A brief overview of our third grade classroom.

1. Welcome toThird Grade!

2. Welcome!

3. Tyndall Elementary School National Board Certified Teacher

4. Academics Problem Solvers Independent, self directed Adaptability with new programs Internet acceptable use/Web 2.0 permission

5. Homework A strategy that can enhance learning Excessive homework can have a negative effect Connected to learning goals Written homework should take less than an hour Time limits are incredibly helpful

6. Homework Parent Support Provide structure Environment Time Support/Guidance Appropriate involvement allows homework to be an effective tool Different children need different levels of support

7. Homework 3-4 pieces per night, please review Math, Wordly Wise, Language Arts, DEAR Reading log turned in Fridays (located on homework sheet) Missing homework: Homework Slip, with potential to miss recess Homework assignments (and other 3rd grade sites) can be found online at: Third Grade Links

8. Academics Reading Rotation Workshop Small group instruction (literature, writing) Variety of choices for reading Seatwork and Research DEAR Small group library visits

9. Reading Counts Reading Counts program Monthly/annual goal setting (form) Additional Reading Goals 3rd Grade Genre list (in your packet) Buccaneer Book list Two lists: Third Grade & Fourth/Fifth

10. Academics Math Allows for differentiation Manipulatives are used for hands-on instruction Math facts emphasized through games Strong focus on critical thinking skills Family Letter contains homework support

11. Academics Social Studies and Science Research Group/Independent projects Multimedia Presentations Goals: Improving reading for content Improving confidence with programs used in fourth grade Expose students to evolving Web 2.0 programs

12. Academics Grammar and Writing Daily “Caught Ya” for introduction Targeted instruction to specific skills Writing: Six Traits Voice, Word Choice, Sentence Fluency Organization, Ideas, Conventions Wordly Wise EVERY OTHER WEEK Vocabulary introduced week one Homework & test on week two

13. Academics Spelling Spelling pattern focus Beginning: Introduction, personal dictionaries Direct instruction and games Weekly dictation Accountability

14. Handwriting Without Tears Progression from easiest to more advanced skills Letters taught in a sequence, based on similarity of formation Simple, clear vertical style Easy to read and easy to write

15. Academics Research Skills Note taking skills strengthened Focus on writing instruction Move from book to internet research Computer Skills Mrs. Driscoll teaches keyboarding & computer skills weekly

16. Assessment Practice assignments are not graded Project based learning Rubrics (example) and Checklists Formative and summative Math assessments

17. Spanish Assessment Students are only tested on what they are taught this year.

18. Report Cards

19. Behavior Positive Reinforcement Name board Consequences: Warning Miss recess Contact a parent

20. Odds ‘n Ends Birthday Celebrations Treat of your choice (cookie cake, cake, muffins, doughnuts, etc) Snack is usually at 9:15 Please send in napkins, drinks are optional Summer birthdays can be celebrated at any time of year Please just let me know the day before

21. Odds ‘n Ends Book orders Please write check out to book company All book orders can be combined Conferences October sign up sheets available Used light bulbs? We still collect Box Tops

22. Field Trips October: MOTE Marine December 2: Cracker Country January 25: Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing February 3: Tampa Bay History Center Dates are tentative and depend upon the facility and bus availability. Mark calendars for the Mothers’ Day Tea on May 7th

23. Chaperones Room mothers contact parents Usually two parents attend each field trip Specific instructions given before trips Responsible for small groups of children Please monitor behavior, noise levels, and safety

24. Thank you! Wish list! Books Projector Mimio Board Computers Furniture Digital camera Cupboards Our Room Mom