Literacy
Reading
Students will be exposed to a wide variety of reading experiences within our Reader's Workshop, such as guided reading, independent reading, shared reading, read aloud, and Comprehension Toolkit lessons that focus on reading strategies. All units and lessons are directly linked to the Common Core Standards. The units of study that we focus on in third grade are:
- Building a Reading Life
- Character Studies
- Mysteries
- Biographies
Writing
The units of study that we focus on in third grade are:
- Personal Narrative
- Opinion Writing
- Informational Writing/Essays
- Realistic Fiction
Spelling
We are starting a new spelling program last year: Words Their Way. WTW is an individualized approach that focuses on the skills each child needs to develop into a stronger speller. The third grade spelling goal is to have the students write the grade 3 priority words correctly in their daily writing by the end of the school year. Throughout the year, the kids will be introduced to a larger group of words known as core words. Students will be exposed to these words, and they will be “recycled” during the year through a variety of activities, as well as during the end of the week spelling check-ins. There will also be optional vocabulary/spelling challenges for students.
Math
What is the math program?
Students in kindergarten through fifth grade use a program called Everyday Math. How does it work? Your child will be taught a math lesson or a math activity almost every day. Each lesson begins with math reflexes and a warm up. Next comes the Math Message: this message is a springboard for the daily lesson. After the lesson, children complete pages in a practice book sometimes independently, with a partner, or in a small group. There is then a math homework page called a Home Link that your child will bring home most days. Students should complete this assignment and return it to school the following day. Please spend only ten positive minutes on the Home Link. If it is not complete, that's okay. The answers to the Home Links are in the Family Newsletter that is sent home before the start of each unit. Hold onto these- you may need them!
Will my child learn basic math facts?
Your child will be taught and assessed on addition and subtraction facts early in the year. Around mid-year, we will begin teaching and learning strategies towards automaticity over multiplication facts. Attaining fluency and accuracy with basic math facts helps children become more confident and effective mathematicians. Research shows that children who know their math facts with automaticity are more successful math students.
What can we do at home to support and challenge our child in math?
Discovery Math
Your child will bring home a green Discovery Math sheet every Friday. This challenge is optional and should be returned to school by the following Friday if/when complete (or partially complete)!
Students in kindergarten through fifth grade use a program called Everyday Math. How does it work? Your child will be taught a math lesson or a math activity almost every day. Each lesson begins with math reflexes and a warm up. Next comes the Math Message: this message is a springboard for the daily lesson. After the lesson, children complete pages in a practice book sometimes independently, with a partner, or in a small group. There is then a math homework page called a Home Link that your child will bring home most days. Students should complete this assignment and return it to school the following day. Please spend only ten positive minutes on the Home Link. If it is not complete, that's okay. The answers to the Home Links are in the Family Newsletter that is sent home before the start of each unit. Hold onto these- you may need them!
Will my child learn basic math facts?
Your child will be taught and assessed on addition and subtraction facts early in the year. Around mid-year, we will begin teaching and learning strategies towards automaticity over multiplication facts. Attaining fluency and accuracy with basic math facts helps children become more confident and effective mathematicians. Research shows that children who know their math facts with automaticity are more successful math students.
What can we do at home to support and challenge our child in math?
Discovery Math
Your child will bring home a green Discovery Math sheet every Friday. This challenge is optional and should be returned to school by the following Friday if/when complete (or partially complete)!
Theme
There are five social studies/science themes that we will be studying this year. If you have any resources or expertise in any of the following areas, please contact me.
Geology, Geography, Economics, Moon/Space, Biographies
