Welcome Parents! Mrs. Wittlinger 3 rd Grade

A little about me…  Education Undergraduate Degree Millersville University Early Childhood/Elementary Education Masters Degree West Chester University Reading Specialist Certification West Chester Area School District – 6 years Kindergarten, Second Owen J. Roberts School District First, Third

3 rd Grade Curriculum  English Language Arts  Word Study  Social Studies Map Skills Government Pennsylvania  Cursive Handwriting  Every Day Math Program Rocket Math  Science Forces in Motion Rocks and Minerals Plants

Daily Schedule/Specials  Morning Work, Daily Set Up  Science/Social Studies  Special ( 1:Music, 2: Gym, 3: Art, 4: Library, 5: Art )  Math  Rocket Math, Cursive, Grammar  Recess/Lunch  English Language Arts Writer’s Workshop Tier Time Reader’s Workshop

Every Day Math  Balanced Instruction Each lesson includes time for whole-group instruction as well as small group, partner, or individual activities.  Emphasis on Communication Throughout the Everyday Mathematics curriculum students are encouraged to explain and discuss their mathematical thinking, in their own words. Daily Home Links provide opportunities for family members to participate in the students' mathematical learning. Periodic letters keep parents informed about their children's experience with Everyday Mathematics  Real-life Problem Solving Everyday Mathematics emphasizes the application of mathematics to real world situations. Numbers, skills and mathematical concepts are not presented in isolation, but are linked to situations that are relevant to everyday lives.  Online resources

Rocket Math  Daily Fact program in school.  Multiplication then division facts (0-9’s). Trimester 1: G-L multiplication Trimester 2: R multiplication Trimester 3: Z multiplication  Practice with flash cards, websites, etc. at home.  6 minutes daily at home for homework.

Language Arts – Balanced Literacy Read Aloud, Guided Reading, Independent Reading, Partner Reading Write Aloud, Shared Writing, Guided Writing, Independent Writing Independent Reading  At home and school  Keep a Reading Log

Units of Study~Writing~ By: Lucy Calkins  Motivates all students to be writers.  Creates a common writing experience for all.  Provides deliberate writing instruction and guided practice.  Develops a love of writing.

What Really Matters!!!  The only way to get better at reading is by reading.  Books must be a “ good fit ” Books at the wrong level will cause frustration and little to no growth in reading.

Read, Read, Read

Parent Resources

Spelling / Word Study Procedures Weekly lists Homework  Word Hunt  Sorts (speed, buddy, blind)  Practice test at home is a **Must Do**

Word Study improves ELA skills  Word study does not promote simply memorizing words.  In word study we explore and examine sound, letter and meaning patterns that exist in words and then apply those patterns to more and more words.  Y/N grading system

Assessment/Grading  Trimester Schedule December 1 March 8 June 10  Conferences November 23, 24 March 2, 3  Report Cards  Stardards based reporting Rubrics, 1-4 grade scale

Classroom Management  Promoting responsibility, accountability and positive choices!  Classroom Economy  Color Clip Chart  Green Tickets  Chit Chat Board

Classroom Economy  Students will learn valuable life skills in an experiential way. Designed to mimic real world economic activity. Perform jobs to earn salaries. Budget money and balance checking accounts. Discover that every decision has an opportunity cost. Need Auction items!! $5 gift cards, small toys, crafting items, things on clearance, nerf items.

Homework  Please provide a time and a quiet place to work each day on the home practice.  Check homework folder each evening.  Please sign assignment book each evening.  Most nights home practice will be Word Study, a math page, fact practice and for them to read.

Parent Involvement  Homeroom Parent  Classroom Volunteers  Party Volunteers (Halloween, Holiday, Valentine’s)  Field Day  End-of-Year Celebration  Field Trips  Yearbook  Clearances are necessary

Class Procedures  Birthdays  Star Students  Scholastic Book Clubs  Snacks: every afternoon, NUT FREE

How to Stay Informed  Web page updates regularly   Weekly Newsletter  communication   Skyward  Phone calls 

~Thank you for coming~ Please feel free to write a note to your child on the index card provided for them to get tomorrow morning!