1. Welcome to Rang a Trí
Mrs Stokes 

2. Senior Cycle
Third class is the start of the senior cycle. It is a big jump from second class particularly in the amount of written work.
The girls no longer do most of their work in workbooks, they have 11 copies as well as their text books to manage.
Gaeilge: formal reading and writing begins in 3rd. Big jump in level from last year.
This year is about empowering the girls to become more responsible as the year progresses. Taking care of books, copies, packing bags, filing sheets in their big folder etc. is all part of this process.

3. Colour Coding Organisational Strategy used throughout the school.
Each subject has a colour and all books and copies are labelled with a coloured sticker.
Help the girls to find and sort materials.

5. Homework
The school recommends the following approximate times to be spent on homework: Rang 3: 30-40mins of continuous work.
If a child has difficulty with homework or regularly cannot complete it in the recommended time, parents time each individual task, this will allow the teacher to identify the area in which they need help.
If homework cannot be completed then please write a note in the journal
If a child continuously finishes early, we recommend the following:
Purchase a different version of the mental maths book.
Encourage them to use a creative writing journal.
Reading

6. Reading Homework reading must be read aloud for you every night.
If your child is having difficulty with a word, help her to break it into syllables and sound it out. If this fails, tell her the word and ask her to read the sentence again.
At the end of the reading session, chat with your child about the content of what she has read. Paired reading is sent home every night and should take about 5 – 10 mins.
We cannot over emphasise the importance of developing a love of reading at this stage. Reading material should always be at your child's reading level.

7. Writing
Developing vocabulary. Encourage children to include at least one adjective per sentence.
Progressing to longer pieces of writing this year- more creative writing.
Sentences for homework should be spelled correctly- particularly the words which they are learning that week.
In terms of comprehension there will be more abstract questions. Focus on developing the answers to the “why?” questions.

8. Maths
The maths programme in third class is very extensive. It incorporates the introduction of multiplication, division, telling the time in 5 minute intervals and decimals.
Tables are essential.
Maths language can be used informally at home to help the children to become accustomed to it ( most, least, fewest, sum of, difference, product)
Many maths topics can be carried out informally. Help your child to:
Read the time both in digital and analogue.
Be familiar with coin values and be aware of change when shopping.
Understand fractions when sharing.
Use weight/ capacity when baking.

9. Project Work Don’t stress!
Projects at this stage are usually 2 scrap book pages; about 10 facts with pictures.
Keep it simple and in the children’s own words. Each child should be able to read and discuss what they have written.
Encourage neat and tidy and presentation.
Guidelines will be sent home and put on my class blog.
Enjoy 

10. Pupil Absences
Written notes from parents are necessary in the following circumstances:
Absence
Lateness
Leaving early
*This is a requirement for TUSLA who monitor and control pupil attendance. Notes should be written on a separate sheet, not in the Homework Journal.

11. Thank you for coming! Class blog: on the school website.
If you wish to meet me prior to the P.T meetings then I’m happy to arrange a morning/ after school time with you.
Have a great day 