1. Mrs. Warren’s Third Grade Classroom Overview
Westlake Elementary

2. Table of Contents Welcome Professional Background Curriculum Overview
Classroom Management
Additional Curricular Education
Classroom Vision Statement
Link to the State of Michigan Department of Education web site

3. Welcome
I would like to welcome parents and students to the third grade here at Westlake Elementary. It is a great year to develop a passion for learning. Students will embark on the adventure of becoming independent learners as well as cooperate in group learning activities. They will learn to be responsible and grow academically. I encourage parents and family to visit or volunteer whenever possible.

4. Professional Background
I completed my undergraduate studies at Western Michigan University. The experiences provided by the University allowed me to work with many at-risk students as both a mentor, science, math, and reading instructor. I have been employed with the Lakeview School District for seven years. During the past seven years, I have taught fourth/fifth multiage, fifth grade, and third grade classrooms. I am the lead science representative for our building. In addition, I support other teachers with the language arts curriculum and sit on the leadership team committee. Currently I am completing the Graduate program for NOVA Southeastern University.

5. Curriculum Overview- Math
The students will explore mathematical concepts through the Math Investigations Program. The focus will be on developing an understanding of benchmark numbers. Math Investigations topics include:
Multiplication
Measurement
Collecting data
Forms of graphing
Division
Addition of two and three digit numbers
Subtraction of two and three digit numbers

6. Curriculum Overview-Science
The students will conduct investigations, record observations, build models, and read informational text to obtain both present and past information in the discipline of science. Four science areas will be the focus of the third-grade curriculum.
Organisms
Force and Motion (Newton’s Laws of Motion)
Sound and Light
Earth’s features

7. Curriculum Overview- Social Studies
The students will be engaged in learning about Michigan through various perspectives.
Historical
Civic
Geographic
Economical

8. Curriculum Overview- Language Arts
The Language Arts curriculum consists of four categories.
Writing
Reading
Spelling
Handwriting

9. Language Arts- Writing
In writing, the students will learn about various forms and features of text. They will also learn to utilize the writing process to complete a final published piece. An emphasis will be on analyzing well-known authors to emulate their techniques. Pieces of writing will be posted and shared frequently.

10. Language Arts-Reading
In reading, the students will learn strategies to better comprehend the text, along with how to utilize decoding strategies within the text.

11. Language Arts- Spelling
In spelling, the students will learn about prefixes, suffixes, root words, homophones, and other spelling rules. They will be tested on individualized spelling words taken from both the priority words and their pieces of in-class writing.

12. Language Arts- Handwriting
In handwriting, the students will learn both the upper and lower case cursive alphabet.

13. Classroom Management- Belief
My Belief
It is my belief that a student will perform better when challenged in a safe, comfortable environment. The students must learn to be responsible for their actions and their learning.

14. Classroom Management Strategies-Emotional Environment
In order to provide a safe environment, I will focus in on positive comments. I will work with the students, away from their peers, to develop plans of action when their behavior is unacceptable. I will keep open lines of communication with parents to ensure progress with their child’s behavior or academics is made. The students will be asked to evaluate their level of behavior using the class responsibility chart.

15. Classroom Management- Physical Environment
The classroom is kept well organized, and the students are made aware of the procedures and routines at the beginning of the school year. A daily schedule is posted, along with the days objectives. The students will sit in table groups to provide opportunities to collaborate with their peers.

16. Additional Curricular Education
The students will be provided learning opportunities outside of the general education curriculum.
Music Education
Art Education
Physical Education
Character Education/Counselor
Spanish Education
Keyboarding and Computer Technology Education

17. Classroom Vision Statement
“All students are entitled to a learning environment promoting independence, individuality, communication skills, empowerment, and quality resources.”
-Mrs. Warren

18. State of Michigan Department of Education Web Site
Please feel free to visit the following link to better understand the educational standards set forth by the State of Michigan: