Mrs. Estes and Miss Busby’s 3 rd Grade Class

Alexandria Estes Graduated from Midlakes in 2004 Received my Bachelor's and Master’s degrees from SUNY Fredonia While in college I participated in two teaching exchanges- one in Belize and one in Wales I am the oldest of two Married Mr. Estes, we have a daughter Evelyn, dog named Lola We love to travel and explore Run Spend time outside

Karen Busby Graduated from Midlakes in 2002 I received my Bachelors degree from Roberts Wesleyan in 2006 and my Masters degree from Walden University in 2010 This is my seventh year at MIS. I am the youngest of 4, including two brothers and 1 sister. My family all lives in the area and spends a great deal of time together. I live in Canandaigua. I love spending time with my 2 nieces, playing guitar, and watching football.

Schedule 9:10-9:50 Science/SS 9:54-10:39 Special Snack 10:40-12:10 Math 12:10-12:40 Lunch 12:40-12:55 Recess 1:00-1:20 Silent Read Time 1:20-2:20 ELA 2:20-3:00 Daily 5 Reading Workshop 3:00-3:15 Word Study Specials: Day 1, 3, 5 P.E. * Don’t forget sneakers! Day 2 Music Day 4 Art Day 6 Library/Computer * Don’t forget library books!

Homework/Take Home Folders Homework The entire third grade will have mostly the same homework Spelling every night –posted online Math on Tuesdays and Thursdays Projects and/or Study Guides Take Home Folders and Agendas Every student has received a maroon take-home folder. The folder needs to be returned everyday. Every student has an agenda to record assignments. This is a great organizational tool. It is also great for parent/teacher communication.

English Language Arts (ELA) Common Core Curriculum 1:20-2:20 Curriculum adopted by the state Follows the new Common Core Standards 60- minute module lesson; “Put a book in every child’s hand.” Increased rigor Close reads- picture books Finding evidence in the text Guided Reading Groups 2:20-3:00 Small groups meet every other day Focus on particular skills the students need Comprehension, fluency, vocabulary, writing support, acceleration of skills Silent Read Time 1:00-1:20 Independent read book (same one at home and school) 40 book challenge

What can I talk to my child about when we are reading at home? FICTION Who is the main character? What is the setting? What is the main problem in the story? What is the story mainly about? What do you predict will happen next in the story? Did the character learn a lesson? Did the character change? Pick a character. What character traits does he or she exhibit? NONFICTION What is the main idea of the text? What details support the main idea? What was the author’s purpose in writing this piece? Were there any text features (charts, photographs, diagrams) that were important? What did you learn from them? BIOGRAPHY: What contribution did the subject make to society? THESE ARE ALL “THINKING POINTS”!

Math Common Core Curriculum 90 minute lessons daily 10:40-12:10 Intense lessons that go deep into mathematical concepts and problem solving. Began the year with multiplication Units include multiplication, division, measurement, perimeter, area, place value, and fractions Facts are important. Memorization is a must. 10 minutes a day is all that is needed. Flashcard games at home and in the car Eureka Math

Spelling All 3 rd grade classes are using a word study program that involves learning high frequency words (writing words) and pattern words. A new pattern or rule will be taught each week. We believe in the importance of putting the words in long-term memory, so once the words are given for spelling they will be expected to know how to spell them. Grades are based on nightly homework, weekly tests, daily use and transferring words correctly. A new homework sheet will come home each Monday (same homework every week) Please keep the assignment sheet in the take-home folder. Words are posted on our class website each week. Spelling homework is to be completed nightly and returned the next day in order to receive credit.

Science and Social Studies Units for Social Studies and Science will be taught quarterly Social Studies Communities and Geography Communities Over Time Citizens and Government People in Communities Science Science 21 Plant Investigation Investigating Electricity Investigating the Water Cycle Investigating Animal Cycles

Data Binders and Goal Setting Record data every Monday Analyze data Set Goals Example: Last week I earned a 75 % on my spelling test, my goal for this week is 100 %. In order to reach my goal I need to practice my spelling words. I think I will make flashcards to practice my words every night. Data Binders will go home once a month

Super Connection Newsletter ELAMath Social StudiesSpecials Upcoming Events I was a SUPER STAR when…_________________________________________________ The biggest challenge I had this week was _________________________ My goal for next week is…_____________________________________________________

New York State Testing This year 3 rd grade students will be taking a state ELA test and a state Math test. ELA April th Math April 22 th - April 24 nd

7 Habits of Happy Kids

Positive Behavior Clip Chart Clip up for positive choices Clip Hall of Fame Clip down for poor choices Flexible and students are never stuck Calendar sent home to be signed every night.

Outdoor Recess Every day Dress for the weather Snow suits, rain coats, boots, or old sneakers We stay in if there is thunder/ lightening or its below 10 degrees

STAR OF THE WEEK

Snacks and Birthdays Please send a daily snack or bulk to be kept here. Please feel free to send in treats for your child’s birthday. Most treats/ snacks ok, just check first If your child has a birthday in the summer, we can celebrate it at any time during the year, just let me know what works for you. Provide enough for 22.

Book Orders If you wish to order, please make checks payable to Scholastic You can also order online: Go to scholastic.com, click on book clubs, click on parents Classroom Code: JC8DG

Team Work In our classroom we function as a team, and everyone works together. We do our best learning when we can learn from each other. Let’s work together to make this a great year for your child! Please sign up for a parent/teacher conference before leaving. (Reading table) Ways to contact us School Phone: Notes in their agenda