Curriculum Night 20143S

• Best way to reach me is email. scottbw@unit5.org

• I always try to respond– it might just be a “thanks” or short response.

• Typically the shorter the email the quicker the reply.

• Class website http://www.unit5.org//Domain/1706

Personal Beliefs/goals for third grade students

• Respect and polite to all • organization • learning is fun• Goes well with “Get your

Armorrr on”- (Respect, Responsibility, Ready)

Assignment Notebook• We will do this daily• Students have the responsibility to get

their assignment notebook signed. • Signing it means you have communicated

with your child about their day and assignments.

• Feel free to leave a note. I try to respond back.

Handwriting• We will be practicing cursive handwriting

throughout the year. • Students are encouraged to use cursive. • I will not be grading handwriting practice

sheets but usually review them. • I occasionally give out a “cursive writing

bonus” on assignments. • Please encourage your students to write

neatly and use cursive.

Skyward

• I typically update Skyward every Sunday. • I give each student a note of missing

assignments on Monday mornings. • Check it every couple weeks or so, but

don’t micro manage. • Don’t panic if you see a low grade– if

you see many then we should talk.

My Philosophy on Grades • What students know is the most important. • Don’t put too much pressure on students. • Don’t compare students to each other. • Encourage and praise effort. • Grades are not perfect– likely will doing

away with grades in the next couple years• I believe skills are more important than

grades

Math• Working toward a workshop approach• We will use journals daily. • Home Links often- sometimes in class, sometimes for home• It is helpful if you indicate how much assistance you

provided. • Circle the “A lot, some, little, none” • I encourage you to assist them– but please let me know if

they are not grasping a skill or concept. • If a student always has a perfect paper and I don’t know they

are receiving a lot of additional help can create problems. • Mastery of multiplication facts is expected in third grade• Games• SRB (Student Reference Book) • Flash Cards are great!• Multiplication 0-12 are to be mastered by end of year. • esuite

Reading• 90 minutes a day.• We are using a workshop approach. • Still new at this approach to teaching—

grading is a big part of the challenge • I’ll read out loud to the class daily. • Always assign 15 minutes to read– adjust as

necessary. • I let students borrow my books. Please help

see that they get returned.

Reading cont.• 30 minutes a day for SWORD time.• Students Working On Reading Development• Strategic grouping

WritingDifficult for many students • Using a workshop approach• Grading is somewhat subjective– less important than

skills• Goals:

– Make it fun– Provide a lot of ideas– Understand that writing is a process– even the best

writers complete several drafts before they are “done”• Teach students about plagiarism and tips for avoiding it.

Parental help is usually necessary. • Writers Notebook

– Many students have already decorated theirs. • Hope to include parents in “Writers’ Workshop”

Spelling• Words There Way• A word study• Learn about letter patterns• Lots of grouping

Science/Social Studies• Extension of reading• Less time will be spent on these subjects• Social Studies- Good mix of geography,

history, economics and government • Science- spirals, many topics may seem

like they repeat from previous years• Hope to make both fun and interesting!• Hope to use the netbooks often for

research• May occasionally assign reading from text

books at home

Areas

• Music- with Mrs. Ogdon Tues. 12:55-1:20 & Fri. 1:20-1:45

• Art- with Mrs. Cunningham Wed. 1:00-1:50

• P.E.-with Ms. Rippy Daily 10:40-11:05

• I.M.C.- Mrs. Tindall Thurs. 9:15-10:05

Let’s work together for success

• Keep me posted as to struggles, difficulties, etc.

• If you student is being difficult with you about something school related, let me know.

• Keep me informed of major life changes.

Newsletter• Try to write a weekly newsletter• Students will do writing and eventually the typing. • Hopefully it will improve throughout the year. • Student perspectives are very interesting (I’ll believe

part of what they tell me about you if you believe part of what they tell you about me).

• We started this week. They will partner write the first time then move to self writing.

• Almost all classroom written communication will come through emails.

Parent Helpers Writers’ workshop– hopefully???• Math workshop– maybe• PTO• IMC• If you are interested in helping in the

classroom, let me know what days and times work best for you.

• A note will come home about these as they become available.

Classroom Discipline

• Stop Signs/ Warning Signs• Positives: add a penny• Students created our 3S Classroom

Constitution• Get your Armorrr On!! • Tickets/drawings/auctions• Likely will have “drink party” soon.

Peanut Free Classroom

• We must remain peanut free 100% of the

time. • If you student has an allergy, I’d like to

confirm with you the severity of the allergy.

Snacks• Fruits, vegetables, yogurt, and cheese sticks. (NO

DIPPING SAUSES). • Remember to send a spoon if necessary.• Otherwise students will receive 5 animal

crackers or similar nut free snack. • I will be asking for donations of animal crackers

or animal cracker like snacks. Please make you read the label and they are nut free.

Various items from the office• Volunteers need to be screened. • Anyone who needs to renew their volunteer

status (from last year) can go to the NP website & click on “renewal” link.  All NEW volunteers need to email Kristin Brant or Julie Watson for the new volunteer screen link.  Our emails are also available on the NP home page.

• All visitors need a badge • Please contact the office (and me if possible)

your student will be missing school. • Remember to sign up for a conference when we

are done.

•  Eating with child– Space is a real problem– Call office by 9:00– No fast food

• Parents used to be able to charge their lunch to their kids account but now they have to pay in advance & can’t charge the student account.  They can purchase their lunch ticket in the office, it’s $2.50 (exact change appreciated).

Odds and Ends• Assignment Notebook $6—everyone has one!• Time for Kids (TFK) $5- only need 4 more• Calculator (optional)• Book orders once a month—due tomorrow• Water container– with lid. • Camera• Netbooks• Passwords• Room is often cool– students can leave

sweatshirt/sweater here• Student council- paragraphs due Wednesday.

3S Code• A star or P= paper was reviewed but not taken

for a grade. Often I’ll spot check just one problem.

• Happy Face= paper was reviewed but not taken for a grade. Often I’ll spot check just one problem.

• C & R= Student can correct and return for partial credit.