Ms. Jennifer Arra

Reading * Strategies and skills are taught in small groups, whole class and through independent reading * Balanced program centered around phonemic development and strategy application * Reading Fluency * Read Aloud * Bluestem Readers’ Choice Award

Writing * “Being a Writer” which is based on 6+1 Traits * Literature based program * Students practice narrative, persuasive and expository * Writing across the curriculum * Writing Fluency * Step-up-to-Writing focusing on grammar, organization, conventions and structure.

Spelling * Every other week, basic lists with review and challenging words * Focus on spelling patterns and rules with a vocabulary component * Proofreading skills and conventions * Pretests given on Monday with post-tests given on Friday * Differentiated words are selected by both students and myself

Text Talk * Develop comprehension and vocabulary skills through authentic literature * Sophisticated vocabulary learned and used orally * Six words every other week

Math * Differentiated Instruction * Number sense, operations and problem solving * Calendar Counts * Real world application * Timed tests * PLANE Response * Sunshine Math * Mathletics Web-based Learning

Cursive * Students will continue with cursive writing * Continuous stroke method * Grips may be helpful for students using cursive

Science * Woodland Ecosystems * Force & Motion * Land & Water * Students use inquiry method to do experiments and apply learning to real-life situations. * Central question is how do parts of a system work together?

Social Science * Focus on communities such as Durban, South Africa, Coober Pedy, Australia, and Chicago. * Where in the world are we and how do we depend on other communities? * Other components include map skills, historic people, inventions, current events and class meetings.

World Link Middle East * Culture *Customs *Geography *Vocabulary

World Language * Taught for 30 minutes, 5 days a week * Expose students to Spanish or French language & culture * Activities are meant to increase vocabulary, maximize practice and use the language * In class, Latin instruction for 30 minutes, twice a week

Technology * Individual iPads * Classroom interactive whiteboards, lab and laptop computers * Keyboarding instruction * Online multimedia subscriptions * Websites and blogs

Enrichment * Flexible grouping and instruction * 30 minutes per day * Daily instruction, reinforcement and extension of skills in all academic areas

Homework * Homework is given Monday-Thursday * 30 minutes of reading * Record reading minutes on homework sheet * Sunshine Math * Students are given study guides before tests * Students may come to school at 8:00 a.m. for extra help

Social Emotional Learning * Rules encourage students to get along with others, take responsibility for actions, and build respect. * These include the 4 cornerstones of responsibility, respect, kindness, and honesty. * Students are expected to take ownership of their actions. * Bullying behavior is not tolerated. * Teach and stress empathy, conflict resolution, and problem solving.

Third Grade Classroom Rules 1. Be honest. 2. Be responsible. 3. Respect yourself, others and our school. 4. Be kind with your words and actions. Keep hands to yourself. 5. Actively listen and follow directions.

Bullying Pledge * We will not bully other students. * We will try to help students who are being bullied. * We will include students who might feel left out.