1. Science & Social Studies
3rd grade

2. Things to know…
I have taught 3rd grade for 10 years at Thomas, and I teach two separate subjects.
I do not give homework, unless your child did not finish his/her classwork.
However, I do EXPECT students to study at home. This is probably a new concept for your child.
I try to give a 1-2 week notice on all up-coming tests. Study guides are required to be signed by you, so that I know your child is being responsible. I also include upcoming test dates on our weekly newsletter.
Page protectors are your friend!!! Only worry about the homework & study guide sleeves. EVERYTHING else is unfinished classwork, and we will worry about it. J

3. Behavior (Chit-Chats)
Third grade students are still learning self control and responsibility. One of the biggest hurdles is staying on task and following directions. Chatting with our friends and fidgeting with our erasers can consume much of our attention at this age. If a student is off task or continually irresponsible, he/she will be asked to pull a chit-chat.
If a child pulls a chit-chat, he will receive a walking ticket for the day. He will write his offense on the ticket and give it back to the teacher. He then must walk silently during recess to reflect on his poor choices. If more than one is pulled in a day, a parent will be notified.
Positive Rewards- Students receive a fresh start Every Day! However, if no chit-chats are pulled during the week, he/she will be rewarded by eating in the classroom on Friday.
Third grade uses a fish bowl/ticket system. If we see a student behaving in a positive manner, they will be rewarded by putting their name into the fishbowl. At the end of the week, each teacher draws names to see who will receive tiger tickets!
In my blocks, I also do block Bingo. If all students in the class are on task that day, they earn a Bingo square. Once they get 10 in a row, they earn a class chosen reward.

4. Science There are new science standards this year.
I try to include hands-on inquiry based activities for each new standard if money/supplies permit. I have almost 60 students to consider when purchasing materials.
I strongly encourage your children to utilize Study Island each day. This is a wonderful website that includes lessons, practice, and even games that are aligned to the new science standards. It also includes ALL of the social studies standards as well.

5. Social Studies
In recent years, the state has quadrupled what your child has to learn. (So please don’t get mad at me .J)
To name a few things your child will learn in SS:
Location of 5 Oceans & 7 continents
50 states/location by region, major cities, physical features
Major physical & political features of All the continents (mountains, rivers, monuments, etc…)
The culture, government, history, economy of all continents
Timelines, primary & secondary sources, research, monthly oral presentations
Over 50 famous inventors, artists, writers, & political figures from around the world
The state expects them to know most of this by February. I am working on creating Studies Weekly accounts for your children. This will allow them access to a “virtual” state aligned social studies newspaper.

6. I Love My Job!!!
Third grade is a big adjustment for kids. It is often referred to as elementary boot camp. Many claim it is the most challenging grade both emotionally and educationally in grades k-12. Students are required to learn enormous amounts of material in a very short period of time, they are expected to be responsible for their own learning, and it is the first year they are required to actually read and study for tests. That's huge! Try not to be too hard on your child... or his teachers. We are here to help your child and you in any way we can. If your child is ever struggling or you have concerns, PLEASE don’t hesitate to reach out to me.
My address:
I can also be reached through our remind app.