Content Area Information
Spelling
New spelling words will be introduced each Monday. The spelling list will be sent home each Monday in the homework folder for you to study with your child. The complete spelling list will also be in our third grade newsletter. Throughout out the week, we will learn and discuss strategies for spelling these words. Please help your child to be successful by studying these words with your child throughout the week.
Math
Math is a very important subject, not only at school, but in life. Third graders are participate in state-mandated testing in third grade so this year your child will learn many new concepts and strategies to be successful in math. Please review basic math facts with your child so as we advance our math skills, these skills will become easier and easier for your child. Each skill in math is a stepping stone to the next skill so as your child memorizes addition and multiplication facts, he/she will find success in advancing math skills.
Mrs. Barnett will be teaching Math. She will be sending additional information home in the beginning weeks of school.
Reading
Reading is one of my favorite pastime activities. I love to read, and I hope your child will love to read also. This year we will read a variety of different books. I will introduce your child to some of my favorite authors and, hopefully, your child will share favorite books and authors too! Reading is an integral part of learning and life so it is important each child masters these skills so he/she can be successful in school and in life! As I always tell the kids, “The more you read, the more you know!
Your child will be participating in a computerized reading program called Accelerated Reading. Accelerated Reading consists of your child choosing an AR book at his/her level, reading it for enjoyment, and then taking a short quiz on the computer to evaluate reading comprehension. You can help your child to have success in this program by encouraging and reading at night with your child. While AR books may be read at any time, all quizzes must be taken during school hours except during the family reading nights hosted by our school library. Once these goals are met by the end of each nine weeks, your child will be awarded different prizes to celebrate this achievement.
Reading is tested on the state-mandated testing in third grade. We will practice ways to fully comprehend our reading and to answer short answers so each student can “show off” the full spectrum of his/her learning. We will use monthly National Geographic in the classroom to increase nonfiction reading strategies and comprehension. Please model to your child the importance of reading at home. Together we will help your child achieve his/her full potential!
Reading Homework
Every Monday your child will receive a reading respond sheet. They will be responsible for completing the required amount of time and filling out the corresponding question on the read and respond sheet. Every Friday your child will return the sheet with your signature on each night they read. I will take up the reading responds each Friday for a grade. You will receive more information on the reading homework the first week of school.
Writing
In addition to reading, students will have a writing block with Mrs. Wierema. She will be teaching the students the writing, spelling, and grammar standards. She will be sending more information home in the beginning weeks of school.
