Download welcome to third grade!

WELCOME TO THIRD
GRADE!
Ms. Byrne
2008 - 2009
Byrne’s Brightest!
Our motto:
READ, THINK, and WRITE!
A little about me
• I have been teaching for 13 years –
kindergarten, first, second, third, high
school and teachers.
• I was a costume, bridal gown, and
jewelry designer prior to teaching.
• I have two sons – one is 19, one is 22.
• I have started work on a doctorate. I
have a BA in Art and a Master’s in
Education.
T-Shirts: Crab printing!
• For field trips!
• For special school events!
• For fun!
Bring in your t-shirt ASAP – will
be printing the second week of
school.
Wash regularly – it shouldn’t
wash off!
Daily Schedule
Language- 9:00 – 10:45
Science/Social Studies 10:45 – 11:30
Remediation 11:30 – 11:55
Lunch 12:00 – 12:30
Recess 12:35 – 12:50
Math 12:50 – 2:15
Resource 2:15 – 3:00
Dismissal 3:07
**If your child is absent, it is considered unexcused unless a note
from the parent is sent in to the office**
Guided Reading Groups
• These are flexible reading groups. They
may be groups according to ability or
interest level. Rigby levels and STAR
levels determine ability.
• They are FLEXIBLE, meaning the student
may change groups throughout the year.
• During reading groups, we also have
independent work. Please Note: In third
grade, it is expected that students will
work independently!
Word Study Groups
• Spelling progresses in a predictable way
as students learn various patterns in
spelling.
• Students are grouped by what they
already know or need to learn.
• Choice board homework – Your child can
choose how to practice each night – but
make sure they know how to sort the
words by pattern (ex. a, ai, ay, aCe).
Social Studies and Science
• Each Tuesday and
Thursday we switch
classes for Science and
Social Studies (Mrs. Farr).
I teach Science to both
classes.
Cooperative Learning
The Kagan Model
We use a lot of cooperative learning to keep
kids engaged in the subject matter. Rally
coach is when one student acts as the
coach while the other child works aloud;
then roles switch. Quiz, quiz, trade is
when students ask each other questions;
trade questions and find new partners.
Sometimes we play cooperative jeopardy.
Sometimes we even take quizzes
cooperatively!
Assessments
• Multiple choice tests for units mirror the
SOL types of questions.
– http://education.jlab.org/solquiz/index.html
– http://www.doe.virginia.gov/VDOE/Assessmen
t/releasedtests.html
• In class project work requires students to
apply knowledge and share their
understandings. These assessments
often count MORE than multiple choice
tests because they show understanding.
Grading Scale
•
•
•
•
•
•
92-100 A
84-91 B
75-83 C
67-74 D
66 and below F
All graded work will have either a number
or letter grade. Ungraded work will have a
check or star (practice work while
learning).
Homework Policy:
This is the year to help your
child develop study skills.
• An average of 45 minutes per night. AR!
• Spelling practice – quiz on Thursdays – be
sure they can write them in categories!
• Math practice – skill done that week.
Please assist as needed.
• Read 20 minutes. Please write the title of
the book and sign the agenda each evening.
• Study guides will come home for science
and sometimes math. Study them nightly –
develop the habit!
Accelerated Reader
• Independent level/STARS test
• Goals- new each quarter – usually
about 10 points.
• Be aware that some books are .5 (not
5).
• Students should get about 85 % or
higher – or I will ask them to go down
a level.
• Students must take a test each week!
Reading Programs
• Read Aloud Virginia is a program (Oct. to
May) that fosters parents reading TO their
children. It is proven to increase
vocabulary and comprehension.
Calendars- sign nightly
• Book-It (Oct. to March): Independent
reading (can be AR books) – 10 per
month. Pizza prize!
• Admirals Hockey: Can be Book-it books.
Read 10 books and win 4 tickets to
Admirals game.
Classroom Environment
• RESPECT- for any adult,
yourself, and fellow
classmates.
• “Constitution for
Learning”: we will
develop our own rules.
• Friday folders: your
child’s work habits and
behavior will be noted
here – please sign and
return Monday.
SOL test….What is it?
• The test is given in May.
• All the skills taught from K-3 are
tested during the assessment.
• English reading, math, social studies,
and science are tested.
• We will start a daily review in
January.
• The children will receive study guides
for review prior to the test.
Open Communication
• Please feel free to e-mail.
• Please call after school hours. If it is
during the school day, simply leave a
voice mail and we will return the call.
• WEBSITE: has homework, some files
that you can use, websites, classroom
news.
– http://byrnesbrightest.weebly.com/