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Reading Workshop
Sustained reading of self-selected books is practiced each day. Students are
encouraged to read a variety of chapter books. This is an ideal time to read
books from the school library; however books from home and the classroom
library are also acceptable.
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Book Projects
Throughout the year, students will choose 4 books from a variety of genres.
They will plan and complete a project to present orally to the class.
Students must do one project in each of the following categories: nonfiction,
mystery, fantasy, realistic fiction, animal, and biography.
The majority of the preparation is done at home, therefore a packet
explaining the project directions and due dates has been provided. Please
keep the packet for reference throughout the year.
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Writing
The writing program in third grade includes instructed writing and self-
selected writing. During instructed writing the students are taught how to
write a multi-paragraph "Powerpaper". Students practice writing in response
to persuasive, expository, and narrative prompts. During self-selected
writing the students generate their own topics. Students must write one piece
from each of the following categories: animals, biography, fantasy, fiction,
mystery, and nonfiction.
We write every day and children use the writing process: pre-write, rough
draft, revise, edit, conference, final copy, and publish. During the pre-
writing step, students brainstorm ideas and make a plan. Next, students write
the rough draft using their plan. Generating ideas and the content of the
piece are the focus at this step. After writing the rough draft, students
revise their piece. They revisit by reading their piece to classmates and to
a teacher. They can decide how to change wording and to sequence ideas.
Afterwards, students edit their work for conventions (punctuation,
capitalization, and spelling). They decide what they would like help with
during their conference. At the conference students meet with a peer and a
teacher to revise and edit. During this conference, we will work on 2 or 3
skills so as not to overwhelm the developing writers. Finally, the student
writes a final copy and publishes the piece for sharing with the class.
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Spelling
Students will be given weekly test.
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Science
Through hands-on experiments and real life application, students will
understand how science works, learn new concepts, and develop problem solving
strategies. Third grade science units include: Rocks and Minerals, Plant
Growth, Sound, and Space.
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Social Studies
Our social studies curriculm in intergrated within are reading serious.
Along with the different themes throughout the year the studnets will learn
about maps and direction.
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Technology
Students may use the classroom computer to publish stories, to do research,
or to play an educational game. We also have access to many different programs to enhance our
learning. Once a week, our class is scheduled for Success
Maker, a computer program. In addition, the computer lab is available for our
use on projects.
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Homework in Third Grade
Expect homework Monday through Thursday evenings. All assignments are kept in
your child's planner which travels to and from school each day.
Homework always includes at least 20 minutes of reading, which needs to be
recorded and initialed (by an adult) in your child's planner.
The Planner needs to be brought to school daily. Weekend reading can
be recorded on bottom of the page and is counted toward extra reading
minutes.
Homework may include math pages, spelling activities, or another assignment
to review or expand upon a concept taught during the school day. Students
write their assignments in their planner each day in school. They should
check off completed assignments and make sure to place all materials in their
backpack so they are ready and prepared in the morning.
Spelling pretests are given on Wednesday and students are expected to practice
their words at home to prepare for the final test on Friday. Tests in other
subjects are usually announced at least one day in advance.
Math facts are practiced throughout the school year. Students should plan on
practicing their facts on a daily basis to ensure accuracy and quick recall.
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Instructional Strategies
Cooperative learning in groups is used to teach children social skills.
Skills such as taking turns, asking for help, negotiating, and solving
conflicts are practiced. Group members practice the skills as they work
together to complete a given assignment. Individual accountability as well as
group responsibility are stressed.
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Rules
Rules encourage the students to get along with others, take responsibility
for their own actions, and build respect for classmates and our classroom.
There are rewards for following the rules and consequences for breaking them.
Our classroom rules are
1. Respect others ideas and comments
2. Walk quietly
3. Be prepared for class.
4. Be honest and positive.
5. Raise your hand.
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Classroom Rewards
As part of our discipline plan, students are rewarded by dropping their name
in a jar. Names are an individual or group reward to promote a positive
classroom environment. Students are rewarded with stickers, free time,
positive notes, snacks, and class parties.
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Absences
If your child will need to miss school for a planned absence, please notify
the teacher in writing at your earliest convenience. A packet of work will be
made for him/her to complete during the absence. This work is due the day
your child returns.
If your child is sick, please notify the office. A packet of work will be
prepared by the teacher and every effort will be made to send it home with a
sibling or neighbor.
If your child needs to leave school for an appointment, please send a note to
the classroom teacher. The note should include the time student needs to be
excused and where the student will be picked up and by whom.
All students leaving the building during school hours are required to sign
out at the school office.
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Standardized Testing
In third grade students will be taking the PSSA tests during the school year.
Please try to avoid absences during testing when possible. The schedule will
be available.
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Birthday Treats
Treats to celebrate birthdays are definitely welcome. Please make sure to
bring enough treats so everyone may celebrate with the birthday boy/girl. It
is helpful to bring napkins and any other products needed for the snack. It
is suggested that parents accompany their child when dropping off snacks in
the morning to ensure their safe arrival. Parents are welcome to join the
class in celebrating at the end of the day.
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