Welcome to Third Grade!

1. Welcome to Third Grade! Mrs. Goldsmith Room 6

2. Philosophy & Goal • Our third grade philosophy is to make school a positive learning and growing experience for your child. • Our goal for your child is for him/her to attain knowledge, develop a sense of responsibility, a positive self-image and to work well with others. • Our curriculum follows the NJ Core Content Curriculum Standards.

3. 2009-2010 School Year • Give general overview of the 3rd grade curriculum and class procedures • If you have any specific questions about your child’s progress, we’d be happy to set up a conference with you.

4. Houghton Mifflin • We will be using the Houghton Mifflin reading series this year. This will include the following: • Anthology Themes: Off to an Adventure with a focus of poetry Celebrating Traditions with a focus of trickster tales Incredible Stories Animal Habitats with a focus on biography Voyagers with a focus on fairy tales Smart Solutions

5. Reading Extension • Students should read every night for at least 20 minutes • They should read a variety of books. • The goal is to make them life long readers. • They may borrow books from our classroom library. • Non-fiction books are suggested to help students prepare for nonfiction passages on standardized tests

6. Everyday Math Program • We will use the Everyday Math series. Each child must know basic +and- facts to 20. We will be emphasizing problem solving and critical thinking skills through the use of our Problem of the Day (POD). We will also stress time, money, fractions, measurement, decimals and geometry. Each child must also know their multiplication & division facts up to 12 by March.

7. Language Arts • Grammar- sentences, subjects and predicates, nouns, verbs, adjectives • Writing*- journals, writing process, reports, and poetry • Graded for organization, creativity/content, grammar, punctuation, spelling and transition words • Spelling –Weekly spellingwords should carry into their writing • Basic words concentrate on a phonics pattern • Commonly misspelled words will be repeated • There are also subject words which relate to our curriculum.

8. Handwriting • Printing to start the year • Development of Cursive Writing later in the year • Practice as homework • ALL work MUST have a proper heading including all homework Name: Date: Grade 3 Teacher Subject

9. Life Science Physical Science Earth Science Textbook A hands on/inquiry approach is used. Communities Early America Growing America Environment Celebration and Festivals Government Science/Social Studies Units of Study for the Year

10. Homework • Your child has an Assignment Book for their homework. • Homework is a part of your child’s education. • Expect homework daily. • Friday homework is Weekend Journal and Special Projects. • If there is no specific math sheet, practice basic facts. • Please sign your child’s assignment book nightly. Write comments as needed. • Please follow through on what your child is taught in school and the way in which they are asked to complete their work. • Prepare a quiet place for homework and study • Thank you for all your support at home!

11. Report Cards and Grading • Report cards are distributed in November, February, April and June. • Progress Reports are sent home half way through the marking period. • Conferences are held in the fall and spring.

12. Report Cards and Grading Grades will consist of: • Early work/POD • Class work • Tests/Quizzes • Class participation (oral responses) • Reports & Projects (Notification about reports & projects are sent home in advance) • Homework • Please check all papers that come home with your child daily.

13. Music Lessons • Our schedules will not accommodate your child’s lesson each week. • They will be responsible for all work missed. • Should this affect their academic progress, you will be contacted and adjustments will have to be made.

14. Homework Folders • Graded/corrected work will be sent home on a regular basis • Students should return the folders empty the following day. • Spelling Books should be kept in folder since every night there is Homework!

15. Student Expectations • Students should take pride in their work. • Students should always use their time wisely. • Be responsible for being prepared each day!

16. Absences • Please call the office (609) 835-8990 by 9:00am • Upon return student should have a note. • For each day absent student will have a day to complete missed assignments. • Please consider other students if your child is sick. • Remember your child should be fever free for 24 hours without fever reducing medication before his/her return to school! • Thank you in advance for your cooperation.

17. Birthday’s in the Classroom • Please only bring enough snacks for 20 students and of course one extra for the teacher.  • If the birthday falls on the weekend let us know which side of the weekend you would like to celebrate. • No peanuts because of allergies. • Store bought snacks with ingredients listed are recommended due to certain allergies. Thank you!

18. Thank you! We would like to thank you for your cooperation and assistance with your child this year. It is important that we work together as a team for the educational growth of your child. Do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or concerns. Let’s work together to have third grade be your child’s best year ever!