique potential of each child through a variety ofextracurricular activities and clubs.

-It is important to show pride in each other and ourselves: Children’s work is proudly displayed. Our school community’s good news and accomplishments are shared.

-It is important to embrace all available resources, including technology and innovative research-based practices to ensure all children are successful.

-It is important to realize “it takes a village” to help children attain their highest potential: high community involvement, communication, and dedication to children.

-It is important to help children recognize they are part of a respectful, caring school family and grow to understand their place as responsible citizens of the global community through clearly explained expectations, a positive behavior support plan, the Responsive Classroom Approach to learning, and Restorative Practices.