LANGUAGE ARTS
Our reading series encompasses reading, language, and spelling throughout
the course of six themes. We will be using the Houghton-Mifflin reading
series for the entire class with flexible grouping within as needed.
Projects, language arts activities, and other content area activities may be
taken from the reading curriculum so that there is a correlation among the
many skills.
A vocabulary quiz, selection test, and skills test are normally given as we
progress through each story in the reader. An integrated test will be given
at the conclusion of each theme. These tests evaluate the students'
knowledge in comprehension, grammar, and other skills taught thoughout the
theme.
Spelling words are mostly from the story and the rest are from other content
areas such as math, science, and social studies. There are 20 list words
and 5 bonus words. The students will be given a spelling test, which
consists of two sections: 1) a list test where they will be expected to
spell the word correctly and 2) a sentence test where they will be expected
to write at least five sentences as dictated by me. Everything counts in
the sentence section of the test, including punctuation and capital
letters! Each section will be graded separately. Ideally, spelling tests
will be given each week depending on how much time we spend on a particular
story. Tests will be announced a few days in advance so please check your
child's planner.
MATH
The math series devotes a great deal of time to reasoning and logic, so
there may not be many computation problems to practice for homework. There
will be at least one or two questions for homework that require an
explanation on each assignment. Third grade students are also given the
PSSA Assessment Tests in Math and being able to explain their reasoning
while also showing the work of a problem will benefit the students
significantly on this exam.
We will still drill addition and subtraction facts. Before the second half
of the year, multiplication will begin. As with addition and subtraction,
it is important to know the facts comfortably. I will send home flashcards,
games, and tricks to make the learning more comfortable.
SCIENCE and SOCIAL STUDIES
This year's science series is based upon the concepts of life science, earth
science, and space science. This year's social studies series is based upon
the theme "Communities."
