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Curriculum
Math – The everyday math program uses a problem
solving approach based on everyday situations that develop critical
thinking. Routines and
mathematical games are used to provide frequent practice of basic skills, and
topics are revisited regularly to ensure full concept development. When we get to the second half of the
year, all of the topics will be beginning and developing skills and the
students will not be expected to master the skills until they come around again
in fourth grade and beyond.
We are also working toward the mastery of
multiplication and division facts in third grade. We will be spending time in class practicing, but the
students are also expected to practice at home regularly. Please use the practice packet that is
included to help with practice at home!
Language/Reading – The language arts–literacy program focuses on
vocabulary, comprehension, and the development of language skills. These goals
are accomplished through whole class instruction, as well as leveled guided
reading groups. We will be using
the RIGBY and Lit by Design programs, as well as picture books and novels.
Writing – We will be working on two major writing projects this
year, as well as many smaller writing pieces. The two major units are personal narratives and non-fiction
writing. During these units of
study, we will be reading and analyzing examples of authentic literature to see
how real authors write. Some of
the other writing pieces that we work on in third grade are picture and poem
prompts, speculative writing, friendly letters, and biographies.
Spelling
– We will be continuing to use the Rebecca Sitton Spelling program. This program differs greatly from a
typical spelling program where a list of words is handed out on Monday,
students study and complete homework assignments, and take a test on
Friday. The problem with this type
of instruction is that the correct spelling does not transfer into
writing. The Rebecca Sitton
program emphasizes the learning of important words for a lifetime of spelling
in the real world – that is spelling correctly in writing. Students will have individual lists of
words that will be added to each week and they will be expected to study these
words at home. “Exercise Express”
spelling packets are sent home each Monday to be completed and handed in on
Friday.
Social
Studies – We will be using a program called Social Studies Alive. This program consists of a series of
instructional practices that allow students of all abilities to “experience”
history. Hands on activities as
well as simulations help student to really enjoy history, therefore learning
more. The units that we will study
this year are:
·
Map
Skills
·
Native
Americans (including Lenape Indians)
·
Economy
·
Government
(local and country)
·
Immigration
Science –The students will learn through hands-on
discovery and exploration. The
units we will be studying are Structures of Life, The Earth and Universe, and
Global Changes. Any opportunity
that you have at home to discuss these topics will enhance the learning
experience. Quizzes and tests will be given to help assess student
understanding. We will introduce
the use of new vocabulary flashcards and help students begin to understand how
to use a science journal to document new thinking and observations.
Behavior
Each
child has 3 sticks that they start the day with. As rules are followed, all sticks will stay! $1 will be earned for having 3 sticks
at the end of the day.
Consequences
1 stick taken away: This will result in a warning.
1 stick taken away: This will result in a warning.
2 sticks taken away: This will happen if the student has not corrected a specific behavior. If behavior continues, the student will miss 10 minutes of recess. I will be in contact with you by either sending a quick email or writing a note in the student’s homework book.
3 sticks taken away: The student will miss the entire recess and will write a letter about what happened. I will be in contact with you.
Ask your child if
he or she had 3 sticks at the end of the day and you will find that most
students do…..the chart is in a prominent place in the classroom and we all
like to see everyone with 3 sticks!
Rewards
My
personal belief is that positive reinforcement will yield much better results
with students than constantly threatening negative consequences. You will find that I am strict but also
very fair in my expectations of what your children can accomplish, both
academically and behaviorally!
To
reinforce this, I am beginning an allowance system, with payday being every
Friday. Students are paid to do
their “chores” – staying on the green light, turning in their homework each
day, and following the classroom rules.
They receive extra money for things like getting a 100% on a test or
quiz, being caught in a random act of kindness, or doing an excellent job
within our school setting.
Students
also receive a dollar for healthy snacks if they choose to bring them to
class. Fruits, veggies, and
healthy dairy products all count as “reward” snacks and encourage healthy
habits here in class.
Another
reward is the use of an inflatable exercise ball for students to use
appropriately in class. If you
have one at home and would like to send it to school, we can inflate it here
for use. Because of the number of
students in class, we will alternate use of this between students. Research shows that using an exercise
“stability” ball can increase concentration and help students improve posture
while sitting. Please consider this!
After
a few paydays children can purchase homework passes or free time to use the
Ipads, Laptops, Smartboard, or fun activities in the classroom. We will designate special time for this
on Fridays and students who choose not to have a reward will have time to
complete unfinished work in our room.
Special Schedule and Birthday Celebrations
We
currently have 20 students in our classroom. f you would like to send in a small treat for your child on
his/her birthday, please feel free to do so. Our classroom
is also NUT FREE. Please check all
labels! I would also appreciate if
you could send a note or email about what you are planning on sending. Contact me with any questions or
concerns.
Special Schedule:
Monday
– Art
Tuesday – Gym, Spanish
Wednesday
– Health
Thursday
– Gym, Library, Spanish
Friday –Computers, Reach (Every other week),
Music
Homework
It is very important that your child finishes nightly
homework and completion of homework affects report card grades. Students will
have homework each night Monday through Thursday. The amount of time spent each night will vary, but should
never be excessive. As a parent,
you can help me in several ways.
First, regularly ask your child about his/her
homework. Go beyond asking if they
have finished. Ask them to explain
what they have done. Have them tell you what they thought was easiest or most
difficult about their homework.
Offer suggestions to help them with the hard parts.
Second, spot-check their work. This does not mean watching them
complete every step. It simply
means take 5-10 minutes and have them show you what they are doing. This allows you to see what we are
doing in class, get a feeling of your child’s strengths and weaknesses, and
check to make sure they are putting in 100% effort.
If you find an assignment too difficult and
even together you cannot complete it, please write me a note and have your
child approach me about help.
Also, if there is a serious problem that prevents your child from
completing homework, please send in a note explaining the situation.
Homework Books
This year the students will be using homework
books to write down all of their assignments. Each night, you will be asked to
sign your child’s homework book after he or she has completed all of the
assignments and has shown them to you.
It is your child’s responsibility to remember to ask you to sign
it. This book can also be used if
you need to write me a quick note. The homework books normally ordered by our
school have not been received yet, so until then we are using a homework log,
which should stay in your child’s homework folder.
Grading
Perhaps
the largest adjustment for the students is the emphasis on grades in the form
of numbers and letters! Everyday
Math will have a separate report card with Beginning, Developing, and Secure as
the measures for growth in each area. However, other subjects are now graded on
a number and letter scale.
I
weigh tests, quizzes, class participation, and homework differently for
different subjects….for example, in science I weigh class participation as
fifty percent of the grade, simply because of the “hands on” nature of the
work. If you have questions
about the grading process, please see me.
I will be happy to go over everything with you and discuss grading at
length during conferences as well!
Grading Scale
A – Very Good Progress 100-93
B – Good Progress 92-85
C – Adequate Progress 84-77
D – Limited Progress 76-70
F – Unsatisfactory Progress Below 70
Contact Information
I
am always available and happy to help you with any concerns. I truly have an open door policy and
believe that it is in your child’s best interest if you are as involved as
possible in our classroom. Please
let me know if I can assist you in any way.
My classroom
extension is 856-848-2610 x208.
My email is hlizza@woodburyhtselem.com
