Welcome to Ms. Dodson’s 3rd Grade Class

3rd Grade at Alston Ridge Elementary TRACK TEACHERS TRACK 1 Ms. Dee Skerry Ms. Danielle Dodson Mr. Devin Hudson TRACK 2 Ms. Colleen Wackerman Ms. Alysia Himbry Ms. Jennifer Worley TRACK 3 Ms. Lisa Kaszycki Ms. Megan Madlon TRACK 4 Ms. Karen Niemi Ms. Meghan Martin Ms. Beth Bloodworth

Daily Schedule 8:45 – 9:15 – Arrival / Morning Work 9:15 – 9:45 – Morning Meeting 9:45 – 10:30 – Writing 10:30 – 11:55 – Reading 11:55 – 12:25 – Lunch 12:35 – 1:05 – Recess 1:10 – 1:50 – Specials 1:50 – 3:00 – Math 3:00 – 3:40 – Science / Social Studies 3:40 – 3:45 – Pack Up and Dismissal

Morning Meeting During morning meeting we start our day by discussing what is to be expected in the hours to come. We then play a quick ice breaker game to welcome each other. This is also the time where the children get the opportunity to share their own special thoughts or news with the class. We end our morning meeting by reading a chapter in a book that I have picked.

3rd Grade Word Study Why is Word Study Important? It is developmentally appropriate according to each student's spelling stage. It provides hands-on opportunities to manipulate word features in a way that allows students to generalize beyond isolated, individual examples to entire groups of words. It increases vocabulary and reading comprehension. What does Word Study look like in the classroom? Sorts, variety of activities, collaboration with classmates, assessments

Writing- Essential Skills The Writing Process Curriculum Objectives Prewriting Focus Drafting Organization Revising Support and Elaboration Editing Style Publishing/Sharing Conventions What kinds of writing will we do? Poetry Narratives Instructional/Explanatory Short Research Reports Opinion Pieces

Reading- Essential Skills Read independently at home and school to improve fluency and comprehension. Read and understand different types of texts; such as, poetry, fiction, nonfiction, plays, informational texts, fairytales, and fables. Whole Group Instruction: Through applying reading strategies taught, students will exhibit higher order skills beyond retelling to include: inferring, cause/effect, main idea, point-of-view, predicting, questioning, and identifying the author's purpose. Guided Reading Instruction: Differentiated instruction in small groups to focus on fix-up strategies and to apply comprehension skills. Time is provided daily for independent practice.

Math- Essential Skills Number and Operations- Multi-digit addition and subtraction, multiplication and division (0-10), place value; estimation to the nearest ten and hundred Fractions- Determine a fraction’s place on a number line, compare fractions, and determine equivalent fractions (1/2, 1/3, 1/4, 1/6, 1/8) Measurement- Metric systems of mass and capacity; customary units of length; elapsed time and time to the nearest minute Geometry- Identify 2-dimensional shapes and reason with their attributes, determine the area and perimeter of given regular and complex figures Data Analysis -Read and analyze graphs, tables and charts, including pictographs, bar graphs and line plots Algebra- Finding an unknown in a number sentence

Science- Essential Skills The following science units will be studied in 3rd grade using fun and exciting hands-on activities: The Human Body (Skeleton, Muscles and Skin) Earth in the Universe Ecosystems- Plants and Soil Earth’s Land and Water Features Matter Properties and Change Science topics will be learned through inquiry, exploration and discovery.

Social Studies- Essential Skills Civics and Government National and Local Government Geography Absolute and Relative Location Comparing Regions History and Colonial America Understand how history has influenced our government Economics Supply and Demand How natural resources affect the economy Entrepreneurship

Your assistance is very much appreciated! Homework Daily math sheet Reading journal/ log with responses due on Friday Additional assignments/projects may be assigned from time to time. Homework should take around 50 minutes per night. Your assistance is very much appreciated!

Standards Based Grading 4- Extends targeted grade level standards. “Since I can do/get this, I can figure out new things!” 3- Demonstrates proficiency of targeted grade level standards. “I get it, and I can do it well!” 2- Needs support to meet targeted grade level standards. “I almost get it, but I need help.” 1- Insufficient performance of targeted grade level standards. “I don’t get it yet. I need help.”

Behavior Management In our classroom we are going to use class dojo to help encourage good behavior and decision making. When students reach a certain number of points they will be able to pick a prize or save their points for a different prize. If the student is not making good choices they will lose dojo points and if their behavior continues they will fill out a reflection form and it will need to be signed by a parent and returned to school.

A Few Other Items Absences – For an absence to be excused, a note must be sent in with the student when they return to school. Wish List – wish list is posted on Weebly, if you would like to donate please take a post it today Volunteers – starting in the 2nd quarter, there will be a sign up genius for volunteers in the room. Please make sure you register as a volunteer!

Progress Reports Assessments Weekly Reports (Please review and initial) Progress Reports will be given during the halfway point of the quarter. Report Cards are given at the end of each quarter. Assessments mClass- Literacy Assessment Program designed to assess students reading fluency level and comprehension. Benchmark assessments are given three times per year Progress monitoring as needed CogAT and ITBS (select students) Case 21 ( 3 times per year) Beginning of Grade Tests (BOGs), End-of-Grade Tests (EOGs)

Class Website 1. Go to Alston Ridge website: http://alstonridgees.wcpss.net/ 2. Click “Class Pages” 3. Find my name. 4. On the website you will find: - Weekly Newsletters - Student Links

How is third grade different from K-2? Work Habits How is third grade different from K-2? Reading to learn versus learning to read Higher expectations on quality of work Higher level critical thinking skills Stamina for reading, writing, listening Independence How can you help? Encourage these same skills and expectations at home.

Thank You!! Thank you so much for coming tonight!! Please remember that communication between home and school is critical to the success of your child. I look forward to working with you or your child this year!