Curriculum Night 2013 3S

Information sheet—Northpoint is going Green! I’ve got an information page going around. If you can complete I would appreciate it. Your preferred name, email addresses, phone numbers and who is likely to answer. Ex. Home, Mom, Dad etc. Also remember to sign up for conferences

Who is teaching my student? Bobby Scott Lived in Bloomington-Normal my whole life. I went to Glenn, Chiddix, NCHS and then ISU. Taught eleven years of fifth grade at Colene Hoose. Beginning 8th year of 3rd grade at Northpoint. I have my masters degree in administration. Married and have two sons and one daughter

I enjoy sending time with my family. I enjoy being outside. We like to travel and often go camping. I enjoy sports—playing and watching– I incorporate a lot of sport stuff into the classroom.

Goal in Life Have fun! I try to transfer that to the classroom. Balance school with life.

I take this job very seriously. It’s a job that never ends I take this job very seriously. It’s a job that never ends. I think about school all the time, knowing that there is always something more than can be done. I recognize that it is not your typical 9-5 job, and that it’s difficult to reach me during the day (since I’m with the students most of it). Feel free to call me at home 451-1955 if you feel it is necessary. I may not get back to you until the next day.

Best way to reach me is email. scottbw@unit5.org I always try to respond– it might just be a “thanks” or short response. Typically the shorter the email the quicker the reply. Class website http://www.unit5.org//Domain/1706

Class make up this year 26 students 14 boys 12 girls Student Teacher- Mr. Wilkinson

Personal Beliefs/goals for third grade students Respect and polite to all organization learning is fun Goes well with “Get your Armorrr on”- (Respect, Responsibility, Ready)

Homework We will have some– Likely not too much Enough to create good organization habits and enrich classroom learning If you find your student spending too much time with it, let me know I don’t believe in giving homework for the sake of giving homework Chance of assigned reading from text books.

Assignment Notebook We will do this daily Students have the responsibility to get their assignment notebook signed. Signing it means you have communicated with your child about their day and assignments. Feel free to leave a note. I try to respond back.

Handwriting We will be practicing cursive handwriting throughout the year. Students are encouraged to use cursive. I will not be grading handwriting practice sheets but usually review them. I occasionally give out a “cursive writing bonus” on assignments. Please encourage your students to write neatly and use cursive.

Skyward I typically update Skyward every Sunday. I give each student a note of missing assignments on Monday mornings. Check it every couple weeks or so, but don’t micro manage. Don’t panic if you see a low grade– if you see many then we should talk.

My Philosophy on Grades What students know is the most important. Don’t put too much pressure on students. Don’t compare students to each other. Encourage and praise effort. Grades aren’t perfect. I believe skills are more important than grades

Math Working toward a workshop approach We will use journals daily. Home Links nearly everyday It is helpful if you indicate how much assistance you provided. Circle the “A lot, some, little, none” I encourage you to assist them– but please let me know if they are not grasping a skill or concept. If a student always has a perfect paper and I don’t know they are receiving a lot of additional help can create problems. Mastery of every skill is not expected-series spirals Games SRB (Student Reference Book) Flash Cards are great! Multiplication 0-12 are to be mastered by end of year. esuite

Reading 90 minutes a day. We are using a workshop approach. Still new at this approach to teaching—grading is a big part of the challenge I’ll read out loud to the class daily. Always assign 15 minutes to read– adjust as necessary. I let students borrow my books. Please help see that they get returned.

Reading cont. 30 minutes a day for SWORD time. Students Working On Reading Development Strategic grouping

Writing Difficult for many students moving toward a workshop approach Grading is somewhat subjective– less important than skills Goals: Make it fun Provide a lot of ideas Understand that writing is a process– even the best writers complete several drafts before they are “done” Teach students about plagiarism and tips for avoiding it. Parental help is usually necessary. Writers Notebook Will come home tomorrow and students can decorate it Hope to include parents in “Writers’ Workshop”

Spelling Words there way A word study Learn about letter patterns Lots of grouping Not sure it will be graded

Science/Social Studies Extension of reading Less time will be spent on these subjects Social Studies- Good mix of geography, history, economics and government Science- spirals, many topics may seem like they repeat from previous years Hope to make both fun and interesting! Hope to use the netbooks often for research May have to assign reading from text books at home

Areas Music- with Mrs. Ogdon Art- with Mrs. Cunningham P.E.-with Mrs. Leake I.M.C.- Mrs. Tindall

Newsletter Try to write a weekly newsletter Students will do writing and eventually the typing. Hopefully it will improve throughout the year. Student perspectives are very interesting (I’ll believe part of what they tell me about you if you believe part of what they tell you about me). We will likely start it next week. They will partner write the first time then move to self writing. Almost all written communication will come through emails.

Parent Helpers Writers’ workshop– hopefully??? Math workshop– hopefully??? PTO IMC Mrs. deFreese is in need of help as well A note will come home about these as they become available.

Classroom Discipline Stop Signs/ Warning Signs Positives: add a penny Students created our 3S Classroom Constitution Get your Armorrr On!! Tickets/drawings/auctions

Peanut Free Classroom One confirmed and one suspected peanut allergy

Snacks Remember to send a spoon if necessary Fruits, vegetables, yogurt, and cheese sticks. (NO DIPPING SAUSES). Remember to send a spoon if necessary Otherwise students will receive 5 animal crackers. I will be asking for donations of animal crackers or animal cracker like snacks. I used to let the class bring their own snacks, but realized I was in violation of the district policy.

Rusty We watch Rusty almost every day. He give tips and reminders on how to be a better citizen.

Various items from the office Volunteers need to be screened. Sign up in the office Pick up and drop off must occur out front Eating with child Space is a real problem Call office by 9:00 No fast food All visitors need a badge Please contact the office (and me if possible) your student will be missing school. Remember to sign up for a conference when we are done.

Odds and Ends Assignment Notebook $5 Time for Kids (TFK) $5- only need 4 more Calculator (optional) Book orders once a month—due tomorrow Water container– with lid. Camera Netbooks Passwords Room is often cool– students can leave sweatshirt/sweater here Student council- paragraphs due Tuesday.

3S Code A star or P= paper was reviewed but not taken for a grade. Often I’ll spot check just one problem. C & R= Student can correct and return for partial credit.

Conferences Remember to sign up for conferences and room parent help! Also sign parent contact sheet. Feel free to leave a note for your student Thank you in advance for all your support Show class website; esuite