Academic Updates
Math
Our school has adopted a new math program this year, "Expressions." This program is designed to meet the Common Core standards. This year our units of study will be:
1-2. Multiplication and Division
3. Measurement, Time, and Graphs
4. Multidigit Addition and Subtraction
5. Writing Equations to Solve Word Problems
7. Exploring Fractions
Families will be receiving math newsletters to keep them informed of the expectations and procedures for the unit and studying. Please make sure to take a few minutes to read each newsletter.
1-2. Multiplication and Division
3. Measurement, Time, and Graphs
4. Multidigit Addition and Subtraction
5. Writing Equations to Solve Word Problems
7. Exploring Fractions
Families will be receiving math newsletters to keep them informed of the expectations and procedures for the unit and studying. Please make sure to take a few minutes to read each newsletter.
Reading
All students should have their first quarter A.R. reading level and points goal written on the inside of their agenda. Please check in the front cover each quarter to see your child's reading level.
We have a lot planned for reading this year. Students will be exploring words and their meanings, elements of stories, fables, myths, folktales, and lots of nonfiction reading.
Students are expected to independently read longer passages (chapter books). We will work to ensure each student is able to attain this goal. All students will also be working toward their independent reading goals for Accelerated Reader. You can help by making sure your child reads for at least 20 minutes per night toward their goals.
We have a lot planned for reading this year. Students will be exploring words and their meanings, elements of stories, fables, myths, folktales, and lots of nonfiction reading.
Students are expected to independently read longer passages (chapter books). We will work to ensure each student is able to attain this goal. All students will also be working toward their independent reading goals for Accelerated Reader. You can help by making sure your child reads for at least 20 minutes per night toward their goals.
Spelling
Our school is using the Rebecca Sitton spelling program to teach spelling. The focus of this program is different from traditional spelling programs. This program helps teach students about spelling patterns and it is focused on 1,200 of the most used words in college papers. These 1,200 words actually comprise 90% of the writing in college papers! If these are the words our students will be using the most in their lives, we need to make sure they know them. Each year the students are introduced to another group of words from the list (in the order of how often they are used). The words may seem simple for some third grade students, but please understand our students will be expected to spell these words correctly 100% of the time. The list of third grade words was sent home on golden paper earlier this year. Another copy is also in each students' agenda. Please encourage your child to continue to spell most frequently used words correctly in everything they do.
Social Studies / Science
Science and social studies will be infused in our reading curriculum this year. Therefore, you will not see report card grades for these areas. We will begin the year with a unit on mapping. Does your child know his/her address and phone number? Quiz them to find out. Many students forget this information by third grade. We expect your child to know where he/she lives. Please practice this with them if they have forgotten.