Language Arts:
A Balanced Reading Program
Phonemic Awareness
Phonemic awareness is the understanding that spoken words are
made of individual sounds (syllables, rimes, onsets, and larger units of sound).
Phonics
Decoding is the process of translating written words into speech (word blending, word building).
Fluency
Fluency is reading with speed accuracy and expression at an appropriate rate. When reading is oral,
it reflects a speech like pace.
Vocabulary
The more words a student acquires, the better chance they will have success in reading, writing and spelling.
Comprehension
Comprehension is the complex process of constructing meaning from texts. Most students need instruction in
comprehension strategies.
Components of our Reading Program
CAFÉ– Strategy reading groups
Daily 5
Stories in Harcourt Text
Literature Studies Leveled Readers
Author Studies
Read Aloud
Student Selected Books
Students will be engaged in meaningful literacy activities during our daily reading block. Using "The Daily Five," a set
of literacy specific tasks, students will be reading to self, reading to someone, listening to reading, writing, and working
on spelling/word study activities. Students will also be improving their literacy skills and focusing on improving their
comprehension, accuracy, fluency and expanded vocabulary (C.A.F.E) as they read a variety of texts and genres.
6+1 Writing Traits
Ideas and Content
The writing is clear and focused. The main idea stands out and there is strong support for the main idea with quality, relevant details.
Organization
The writing demonstrates a sequence (beginning, middle and end). Details are in the right place and the reader wants to find out what’s happening next.
Sentence Fluency
The sentences are clear and the writing flows smoothly. The writer uses a variety of simple and complex sentences; there is a rhythm and flow to the
writing.
Word Choice
Words that are colorful, creative and descriptive are used in the writing.
Voice
The writing has personality and the reader feels the story is talking right to them. The writing has flavor, charm, liveliness and pizzazz!
Conventions
The writing has few errors (spelling, punctuation, grammar) and could be easily published.
Presentation
The paper looks good (neat, centered, legible, illustrations, etc.)
The Writing Process
Prewriting
Prewriting involves using strategies to generate, plan and organize ideas for a specific purpose.
Drafting
Drafting incorporates prewriting activities to create a first draft containing necessary elements for a specific purpose.
Revising
Revising includes evaluating and refining the rough draft for clarity and effectiveness. Does the draft say what it is supposed to say?
Editing
Editing includes proofreading and correcting the draft for conventions (spelling, capital letters, punctuation, etc.)
Publishing
Publishing includes formatting and presenting a final product for the intended audience.
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Write From the Beginning:
Writing Program
Components of our Writing Program
The Writing Process
6+1 Writing Traits
Daily 5: Work on Writing
Writer’s Workshop
Journals
Family Letters (sent through mail)
Writing Across the Curriculum
Writing Applications
Throughout third grade students will use the writing traits and writing process to publish a variety of writing pieces:
Functional Text
Functional writing provides specific directions or information related to real-world tasks. This includes friendly letters, thank you notes, invitations,
schedules, procedures, recipes, directions etc for specific content areas.
Persuasive Text
Persuasive writing is used for the purpose of influencing the reader. The author represents an issue and expresses an opinion in order to convince the
audience to agree with the opinion or to take a particular action. Persuasive writing projects will include writing advertisements and persuasive
paragraphs.
Expressive Writing
Expressive writing includes personal narratives (personal experience), stories, poetry, songs and dramatic pieces. Writing may be based on real or
imagined events.
Expository Writing
Expository writing includes nonfiction writing that describes, explains, informs or summarizes ideas and content. The writing supports a thesis based on
research, observation and/or experiences. Students will be writing summaries, newspaper articles, reflections, and keeping journals.
Literary Response
A literary response is the writer’s reaction to a literary selection. The response includes the writer’s interpretation, analysis, opinion and/or feelings
about the piece of literature and selected elements within it. Students will write reflections, journal entries, book reviews, and responses that connect
text to self, text to world, and text to text.
Research
Research writing is the process in which the writer identifies a topic or question to learn more about. The writer locates and evaluates information about
the topic or question and synthesizes the information into a finished product.
Spelling and Word Study
Sight and 3rd grade Core Spelling Words
Students will be responsible for knowing how to read and spell third grade core/sight spelling words (in Curriculum Packet). Mastery of these sight
words will be useful in reading and writing activities. Please help your child practice reading these words until your child can read each word
automatically and without hesitation. In addition, each student will have their own Words To Learn ring with words they have misspelled either in
everyday writing or third grade words that need to be mastered.
Words Their Way
Word Study is a hands process that contrasts/compares word features while discovering similarities and differences between categories. Word sorting
helps students to learn many of the reliable patterns that will improve their spelling ability. As students investigate words each week they will learn to
examine words for speech sounds, vowel patterns, word structures, endings, syllables, meanings etc.
Cursive Handwriting
We will begin learning cursive around the middle of the year (January). By the end of the year your child will have been exposed to D’Nealian cursive.
They will learn upper and lowercase letters, proper connections between letters and how to form words and sentences.
Math
This year in third grade we will be focusing on a variety of math concepts and we will be utilizing multiple approaches and strategies to solve problems.
These are the standards we will cover:
1st Quarter:
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Number Sense
Numerical Operations
Data Analysis
Functions and Relationships
Geometric Properties
Transformation of Shapes
2nd Quarter:
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Number Sense
Numerical Operations
Systematic Listing and Counting
Algebraic Representations
Patterns
3rd Quarter:
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Number Sense
Estimation
Vertex-Edge Graphs
Measurement
4th Quarter:
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All third grade standards will be reviewed and fourth grade data analysis will be introduced
Math Facts
Math facts are an important part of number sense. Many math concepts spiral and it is important for your child to have a solid understanding of their
math facts. During the first quarter we will be reviewing/learning addition and subtraction facts. If your child does not know these facts automatically
please practice them on a regular basis…the more they practice the better they will get. Second quarter we will begin learning multiplication facts. It
will be important to practice and learn those facts automatically as well.
Science, Social Studies, and Technology
Science
In science the inquiry process is utilized throughout the science curriculum. Students question, plan, conduct investigations and use
appropriate tools to gather data. Students then communicate the results of their investigations in a variety of ways. As a class, we will
participate in the science fair in January. This year students will have the opportunity to investigate through inquiry rocks/minerals, light and
sound and the life cycle of plants. We will also learn about many scientists and scientific technologies.
Social Studies
The social studies standards cover many topics. Social studies instruction will involve research, projects, activities as well frequently integrating
reading and writing. This year your child will be learning about American History, Civics & Government, Geography, World History and
Economics. A variety of significant people in history will also be studied throughout the year.
Technology
This year your child will be utilizing the technology available in the computer lab and our classroom computers on a weekly basis. They will
learn how to effectively use a variety of word processing programs including Microsoft Word and PowerPoint.
Character Counts!
T
R
R
F
C
C
TRRFCC
Students can use this acronym to help them remember that people with good character are terrific:
Trustworthiness
Respect
Responsibility
Fairness
Caring
Citizenship
Trustworthiness
Be honest • Don’t deceive, cheat, or steal • Be reliable — do what you say you’ll do • Have the
courage to do the right thing • Build a good reputation • Be loyal — stand by your family, friends,
and country
Respect
Treat others with respect; follow the Golden Rule • Be tolerant and accepting of differences • Use
good manners, not bad language • Be considerate of the feelings of others • Don’t threaten, hit or
hurt anyone • Deal peacefully with anger, insults, and disagreements
Responsibility
Do what you are supposed to do • Plan ahead • Persevere: keep on trying! • Always do your best •
Use self-control • Be self-disciplined • Think before you act — consider the consequences • Be
accountable for your words, actions, and attitudes • Set a good example for others
Fairness
Play by the rules • Take turns and share • Be open-minded; listen to others • Don’t take advantage
of others • Don’t blame others carelessly • Treat all people fairly
Caring
Be kind • Be compassionate and show you care • Express gratitude • Forgive others • Help people
in need
Citizenship
Do your share to make your school and community better • Cooperate • Get involved in community
affairs • Stay informed; vote • Be a good neighbor • Obey laws and rules • Respect authority •
Protect the environment • Volunteer
Tribes
Tribes is a step-by-step process to achieve specific learning goals. Four agreements are honored:
•attentive listening
•appreciation/no put downs
•mutual respect, and
•the right to pass
Students learn a set of collaborative skills so they can work well together in long-term groups (tribes).
The focus is on how to:
•help each other work on tasks
•set goals and solve problems
•monitor and assess progress
•celebrate achievements
Our Classroom Constitution:
~ Attentive Listening: We will listen with our eyes, ears, and heart.
~ Mutual Respect: We will treat people the way we want to be treated.
~ Appreciation/No Put-Downs: We will speak kindly to others and think of other people's feelings.
~ Right to Participate/Pass: We have the right to pass in certain activities, and to know that the more
we participate the more we gain.
~ Safety: We will always think of safety first.
Room 21 Expectations
Reading Minutes
At Santan Elementary, we like to emphasize the enjoyment of literature. It is our hope to instill a love of reading; therefore we would love for parents to
model and encourage reading in the household. Talk about a great story and model effective oral reading with your child. Take turns reading, or share a
favorite book you remember reading as a child. Our reading homework will consist of 80 minutes per week. Students will keep track of the minutes they
read in their Reader’s Notebook. Students will need to indicate the title of the book, author, genre, and date. The students will also need to do a short
reading response in the Reader’s Notebook. They can use the response idea page in the binder or response with their own idea. The response can be from
1-3 sentences at this point of the year and I will expect more towards the middle of the year. Comprehension is the main focus in reading during third
grade. We will also be using the Reader’s Notebook during the school day. Reading homework and the Reader’s Notebook is the responsibility of the
student. Students who complete all homework will have the opportunity to participate in Fun Friday.
Word Study and Sight Words
A list of the 3rd grade sight words your child should know how to read and spell by the end of this year is attached. A pretest over the words will be given
within the first few weeks of school with results sent home shortly thereafter. Mastery of these sight words will be useful in reading and writing
activities. Please help your child practice reading and spelling these words until your child can read and spell each word automatically and without
hesitation. Practice words in small groups (5-10) and gradually increase as words are mastered. The words that are missed on the pretest will be put on
the “Words to Know” ring to practice at school. Each child will have their own “Words to Know” ring.
Homework
Weekly requirements:
•read and record a minimum of 80 minutes each week
•study the word study sort
•complete the reading and/or math review activities as assigned (various within standards)
In addition to the weekly requirements, students will have a variety of homework activities and projects as the year progresses. Students who have not
met the weekly homework requirements will spend their Friday game time and/or lunch recess completing the activities.
**Unfinished classwork will be coming home daily. If your child has an unfinished assignment, it is his/her
responsibility to complete it that day and return the assignment the following school day.
Communication
Communication is a vital component of a successful school year. A weekly classroom newsletter will be emailed to keep you informed about our
curriculum and special events. School communication and graded work will also come home on a regular basis. E-mails and/or notes home will also be
sent to inform and remind you of activities that are occurring at school. Your child will have B.E.E folder (Bring Everything Everyday) that is located in the
Reader’s Notebook and it should come home each evening. Please look through their folder and agenda. If you have any questions throughout the year
please feel free to contact me at 883-4741 or groessl.maureen@chandler.k12.az.us
Behavior Expectations
All students are expected to follow the school-wide S.T.O.R.M. behavior system, as well as our own Classroom Constitution. Students who choose not to
follow the S.T.O.R.M. system will be given a verbal warning, sign the Responsibility Book (see below for more info.), reflect on his/her behavior in/out of
the classroom, lose a recess, lose Fun Friday and lastly receive detention. Students who lose two of their STORM letters in the same week will not
participate in Friday game time. If they lose all five letters in the same week they will receive an after school detention.
Values Jar (Character Counts)
As a class we will be earning marbles for our “Values Jar.” The “Values Jar” is for the students to learn to be more conscious of their day-to-day behavior.
When a student demonstrates good character, a marble will be added to our class “Values Jar.” When the jar is full, the class will be rewarded (i.e. pizza
party, ice cream, extra recess, game day, etc.).
Responsibility Book
If a student receives a verbal warning, reflection, lose of recess, etc. he/she will sign the Responsibility Book. After signing the Responsibility Book,
he/she will fill out a form communicating the incident in which occurred. The Responsibility Book form will be signed by me and will be coming home the
same day as the incident occurred. The Responsibility Book form needs to be signed by a parent/guardian and returned the following school day. Each
time a student signs the Responsibility Book in one week, a STORM letter is taken away. Students who lose two of their STORM letters in the same week
will not participate in Friday game time. If they lose all five letters in the same week they will receive an after school detention.
Grading
This year, your child will receive letter grades for reading, writing, and math. They will continue to receive
meets standards (MS), progressing (P), or area of concern (AC) for science, social studies, music, and PE.
Writing Rubric
A = Excellent 100-90%
4=A
B = Above Average 89-80%
3=B
C = Average 79-70%
2=C
1=D
D = Below Average 69-60%
0=F
F = Failing 59% or Below
Some writing scores may be graded on a 4-point rubric which will also be converted to letter grades for
better understanding.
Please note that a child’s grade reflects his/her work at a third grade level. If a child is reading at a
second grade reading level and getting C’s in the work related to that reading, he or she cannot receive a
C in reading, since the reading fluency and comprehension is not at an average third grade level.
I will be using a variety of ways to evaluate each student. Students will be evaluated by daily
observations, listening to oral responses and discussions, writing and reading conferences, formal tests,
informal tests, class work, and keeping a portfolio (scrapbook) of work samples to show progress. I
evaluate different types of work in different ways. Some work is for practice and may show a star or a
smile, which means the student showed good effort or practice. Some work will be graded with a letter
grade or with a rubric which the students will often help generate.
District Progress Reports
Progress reports will be sent home mid-quarter. The mid-quarter progress report will reflect the concepts that have been taught up to that particular
point in the quarter.
Report Cards
Report cards will be sent home at the end of every quarter. Note that the bold-faced boxes are the standards to be assessed for each quarter. There will
be times that I will give a grade where the box is not outlined if I have taught and assessed that standard.
It is extremely important that you register on gradespeed in order to view your child's grades online-
http://chandler.gradespeed.net/pc/
General Information
Volunteers:
I welcome and appreciate parent volunteers!
Once we have a daily routine in place I will be sending home a volunteer calendar for the month. Please remember that all classroom volunteers and
visitors need to check in at the office and receive a visitor’s badge prior to coming to class. Please do not bring smaller children with you when you come
to volunteer in our classroom. I so appreciate your help!
Tax Credit: Extremely Important for Upcoming Field Trips
You can make a donation to the third grade team and receive the entire amount (up to $400 for a married couple, $200 single) back on your taxes!!!
These tax credit donations help support extracurricular activities including field trips. Please consider taking advantage of this opportunity to support
Santan Elementary 3rd graders!!!! Feel free to spread the word….grandparents, aunts, uncles and any other Arizona tax payer can take advantage of this
opportunity. More information will be come home as it gets closer to the end of 2011.
Website:
Please check our school and classroom website on a regular basis to help you stay informed about school and classroom events. Homework projects,
newsletters, and other important information (such as this packet) will also be available on the website. Please register with my website so you can
receive E-alerts as my website is updated.
Birthdays:
Please feel free to send treats to school for your child's birthday. Just a reminder, all treats must be store purchased items. Please DO NOT allow your
child to pass out invitations at school unless every child in the class is invited. Please utilize our classroom directory for these purposes.
Friday Game Time:
Each Friday, my class will be having educational game activities for 30 minutes. Your child will be able to participate in learning games in reading and
math that are available in the classroom. In order to participate, your child must have had appropriate behavior and they need to have turned in all of
their homework (including reading minutes) and class work from the week.
Snacks: Must be HEALTHY
Please send your child in with a healthy snack everyday. Also, send water bottles to school with your child daily.
Please be sure that they have water only in their bottles. Label water bottles!!
Lunch:
If your child will be purchasing lunch through the school, please have them give us their money or check in the
morning so we can add it to their lunch account or bring it to the MPR room before school starts. You can also
access your student’s lunch account at www.mylunchmoney.com.
Dismissal:
Please be sure to send an email to Mrs. Groessl or a note with your child anytime he/she will be going home a
different way than usual ( bus rather than walk, home with a friend, etc.)
Helpful Web Sites
Language Arts Web Sites
Read Write Think
http://www.readwritethink.org/
This web site provides great interactive graphic organizers to help students with writing and reading, games, and homework help.
Chandler Public Library
http://www.chandlerlibrary.org/
This city's library is a great sources for research, book lists, book talks, and downloadable books.
Spelling City
http://www.spellingcity.com/
This amazing site offers students the opportunity to create and practice their own spelling list through games.
International Reading Association
http://reading.org/InformationFor/Parents.aspx
IRA resources are available to help parents as they take on their critical role as their children’s first and most important teachers.
Math Web Sites
Math Facts Cafe
http://www.mathfactcafe.com/
At this site you will be able to create your own math practice worksheets along with time test worksheets to help sharpen those pesky math facts. There's even a way
to create your own flash cards.
Math Playground
http://mathplayground.com/
Math Playground is an action packed site that allows students to practice math skills, play logic games, and have some fun!
NCTM- National Council for Teachers of Mathematics
http://www.nctm.org/resources/families.aspx
The National Council for Teachers of Mathematics has put together a great site to help parents and students with understanding math concepts and provides
homework help. They also have great family activities and games for the whole family to enjoy!
Science and Social Studies
Social Studies for Kids
http://www.socialstudiesforkids.com/subjects/ancientcivilizations.htm
History for Kids
http://www.historyforkids.org/
PBS for Kids (science and social studies)
http://www.pbs.org/topics/science-nature/natural-disasters/
Thank you so much for coming. I can’t wait to work with your child this school year!
It’s a privilege to be a part of your children’s learning development and it is so rewarding to
see the progress they make along the way!
If you ever have any question, concerns, or comments, please feel free to call, set up a
meeting, or email us.
Groessl.maureen@chandler.k12.az.us
480-883-4741