September 22nd 2015

Topics to cover  FSA  Curriculum Overviews  Homework

◦ Testing dates: ◦ March 29 th and 30 th ELA ◦ March 31 st and April 1 st Math

 Compare/Contrast  Author’s Purpose  Plot Development  Words in Context  Figurative Language  Cause & Effect  Main Idea & Details  Point of View  Theme

 You can help your child get ready every time you read together  Informational ◦ Magazine articles ◦ How-to Articles ◦ Advertisements ◦ Biographies Literary Short Stories Poems Fables/Folktales Narratives

 What is the central idea of the passage?  [Multiple Choice] The student must synthesize the entire text to determine which of the options is the central idea of the text.  One of the lessons of the passage is to use your imagination. Select two details from the passage that support this idea.  The student must select all the details from the passage to support the lesson provided in the stem.

 Reading and comprehension are the learning foundations for all academic learning.  Students need strong reading skills in order to learn in all other subjects.  By the end of 3 rd grade, students are expected to be able to read independently.  Seventy-five (75%) of students who cannot read by age 9, will struggle with reading throughout adulthood.

Student AStudent B Reads 20 minutes each nightReads only 4 minutes or less each night Multiply by 5 times a week = 100 Multiply by 5 times a week = 20 Multiply min/wk by 4 wk/month = 400 Multiply min/wk by 4 wk/month = 80 Multiply min/month by 9 months = 3,600 Multiply min/month by 9 months = 728 That equals 10 whole DAYS in a school year That equals 2 whole DAYS in a school year If these same reading habits are maintained through the end of 6 th grade… 40 DAYS Total If these same reading habits are maintained through the end of 6 th grade… 8 DAYS Total

 Multiplication & related division concepts  Fractions – number line, part of whole, equivalent  Describe & analyze 2D shapes (angles, sides)  Data Analysis (construct & read tables, graphs, pictographs)  Numbers and Operations ◦ Represent, compute, estimate and solve problems through thousands  Geometry & Measurement  perimeter, area  TIME: to nearest minute, quarter hour and elapsed time  Volume/mass All of these are written as word problems and require a high level of thought to compute.

◦ Our Math textbooks work to help students learn to THINK and truly understand math concepts, not just memorize abstract steps.

 Tom planted 5 rows of flowers with 7 flowers in each row. Write a multiplication equation that shows the number of flowers in Tom’s rectangular-shaped garden.  Tom told Mary he planted 4 x 5 flowers. How might Mary describe the arrangement of flowers in Tom’s rectangular-shaped garden?

 Teachers give practice tests to their students. Knowing the format and seeing the types of questions that will be asked can help build your child’s confidence.  Practice how to bubble in answers and how to limit stray marks.  Practice test taking strategies including managing time.

 Parents only want what is best for their children, and most are willing to do whatever it takes to help their child be successful in school.  Helping a child to become an independent reader is one of the greatest gifts a parent can give.  Read aloud, listen, and ask questions daily.  Sleepy children have a tough time succeeding academically. It is particularly important for your child to get a good night’s sleep the night before a big test. For most elementary school children, 10 hours of sleep every night is best.

 Language Arts ◦ Building writing conventions skills ◦ Understanding of grammar and parts of speech ◦ Development of paragraph writing to essay writing ◦ Develop research and note taking skills

 20 words  2 dictation sentences that will be graded on spelling, writing the complete sentence, capitalization and punctuation use.

 Science  Practice of Science  The Role of Theories, Laws, Hypotheses, and Models  Properties of Matter  Changes in Matter  Forms of Energy  Energy Transfer and Transformations  Organization and Development of Living Organisms  Diversity and Evolution of Living Organisms  Interdependence  Florida Ecosystem with a Focus on Native Plants and Animals

 Social Studies ◦ Developing Map Skills ◦ Studying the exploration of the Americas ◦ Freedom Week ◦ Economics: What does is take to produce goods and services? ◦ Learn why government is important in our society ◦ Explore the basic principles that are important to the American people ◦ Learn about the contributions of famous Americans (i.e. George Washington) ◦ A brief overview of the Holocaust

 Check Agendas Daily  Check Homework folder or binder for homework and important notes  Look for newsletters (can find on webpage)  Any changes in dismissal transportation must be noted in agenda or hand written note.

 Attendance  Snacks  Homework  Daily Routine  Website log-ins  Teacher Website Page

 (State of FL Department of Education)  (Lake County Website)