3rd Grade

Teaching Philosophy

My goal as a teacher is to facilitate a love of learning and to help my students find their best selves.  As a teacher, it is my responsibility to encourage students to be problem solvers, curious learners and tolerant people.  Recognizing the individual, I will work to nurture each child’s unique gifts and to help overcome challenges in partnership with parents.

 

Academic expectations are more challenging in Third Grade, as we transition from learning to read, to reading to learn.  Additionally, organization, following directions as given, and other “soft skills” are integral in Third Grade.  When a child reaches third grade, the expectation is for that child to take responsibility for their own actions.  Our goal is to guide students in making positive choices and continuing to teach them that their choices have consequences- good and bad.  Third graders are expected to conduct themselves in a way befitting a blue sweater, being kind in their actions and words to others, as well as being responsible and respectful. 

 

I ask that students come to school ready to learn with all necessary materials, which could include books, homework, snack, cold lunch (if applicable), working school supplies, glasses (if needed), proper outerwear and clothing for gym or after school activities.   Please have students leave toys or other distracting items at home.

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Soft Skills:

Academic expectations are more challenging in Third Grade.  Additionally, organization (using a planner, maintaining a functional desk, etc.), following directions as given, working with others, patience, resilience and other “soft skills” are integral facets of Third Grade.  Being an accountable, responsible student is a very important goal concurrent with academics.

 

Math: 

Utilizing Saxon Math, Intermediate 3.  Daily math homework reinforces concepts and processes.  Additionally, we use math games, glyphs and daily “mad minutes” to further math understanding.

 

Language Arts & Grammar:

Activities beyond textbooks include:  the writing process, including editing and revisions, grammar and parts of speech, penmanship instruction and practice.  We will work on writing well structured sentences and paragraphs with topic sentences ands supporting details.  We also utilize Storyworks Magazine by Scholastic.

 

Reading:

By Third Grade, the goal is reading to learn versus learning to read, so comprehension is the primary goal.  Reading activities include silent reading, student/teacher guided reading instruction, individual conferencing, class read-alouds and related activities like Readers’ Theater.  We will utilize literature with trade books and reading comprehension activities, learning about synthesizing information from texts and practicing critical thinking skills.  We will also introduce figurative writing tools such as alliteration, personification, idioms and the like.

 

Spelling:

Our spelling curriculum includes a weekly word list of 20 words from relevant word families and content areas.  A spelling test will be given each week.

 

Science:

 

We will learn about:

         Life Science- Plants and Ecosystems

         Physical Science – Observing Matter and Simple Machines

         Earth Science – Weather and Space

         Human Body – Five Senses, Skeletal System, and Human Body              

          Systems

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Religion Curriculum:​

Grades K-3 religion curriculum will include the use of the book Christ Our Life by Loyola Press.  The Christ Our Life Workbook, includes 5 units with a total of 24 weekly lessons.  Grades 3-8 will use the Pflaum Gospel Weekly series. Students will receive a “pamphlet” type packet that focuses on Catholic faith through the Gospels.  Students participate in daily prayer, school wide Liturgies, service projects and daily experiences in living Christian values. Special Liturgical seasonal activities include Christmas programing, Advent activities, St. Angela study, Lenten projects and Easter season activities. Teaching in the Ursuline tradition will allow the students to grow spiritually and emotionally while learning about God in a safe and supportive environment.

 

Social Studies:

We will learn primarily about U. S. History, Government holidays, Presidents, mapping skills, geography, landforms, and current events.

 

Weekly Specials:

• Gym- Third graders will not be changing for gym class.  They will need to wear their school Phys Ed uniform the days that they have gym class.

• Technology

• Art

• French and Library

• Music

 

HOMEWORK

Students will have homework Monday- Thursday.  Generally, this includes a math sheet reviewing that day’s concepts and a spelling, reading or LA sheet.

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We do have several projects throughout the year which are completed at home.  Home projects are more about the process (time management, following directions, etc.) since I will provide content materials.  Students are expected to use a planner each day to write down homework and other important information.  Organization, responsibility and independence are ongoing goals.

 

For tests, there is usually an opportunity to make corrections to improve a grade, although corrections are valued at ½.  We have letter grades.

 

Homework Policy:

Per the policy of Mount Merici, homework is designed to reinforce concepts and practice skills.  Every child is different in the amount of time they need to complete assignments.  Students may receive approximately 30 minutes of homework per night on Monday thru Thursday.  Generally, there are two pieces of homework- one math sheet and a sheet with spelling, reading, science or social studies. This work, unless otherwise noted, is always due the next day in class.  Students are expected to complete their work neatly, completely and by following directions.  Their grades will reflect this effort, not only correct answers.  This is in an effort to teach responsibility and pride in doing one’s best work.  I encourage parents to review homework with their children, but not to correct concept errors at home, so I can provide re-teaching by reviewing the mistakes at school.  Please initial each piece of homework after reviewing it. Any work not turned in on the day it is due will be considered late and will receive less than full credit.  Schoolwork must be turned in to receive credit.  If there are special needs or circumstances, please let me know.  Late and/or incomplete homework will be sent home the following night to be completed, along with current homework.  It is difficult for students to make up late or incomplete homework during our school day, as there is no time to do so.  Recess would be the only possible time, but it’s important for the children to have physical activity at recess time.

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Class Expectations

1.  Be kind to each other.

2.  Be a good listener and take turns speaking.

3.  Take good care of our classroom.

4.  Follow directions.

5.  Complete and turn in homework on time.

6.  Use your planner daily.

7.  Do your best.

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Choices Have Consequences

Positive reinforcement of the above expectations include: praise and special privileges.  Consequences for poor choices include:  verbal warning, loss of privileges, a behavior plan and parental involvement.  Again, the goal is to guide students in making positive choices and continuing to teach them that their choices have consequences- good and bad.
 

FINAL NOTES

I send an email out each Sunday night or Monday with spelling words and other important, highlights for the upcoming week.  My goal is to be a partner with parents, so it follows that parents need to know what we’re doing. To that end, please feel free to reach out with any questions or concerns you have.  I’m looking forward to a great year!