nd
rd
March 8, 2012

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rd
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nd
Builds on knowledge learned in K-1
Strengthening of skills to build a solid background of all content areas
Lots of support from teachers during independent work time
1, 2, and 3 grading scale
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rd
Takes what students learned in K-2 and adds a higher level of skill to concepts taught
Lots of new material is covered, not much review of previous grades
Independence during work time is stressed, but teachers offer support when needed
Letter grading scale

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In K-2 students are learning to read. In 3-5 they are reading to learn.
Identify and know meaning of most common prefixes and suffixes
Find meaning of words and phrases from text
(context clues)
Use root words to find meanings of words
Describe characters in a story and how their actions contribute to events sequence
Distinguish own point of view from that of narrator or character

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Number Sense
3 rd Grade 2 nd grade
Know and understand the place values of hundreds, tens, and ones
Read and write numbers to 1,000
Compare and Order numbers using <, >,
=
Know that 100 is a bundle of 10-tens
Count within 1,000 by 5s, 10s, and 100s
Rounding numbers to nearest 10 or 100

Fractions
2 nd grade
Partition circles and rectangles into 2, 3, or 4 equal parts. Then describe using 2 halves, 3 thirds, or 4 fourths.
3 rd grade
Represent fractions and understand that a fraction is 1 part of a whole
Compare 2 fractions with the same numerator or same denominator by reasoning about their size. (<,>,=)
-Understand two fractions as equivalent if they are the same size or same point on a number line
-Recognize and generate simple equivalent fractions and explain why they are equivalent
Understand fractions on a number line
Express whole numbers as fractions

Addition & Subtraction
2 nd grade
Add and subtraction within 100.
Complete 1 and 2 step word problems using addition and subtraction strategies.
3 rd grade
Fluently add and subtract within
1000
Use strategies to add and subtract based on place value and properties
Fluently add and subtraction within 20 using mental strategies.
Know all sums of all 1 digit numbers from memory.
Add up to 4 2-digit numbers
Understand the relationship between addition/subtraction
Mentally add 10 and 100 to any number between 100-900
Explain why addition and subtraction work

Measurement
2 nd grade
Measure length of objects using rulers, yardsticks, meter sticks, measuring tape
Measure length of objects twice using 2 different units.
Estimate lengths in inches, feet, centimeters, meters
Tell how much longer 1 object is from another.
3 rd grade
Measure lengths using rulers marked with halves and fourths of an inch.
Use addition and subtraction within 100 to solve words problems imvolving lengths given in same unit.
Represent whole numbers as lengths on a number line.
Tell time at the 5-minute intervals using AM and
PM
-Tell time at the 5-minute intervals.
-Solve word problems involving adding and subtracting of time intervals in minutes
Measure and estimate liquid volumes and masses of objects using standard units of grams, kilograms, and liters.
Add, subtract, multiply, or divide to solve 1step word problems involving masses or volumes that are given in the same unit.

Geometry
2 nd grade
Recognize and draw shapes having specified attributes.
Identify triangles, quadrilaterals, pentagons, hexagons, cubes.
3 rd grade
Partition a rectangle into rows and columns to find the total number.
Solve problems involving perimeters and area.
Understand that shapes in different categories may share attributes.
Measure areas by counting unit squares
Relate area to the operations of addition and multiplication

Data Collection
3 rd grade 2 nd grade
Take general measurements of lengths to whole unit and show measurement by making line plot.
Create pictographs and bar graphs to represent data set in up to 4 categories.
Use put together, take apart, and comparing strategies to solve problems on a bar graph.
-Draw a scaled picture graph and a scaled bar graph to represent a data set with several categories.
-Solve 1 and 2 step problems using information in graphs.

2 nd grade
Patterns
3 rd grade
Identify arithmetic patterns and explain them using the operations
Solve 2 step word problems using the
4 operations. Represent these problems using equations where a letter stands for the unknown value.

Multiplication & Division
3 rd grade 2 nd grade
Determine if groups of objects are odd or even by counting by 2s.
Use addition to find total number of objects in arrays up to 5 by 5.
Use multiplication and division to solve word problems within 100
Determine unknowns in multiplication and/or division number sentences
Apply properties of operations as strategies to multiply and divide
Fluently multiply and divide within 100
Interpret products of whole numbers
Interpret whole number quotients

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Science:
2 nd grade topics of study: animal life cycle, weather, sound, changes in properties.
3 rd grade topics of study: motion and factors that effect motion, properties of matter, how energy can be transferred, earth, moon, and sun, skeletal, muscular, and skin systems, how plants survive in their environments.
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Social Studies:
2 nd grade topics: citizenship, how people relate to government, how people are alike and different, changes in community over time, geography, economics, technology, physical environment.
3 rd grade topics: how history of local and regional communities are influenced, earth’s patterns, regions affect activity in economy, entrepreneurship, local government, citizens in their community, diverse cultures in communities.

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2 ½ hours of literacy (this includes writing, workshop, novel studies, Imagine It)
1 ½ hours of math
45 minutes of science or social studies
25 minute lunch
25 minute recess
45 minute specials
15 minute announcements
15 minute organizational period (packing up)

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We use the CMS grading scale in 3 rd grade
A – 93-100
B – 85-92
C – 77-84
D – 70-76
F – anything 69 and below
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**Please note:
In 2 nd grade a 3 is equivalent to an 80-100. In 3 rd grade that is anywhere from a C to an A.
In 2 nd grade a 2 is equivalent to a 60-80. In 3 rd grade that is anywhere from an F to a C.

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Q: How many students can we expect in a 3 rd grade class?
A: 3 rd grade classrooms, like K-2, are capped at 24 students. This year the average class size is 22 students.
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Q: How frequently do the students change class and/or teacher?
A: This school year the third grade team did not switch classes. This meant that all students stayed in their homeroom class all day and the teacher differentiated the material within their own classroom. This may change next year once we get to know our students and their needs.
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Q: What are the expectations of a 3 rd grade student?
A: Students are expected to come to school everyday ready to learn.
They are responsible for getting their homework copied into their agenda each day, getting their parents to view their agendas each night, and getting their homework to school everyday and on time. In class students are expected to follow the school and class rules.
Students will be required to work collaboratively with classmates to complete assignments including some in-class projects. Students are asked to be more independent in 3 rd grade by getting their assignments done when asked, being responsible to ask questions when needed, taking home information to their parents weekly, and for taking initiative in their own learning.

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Q: What can we expect as far as homework?
A: Each night you can expect to see homework for your child.
While each teacher may assign different specific assignments, all students will on average 1 hour of homework each night. Every student is asked to read 30 minutes each night. All students will also have a math and a spelling/word assignment. Some teachers send home Time for Kids comprehension assignments and also writing assignments. Beginning after the winter break you can expect extra math and reading assignments (due weekly) that will begin to review and prepare your child for the End-of-Grade tests. All teachers explain in great detail to the students what is expected to be turned in and when.
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Q: What kind of testing is done throughout the year?
A: There are several tests that students will take throughout 3 rd grade. During the current school year, students took 3 reading and math formatives, and 2 science and social studies formatives.
These tests are given by CMS and are used to help teachers plan and direct instruction. These scores do not count for a grade on the report card and are not indicators as to how a child will perform on the End-of-Grade (EOG) tests. Students will also take the EOGs in May. There are 3 days of testing. 1 day is reading comprehension and 2 days are math. These tests are given by the state of North Carolina. They also do not count as a grade, although they can play a role in placement for the following year.
These tests are given to see what the students have learned during the year. Students also take common assessments throughout the year, created by the third grade team, as well as individual teacher made tests. These assessment will count as a grade toward your child’s quarterly average.

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Q: What are the greatest challenges that parents/students face in 3 rd grade?
A: The biggest challenge for both students and parents is getting use to the pacing of 3 rd grade. There is a lot of material that must be covered during the year and we can move quickly. Concepts are taught for a specified amount of time (according to CMS pacing guides) and then only reviewed as the year goes on. Another big challenge for parents and students is the grading system. If a child has made all 3s in 2 nd grade it is hard to see Bs or Cs on the report card.
However, the teachers in 3 rd grade input grades into NC Wise know as
Parent Assistant that allows parents and students to check their grades throughout the year. This helps everyone see what the current grades are and how and where the student may need to focus their attention. Another challenge is the independence. Students in 3 rd grade are asked to complete a lot of items independently. The teachers are there supporting the students but also rely on the students to ask questions when they don’t understand a concept or problem.
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Q: How can I help my child be more independent?
A: At home as your child is completing their homework, allow them to work for several minutes on their own without any help from you as parents. Once a certain amount of time has passed, check on the students and ask if they understand what they are doing. Always go back and check their work to make sure it has been done correctly.
Another way to help is to assist your child in their organizational skills.
The easier it is for your child to find their homework, books, pencils, etc, the easier it is for them to succeed in class. In our classrooms we stress the importance of organization and try to work with the students on staying organized but having it reinforced at home is very important.

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Q: How are students placed in classes?
A: At the end of the year 2 nd grade teachers make tentative classes for 3 rd grade. Teachers use knowledge of the students in order to guide them through this process. The classes are made only toward the number of teachers that will be in the next grade level and not toward a specific teacher.
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Q: What kind of projects do 3 rd graders do?
A: This year the students have been involved in several projects. We begin the year with tradition quilts and “getting to know you” types of projects. In second quarter each classroom is assigned a habitat and the students are required to research an animal or plant from that habitat and create a question/answer booklet. Currently students are working on the biggest project of the year, the Living Museum. For this students are asked to research a person, create a report, a 10 fact speech, dress like the person, and perform in a museum like setting. Throughout the year there are several other small projects that the students will receive. Most projects have a turn around time of at least 1 full week (including a weekend).
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Q: What field trips do 3 rd graders go on?
A: This year the 3 rd graders have gone to see a play at Children’s Theater, visited Discovery Place for a bone and muscle presentation, went to the
James K. Polk House, and will receive a visit from StarLab, a traveling planetarium. The big field trip for 3 rd grade, however, is Old Salem. This is a full day trip that lasts from 7:30-5. The students travel to Winston-Salem, NC to visit Old Salem where they get to experience a town from the past. This trip matches our social studies and literacy units and objectives.

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Q: Will the EOGs align with the new Common Core Standards?
A: Not next year. The state is looking into changing the test but it will not occur for a few years. However, we are well aware of what is tested on the EOG and will make sure to cover any content that may not be covered by the Common Core Standards to ensure that your child is ready for the test.
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Q: Will tutoring be offered for the EOGs?
A: Each year we are allotted a small number of tutoring spots for students.
The teacher uses classroom data in order to fill these spots. Several teachers offer tutoring, for a fee, during the summer and school year if you are interested.
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Q: What kind of activities can a third grade child join?
A: Third grade is very exciting for students because they have the opportunity to join several different activities. In school students can run for class representative to serve on student council, they can run for secretary of student council, and they can be a mail carrier at school. This year after school activities were limited, as of right now it looks to be the same for next year. However, Girls on the Run is open to 3 rd -5 th grade girls and the new Xcel to Fitness is open to 3 rd -5 th grade boys. Both these activities take place after school 2 days a week. The last activity, open to boys and girls in 3 rd -5 th grade, is Science Olympiad. This is a spring activity that meets 1 day per week, but requires commitment to competing in the culminating activity at the end of the session.

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Study up on addition and subtraction facts.
Students should know these facts fluently.
Work on subtraction across zeroes (400-123= ).
Work on combinations to 10 and 100.
Work on 10 more and 10 less and 1 more and 1 less of numbers. (visualize a 100s board and how 19 is
10 less than 29 and falls 1 block above the 19)
Do summer reading programs at the library and/or bookstore.
Encourage your child to read chapter books.
Talk to your child about what they are reading.
Introduce nonfiction books into your child’s reading selections.

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On my website, you will find a page that offers materials for rising third grade students.
Please visit this location for a copy of tonight’s presentation along with websites that will help prepare your child for 3 rd grade.
 http://lauramisiunas.cmswiki.wikispaces.net/
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Questions?

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