Back to School Night Welcome to Third Grade September 14, 2016

Philosophy – “School is life, not a preparation for life,” John Dewey Discipline – Teach good behavior through positive guidance Class rules: be fair, kind and safe Snacks – Bring your own Grading – “Good try!” Grades are private and positive N/C’s – Neat and careful Communication – Newsletters Conferences

Language Arts Writing - Corrections limited to maintain self esteem Goal: Independent writers who enjoy writing Writer’s workshop Cursive handwriting Spelling - Phonemic patterns and themes Homework - Extensions of classwork Parental help is encouraged Spelling is assigned weekly, collected on Fri. Math is assigned daily, Mon. through Thurs. Reading - Integrated into science & social studies Fiction and nonfiction

Hola! FLES Spanish taught twice a week Non-letter grade (proficiency indicated on report card)

Social Studies Cooperative projects Map skills Economics Ancient Civilizations Government

Science Hands-on lessons in Investigation Station, Science City, and Outdoor Lab Topics: Rocks, living things, solar system, matter, and simple machines Health lessons are taught by the Physical Education Department

Math Two strands – problem solving and computational skill Recursive practice is necessary for skill development Homework assigned daily except Friday and test days

Volunteer Opportunities Room parent Field trips Gardening (Habitat Day) Art in the Classroom

Activity Fee $25.00 Scholastic Science magazine Storyworks Jr. magazine

B Birthday Policy Please refrain from sending in birthday treats (see Parent Handbook)