1. Transition Night: 2 nd to 3 rd grade Mrs. Maria Hanley, Hahntown And Mrs. Sara White, Sheridan Terrace

2. Developmental Stages of a Third Grader – PHYSICAL: Energetic, improved fine motor skills (handwriting), may rush to finish tasks/assignments to be able to enjoy preferred activities – SOCIAL/EMOTIONAL: Increase in social interactions, love to work in groups/partners, larger friendship circles, some increase in sensitivity towards own abilities and friendships – COGNITIVE: Want to explore their own creative interests/research, may be engaged in an activity, yet still have limited attention span, problem solve and think best in concrete ways (drawing, manipulatives)

3. Third Grade Curriculum Textbooks: – Reading Anthology (Wonders) – Reading/Writing Workshop (Wonders) – Math (Envision 2.0) – Science (McGraw/Hill) – Social Studies (Pearson/Scott Foresman)

4. PA Common Core Standards – Our curriculum is aligned to the PA Common Core. Information can be accessed at http://pdesas.org. http://pdesas.org – These standards define the skills students should obtain during each grade level. – Curriculum is aligned from grade to grade, and skills are “stepping stones” to the expectation of the next grade level.

5. Assessments – Core curriculum assessments – Tests, quizzes, projects, classroom activities – Benchmarks – Aimsweb: Fall, Winter, Spring – CDT – PSSA

6. Graded Subjects – Letter Grades for ELA, Math, Science, Social Studies – A (92%-100%) – B (82%-91.9%) – C (70%-81.9%) – D (60%-69.9%) – F (0-59.9%)

7. Graded Subjects – OSNU Grades for Health, Handwriting, Music, Art, Gym, Academic Habits, Citizenship – Outstanding (92%-100%) – Satisfactory (70%-91%) – Needs Improvement (60%-69%) – Unsatisfactory (0-59%)

8. ELA: English Language Arts Balanced Literacy Framework: – Shared Reading: Whole class – Reading/Writing Workshop: mini-lessons and small group/individual conferences – “Daily 5”/Workstation for independent practice – Guided Reading: teacher-led small group, focusing on building individual reading skills

9. Math Framework – Modeling of the skill – Guided Practice – Student’s performance of understanding: Can he show that he has mastered the skill? – Math Stations: include guided math groups with the teacher, enrichment or remediation of the skill, and independent practice

10. Envision 2.0: Our new Math series – Aligned to PA Common Core – All textbooks are consumable (workbook- type) – Website available for parents/students to access resources at home – Homework can be leveled to match/challenge each student’s ability – Includes app for ease of iPad use in classroom

11. “Standards for Math Practice” – Created based on Common Core standards – “I am a Mathematical thinker.” These share the expectations of the standards in student-friendly language. – Encourage “Math-mindedness”/Growth Mindset – Ex: I can show my thinking with pictures and objects. – Ex: I can explain my thinking to others and listen to what they say about it. – Ex: I can keep using my knowledge and resources until I solve this problem.

12. Homework – Homework is given to practice the skills learned in the classroom. – Average time spent on homework/evening: 30 minutes – Set aside the same time and place to do homework. – Let our child show you how they learned the skill in class. – Look over your child’s assignment to be sure it is correct, complete, and neat. – If you feel that your child didn’t understand the skill after completion, contact your child’s teacher.

13. “Switch” classes: New to 3 rd graders Homeroom class: – Attendance, 2 core classes, special class Switch class: – Lunch, recess, 2 core classes Enrichment/Remediation time (3:00-3:25) *Students have desk space in each class, but carry a few materials back and forth. Check with your child’s homeroom teacher/website for necessary supplies needed before school starts.

14. Helpful Websites and Tips – Grades can be viewed on Skyward, which can be accessed through the Family Access tab on the district website: www.norwinsd.org www.norwinsd.org – Prepare your child for third grade over the summer by reading daily and practicing basic math facts. – Establish routines at the beginning of August, such as bedtime and morning routines. – Review summer packets, if given before the end of the school year. – August 1: room assignments available on Skyward