1. Welcome to Curriculum Night 3 rd Grade Light Farms Elementary Prosper Independent School District August 27, 2015

2. Light Farms Leaders Third Grade Team Jennifer Miller Gracie Howeth Rebekah Johnson Marisol Balderas Kristen Smith Kelly Williams Lizdebeth Fierro

4. Course Map  Roadmap of content covered, estimated timeline for each course and how course is vertically aligned. These documents are located on the district webpage under Curriculum and Instruction.

5. The Magic that Happens

6. Reading/Language Arts – 90 minutes of instruction The Balanced Literacy approach engages children in a variety of reading and writing experiences that model powerful examples of effective literacy practices using fiction, and nonfiction, informational, persuasive, prose, drama, and media texts. Children learn in a supportive environment where lessons are designed with appropriate scaffolding to meet the needs of all. A gradual and anticipated release of responsibility from teacher to student moves learners along a planned continuum on their journey toward independence.

7. Reading/Writing Instructional Approach… The elements of a Balanced Literacy approach are as follows: Read Aloud Shared Reading Guided Reading Independent Reading Word Work/Vocabulary Shared Writing Interactive Writing Writing Workshop Independent Writing

8. Spelling/Word Work Purpose The purpose of Word Study/Word Work instruction is to develop and promote fluent writing. Research shows that students need to develop strong visual images of whole words and demonstrate correct English spelling in everyday writing. (Fitzgerald Method and Marie Clay’s Method). The traditional method of memorization of spelling words does not support the development of spelling skills. Word Study allows students to observe words to discover their patterns and conventions in order to read, write, and spell.

9. Spelling/Word Work  In grades 1st-4th: 15 high frequency words will be pre- assessed from the previous school year, and this assessment will be completed within the first three weeks of instruction.  Words will need to be spelled and read. The pre- assessment will be used at parent conferences in the fall.  There will be a pre-assessment each nine weeks. Based on the pre-assessment, a list will be created for an individual’s spelling needs/results. This will be placed in the student’s Spelling/Word Work Notebook.  At the end of the nine weeks, a grade will be given based on the student’s individual list.

10. Spelling/Word Work Homework  Homework should include at least one activity each week that is tied to spelling/word work.

11. Social Studies 45 Minutes of Instruction The elements of a rigorous and relevant social studies classroom in PISD include: Charts/Maps/Graphs – A primary source for interpreting, analyzing and application of data. Inquiry Based Learning – Learning how to solve, defend or develop knowledge or solutions. Content Area Reading and writing – Read materials that are related to social studies and apply historical writing techniques. Primary Sources – Original materials that have not been altered or distorted in any way. Examples are not limited to the following: music, time period speeches, articles, maps, photographs or artifacts.

12. Math 90 minutes of instruction The Prosper ISD K-12 Math Department believes in purposeful teaching that allows students to make the connections between concrete explorations and abstract concepts. Teachers develop conceptual understanding and move students to abstract application through the use of three phases: (1) Concrete (2) Representational (3) Abstract.

13. Math Prosper ISD math teachers use a variety of teaching methods including:  Modeling  Inquiry  Direct instruction  Guided practice  Interactive models  Differentiated tasks  Electronic demonstrations  Cooperative learning.

14. UPS Check and Reflect Problem Solving Model  Prosper ISD will be implementing a standard problem solving model for students in grades K-12.  Math problem solving should be based on an understanding of any problem, initiate a plan, execute it, and evaluate the reasonableness of the solution.

16. Science 45 minutes of instruction Inquiry-based learning, use of technology, and investigative activities promote high engagement and curiosity of our students. Therefore, the Prosper ISD Science classes seek to:  Promote and support all aspects of effective science teaching, including new technologies and instructional strategies  Encourage the natural curiosity of learners at all levels  Increase scientific literacy and the application of science to everyday life  Promote science as a vehicle for lifelong learning for all students  Assume a leadership role in advocating for science education and creating an understanding of the value of science

17. Technology usage in the classroom…  iPads  Student devices  Promethean  Schoolwires  Laptops

18. Extensions and Challenges  Differentiation  Small group instruction  Pre-assessment  Formative assessment  Data to drive instructional decisions

19. Intervention/Tutoring  Small group instruction  Data to drive instruction – MAP, Fountas and Pinell Benchmark Assessment, TPRI, curriculum based assessments, etc.

20. Homework…  Focus on quality not quantity  Homework should have meaning and be tied directly to learning 3 rd Grade Homework Includes:  Math  Reading (30 mins. nightly)  Word Work/Spelling

21. Estimated Time Frame (Min. & Max. Days)

22. PROSPER ISD Elementary Grading Procedures 2015-2016 *Major Grades are taken from work completed in the classroom, tests & research/projects. (60% category) *Daily grades are to include items such as: homework and daily activities. (40% category) *Grades for Compliance and/or Behavior are not part of the average of either grade category. Progress Reports *Parents will be notified if their student’s averages are below 75% at the progress reporting time. Parents will receive a plan of action for the grade improvement and will receive a phone call/ written communication home from the teacher prior to the receipt of the progress report.

23. Learning and Working Together Daily Schedule  Math 90 Mins  ELAR 45 mins  Social Studies 30 mins  Specials 10:30  Lunch 11:30  Recess 12:00  Social Studies 15 mins  ELAR 45 mins  Science 45 mins Exceptional Classroom  Expectations  Management  REACH

24. Communication is the Key

25. Communication  Daily BRIGHT Binder  School Website  Skyward Messages  Connect Ed  Email/Phone Calls/Class Newsletters  Curriculum and Instruction Page

26. Our Contact Information Main Number (469)219-2140 Ms. Balderas Ext. 24236 Mrs. Ovalle-Howeth Ext. 24245 Mrs. Johnson Ext. 24246 Ms. Miller Ext. 24247 Mrs. Smith Ext. 24244 Mrs. Williams Ext. 24201 Mrs. Fierro Ext. 24238 If we are working with students, we won’t be able to take your call. Feel free to leave a message. We will call you back during our conference period or after school.

27. “You can teach a student a lesson for a day; but if you can teach him to learn by creating curiosity, he will continue the learning process as long as he lives.” ~Clay P. Bedford

28. Daily Grade (“Re-do Work”) *Teacher discretion will be utilized for students to have the opportunity to “redo” daily work when they make a grade below 70%. When the student completes the “redo” work for the second attempt, the highest grade possible will be a 70%, even if they score a higher grade. Major Assignments (60% Category): *These grades might include tests as well as assignments that are intended to reflect a student’s level of mastery of the content taught within each subject area. These grades are included in the 60% Category. *Students will not have the opportunity to redo any Major Assignments (60% Category) for a higher grade. *Information missed on Major Assignments will be reviewed & retaught to student by the teacher. Late Work (due to excused absence) *1 day will be provided to complete work for each day absent without grading penalty. Completion of Classwork *Classwork not completed during the school day must be completed and turned in the following day at school without grading penalty.

29. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nOhZ6U 5yaXA&feature=player_embeddedwww.youtube.com/watch?v=nOhZ6U 5yaXA&feature=player_embedded