The third grade teachers are: Mrs. Lewis, Mrs. Olsen, and Ms. Sanchez. We are committed to working closely together to achieve similar goals and policies for the coming year.
Following is a brief summary of the curriculum covered in third grade:
Reading/Language Arts ~ Open Court, Collections for Young Scholars, is our reading curriculum. We will be spending 150 minutes per day on combined reading and language arts skills. Students will be involved in an integrated language arts program, based on combining reading, writing, spelling, handwriting, and listening and speaking skills. Assessment is ongoing.
Handwriting ~ Cursive will be introduced in the first trimester, and will be practiced throughout the year. Letter formation, spacing, slant, and neatness will be stressed.
Math ~ Our math text is Scott Foresman, California Mathematics. This text offers a balanced approach to mathematical concepts, skills, and number facts. The average third grader will learn addition and subtraction of multiple digit numbers with regrouping, multiplication, and simple division. They will be taught number sense, algebra and functions, measurement and geometry, statistics, data analysis and probability, and mathematical reasoning. Assessment is ongoing.
Social Science~ Harcourt, Reflections, is our social studies text. This program integrates history/social science with other academic subjects including mathematics, science, language arts, and the visual and performing arts. All activities in these subject areas are correlated to the relevant California Standards.
Science ~ Macmillan/McGraw-Hill, California Science, is a comprehensive Standards-based program. The three major units of study are: Life Science, Earth Science, and Physical Science. All lessons follow the 5-E Instructional Model: Engage, Explore, Explain, Evaluate, and Extend.
Homework ~ Homework is assigned Monday through Thursday, and is a reinforcement of skills and concepts taught in the classroom. Work not completed in class may also be sent home for homework, and is due the following day. Incomplete or missing homework will be completed during recess. Please encourage your child to complete their homework nightly and return it to school each day. If your child is unable to complete the assigned homework, please send in a note. This will allow them extra time to complete it.
Graded assignments and school correspondence will be sent home in a “Weekly Communicator” envelope every Wednesday. Please remove and review your child’s graded work each week, sign where indicated on the front, and return the envelope to school on Thursday. This assures us that you are aware of your child’s progress.
Students should:
1. Read nightly.
2. Complete their daily homework, which may include spelling, math,
reading, writing, language, handwriting, social studies, and/or science.
3. Practice their spelling words and math facts daily as needed.
Grading Policy ~ Our grading policy is as follows:
90-100 A
80-89 B
70-79 C
60-69 D
0-59 F
Many parents and students have questions about a new classroom environment and/or grade level. Following are the answers to some of our most frequently asked questions:
Sincerely, The Third Grade Teachers