Mrs. Fredette’s Third Grade Class

Who is Mrs. Fredette?  Education: BA in Comparative Literature from Brandeis U. and post-baccalaureate in Education from Ramapo College.  This is my 11 th year teaching at Harrington Park School, and my second year in third grade.  This is my 2 nd career. Before teaching, I managed systems analysts in the insurance field.  Family: I have a supportive husband, a daughter, who graduated college in June, 2012 and a son who works in the film industry.  I am passionate about teaching.

My Guiding Beliefs  Children genuinely want to learn.  If we set high standards, children will strive to meet them.  Children perform best when they know that teachers and parents are working together.  It is my job to find the best way to meet your child’s learning needs.

My Goals for Each and Every Student  They will all be sound thinkers.  They will all be strategic problem solvers.  They will all be proficient readers and writers.  They will all be kind to each other.

Math Curriculum Covers:  Place Value  A review of addition and subtraction  Multiplication and division  Word problem strategies  Mastering multiplication and division basic facts (to 12).  Time  Graphing

Math Curriculum Covers (cont’d):  Geometry  Fractions  Measurement

Balanced Literacy Approach for Teaching Reading and Writing  Reader’s Workshop  Writer’s Workshop  Guided Reading Groups  Read-Alouds  Shared Reading  Systematic Word Study  Grammar  Vocabulary  Spelling

Spelling  Lists based on class needs  New list about every two weeks  Choice of spelling activities completed in spelling notebook.  Two words on each list will be individualized. Your child will choose words that they often misspell in their writing.

Grammar  Mentor sentences to guide understanding  Emphasis is on usage, not terminology  Taught through activities as much as possible  Goal is to see evidence of grammar skills taught in student writing

Vocabulary  Literature-based  Introduced a few words at a time  Cooperative group activities to practice word usage  Goal is to strengthen reading comprehension  Goal is to enhance writing

Science Curriculum Topics  Plants and Animals  Solar System  Weather, Water, and Air  Forces and Machines

Social Studies Curriculum Topics  Maps  Government  New Jersey  Civics, Citizenship, and American Values  Economics

Homework  Reinforces classroom learning. Never introduces new material.  Never given over weekends or holidays.  Includes at least 20 minutes of independent reading.  Should not take longer than one UNDISTRACTED hour (including reading).

Homework (cont’d.)  You can help and/or check homework if you’d like. Homework is never graded.  Missed homework must be made up.  Work missed due to absence will be sent home on the day your child returns, and should be made up as soon as possible.

Report Cards Major Academic Subjects:  Mathematics  Reading  Writing  Math  Social Studies/Science

Grade Key for Common Core Standards 4 Exceeds Standard 3 Meets Standard 2 Approaching Standard 1 Improvement Toward Standard Needed

How Can You Help Your Child Succeed in Third Grade?  Help your child arrive at school on time each morning.  Make sure your child comes to school well-rested.  A healthy breakfast makes a big difference!  Help your child arrive at school prepared each morning.

How Can You Help Your Child Succeed in Third Grade?  Go through your child’s homework folder each night.  Sign graded work on time.  Make sure your child accurately updates his/her reading log each night. Sign and return it on Fridays.

How Can You Help Your Child Succeed in Third Grade?  Model strong reading habits. Set aside a time each night to turn off the TV and the computer and read.  Talk to your child about books. Ask questions about the book he/she is reading.  Encourage math fact practice. Keep it fun!

How Can You Help Your Child Succeed in Third Grade?  Ask questions about school. Take an active interest in what we are learning.  Let me know if you have any concerns. We are a team with a common goal.  Spark your child’s curiosity.  Celebrate progress, not just success!

Incentives  Prize box tickets awarded.  Bi-weekly drawing of two tickets.  Bingo Board for Homework. One lucky winner every two weeks!  All lucky winners choose from a choice of new Scholastic books!

Snack  Every morning, usually at 11:00.  Avoid peanut snacks.  If possible, keep snack small and healthy. No three course meals, please!

Extra Help  Offered on an “as needed” basis. Your request, or my request.  Before announced math assessments. Check your child’s Assignment Notebook.

Before You Leave: Please sign up for a parent-teacher conference. Please write back to your child in his/her Writer’s Notebook. Please see our class parents. Check out your child’s work in the hallway.

Any questions? Just ask! Thank you for coming tonight!