Welcome to Third GradeBack-to-School Night

September 15, 2014

Amy BinderMeg RussellKelly Caione

Sarah HuntingtonKaren Lilienfeld

9 Year Olds in the ClassroomAble to copy from board, such as assignmentsPhysical control still an issue, can’t sit stillMore fine motor control, cursive comes more easilyEnjoys challenge, race against themselves“Reading to Learn”Needs reassurance

Can work in groups, though disputes about facts/rules take longer to resolveTakes pride in finished workCliques may beginAge of “lets make a deal”Laughter is the best medicine

ReferenceYardsticks: Children in the Classroom Ages 4-14A Resource for Parents and Teachers By Chip Wood1997, Northeast Foundation for Children

Language Arts CurriculumJourneys supports the Common Core Standards by emphasizing systematic and explicit instruction in reading, fluency, writing, speaking and listening, and language.

A variety of paired fiction and nonfiction reading selections along with many resources and activities allows teachers to differentiate lessons for different types of learners.   

Common Core State Standards are a set of internationally benchmarked standards that will provide students throughout the country with the learning experience and skills they need to be successful in higher education and the workforce. 

"Read Alouds" and independent self-selected reading continue to be an important part of daily language arts instruction, helping children grow as readers and develop a lifelong love of books. The children are expected to have an on-level independent reading book at all times. We can help them select these books from our in-class and school libraries.   

Third Grade Online ResourcesThinkCentral Journeys Reading Website:

One wonderful feature about the Journey’s program is the reading materials are available on-line. This can be helpful if your child is absent for an extended period. However, the same materials you have access to at home are the materials we’ll be using on a daily basis in the classroom, so at this time, we do not anticipate frequent on-line assignments.

Pearson Success Math Website:

Extra review, practice, and missing practice book sheets can all be accessed on-line. Instructions for using the website, including password information is available on the 3rd grade website.

The Sol Feinstone Home Pagehttp://www.crsd.org/site/default.aspx?domainid=2042

Math is Problem Solving!• Academic Standards

– Number and Operations– Patterns, Functions and Algebra– Geometry and Spatial Sense– Measurement– Data Analysis, Statistics and

Probability– Problem Solving– Reasoning, Proof, Connections– Communication– Trigonometry (right triangles)– Concepts of Calculus (Continue

patterns of numbers; estimate areas and volumes)

• EnVision: Scott-Foresman Addison Wesley

EnVision is the district's math program. It is a problem-based interactive and visual learning program. The curriculum simultaneously develops conceptual understanding, computational fluency, and problem-solving skills. Scott-Foresman Addison Wesley continues to update this program to maintain its alignment with the Common Core Standards.

Includes on-line access to their website for review and practice.

Social Studies and Science

• Communities• Investigating geography,

economics, government and history

• Essential questions• Materials

– Harcourt Brace Horizons

– Time for Kids readers

– Time for Kids magazine

• Market Day

• Rocks and Minerals

• Plant Growth and Development

• The Science of Sound

PSSA Testing

• All third graders are tested in ELA (English Language Arts) and mathematics.

• Grades 3 – 8 PSSA Testing Dates• English Language Arts: April 13-17, 2015 • Mathematics: April 20-24, 2015 • Make-up: May 4-8, 2015 Important if your child was

absent during the previous dates.• Teaching of test-taking strategies and familiarity with the

testing format.• Everything your child has learned in school so far has

prepared him/her for State testing.

Homework

• Average nightly homework = 30 Minutes • Parental support is important. However, your

child should be able to complete his or her homework independently; if that is not the case, please contact us.

• Our district policy does not permit us to send work home BEFORE a vacation.

• Help your child develop good study habits: a quiet place to complete homework and keep things organized.

• Help you child become responsible and independent; please don’t return to school to pick-up left homework or supplies.

Important Odds n’ Ends• Instrumental Music Lessons:

– Your child’s lesson schedule is based on a rotation

– Your child should have a copy of his/her schedule and should know the lesson time each week.

– He/she will miss classroom lessons, but not the same subject every week.

– Your child is responsible for finding out and making up the work he/she misses during his/her lesson.

– Often our only option is to work with children through recess and/or send the work home to be completed.

More Important Odds n’ Ends

• Snacks: – Classrooms are PEANUT AND NUT

FREE!– One snack that can be eaten in

approximately 5 minutes.

• Birthdays: – Treats are shared during snack

time. INCLUDE LABEL WITH INGREDIENTS !

– Please send in individual portion treats like cupcakes, soft pretzels, cookies , ice cream sandwiches etc.

– Please include anything needed for sharing (napkins, plates).

Helping YOUR Third Grader succeed!

• Remember: We’re a team!• Communicate any concerns with your child’s

teacher as soon as they arise• Remind your child to check their Go-home

folder, Assignment Book and\or BEARS binder every night!

• Promote responsibility in your third grader• Ask your child about school.• Provide a stable, supportive “homework

environment.”

Education takes place

in the combination of the home,

the community, the school,

and the receptive mind.

Harry Edwards

We are for creating a foundation for life-long learning that embraces curiosity and builds confidence.We are for cultivating the potential in one another; growing readers and leaders, artists and athletes, mathematicians and musicians, scientists and citizens, writers and thinkers.We are for seeking connections between what we learn and how we live, acting with R.E.S.P.E.C.T., and carefully considering the world in which we live.We are for Success For Everyone. We are Sol Feinstone Elementary.

SFE VISION

SFE MISSION Sol Feinstone Elementary champions the unique potential of each child.  Through an unwavering commitment to individual and collective success, we broaden both the mind and the character of every student.  Our school promotes a respectful environment where self-esteem is fostered through positive relationships and accountability.  Students, parents, teachers, and community members are actively involved in the learning process.  Together we prepare our children to thrive in the world that awaits them. 

SFE BELIEFS Sol Feinstone Elementary believes…

-It is important to recognize students’ strengths, talents, interests, and ambitions by providing opportunities to explore and realize the unique potential of each child through a variety ofextracurricular activities and clubs.

-It is important to show pride in each other and ourselves: Children’s work is proudly displayed. Our school community’s good news and accomplishments are shared.

-It is important to embrace all available resources, including technology and innovative research-based practices to ensure all children are successful.

-It is important to realize “it takes a village” to help children attain their highest potential: high community involvement, communication, and dedication to children.

-It is important to help children recognize they are part of a respectful, caring school family and grow to understand their place as responsible citizens of the global community through clearly explained expectations, a positive behavior support plan, the Responsive Classroom Approach to learning, and Restorative Practices.