1. Agenda Curriculum Overview Standard Based Grading Flow of the Day Homework Volunteers Q&A Notecards

2. Curriculum Overview Reader’s and Writer’s Workshop based on Teacher’s College of NY, Focus lessons –Wake County Public Schools Math Expressions by Houghton Mifflin & Math Trailblazers Word Study Science kits from FOSS and Carolina Biological Supply

3. Standard Based Grading Standard Based Grading, Levels 1, 2, 3, 4 based on the objectives for 3 rd grade. PowerSchool-Home Base Go to www.wcpss.net for more informationwww.wcpss.net In the search window, type report cards

4. Reader’s Workshop 5- 7 minute Mini-lesson each day with active student involvement5- 7 minute Mini-lesson each day with active student involvement Read Alouds Building stamina in our readers: Expected to read independently for 30 min. or more each day Independent Reading with “Just Right” books Guided Reading groups Book Studies and Author Studies Readers “post it” their thoughts Partner Talk– have authentic conversations about what has been read.

5. Writing Workshop 5- 7 minute Mini-lesson each day with active student involvement 5- 7 minute Mini-lesson each day with active student involvement Conferencing will be used to help individual students develop stronger writing skills Conferencing will be used to help individual students develop stronger writing skills Students will be introduced to and compose a variety of writing with a beginning focus on personal narratives Students will be introduced to and compose a variety of writing with a beginning focus on personal narratives Other units of study include letters, feature articles, opinion, poetry and a non fiction research Other units of study include letters, feature articles, opinion, poetry and a non fiction research Watch newsletter for information about each unit Watch newsletter for information about each unit

6. Word Study Complete activities each day to practice words including writing complete sentences to build on grammar. Word patterns, concepts, and spelling rules are embedded into daily mini-lessons and activities. Spelling words will also be provided certain weeks.

7. Math Units Math Expressions is based on many years of researching children around the world Very hands on and full of problem solving Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication, Division Measurement Fractions Geometry Data Analysis Algebra

8. Science Units Taught with hands on activities and experiments Human Body-Skeleton Plants – Life Cycle and Soils – 3 types of soil and composting Objects in the Sky –sun, moon, and stars Changes: Understand properties of solids and liquids and the changes they undergo. End of unit tests are given These tests will help prepare students for 5 th grade NC End of Grade test

9. Social Studies History and Colonial America Civics and Government Geography and Environmental Literacy and Culture Economics and Financial Literacy

10. Flow of the Day Daily Schedule –8:45-9:15 – Unpack, morning work (please have your child here on time!) –9:15 - Morning Meeting –9:30 –Reading –Includes Readers Workshop: Guided Reading, and independent reading time –10:55- Writing –11:30 – Specials –Schedule varies by class –12:20/12:25 – Lunch –12:55 – Recess –1:30 – Math –2:45- Science –3:15 – Word Study –3:40 – Pack Up/Dismissal

11. Homework Math –Homework is a review of strategies taught or review of previous topics –Practice addition and subtraction with games on your own; multiplication and division comes 2 nd quarter; should know them in a snap; practice for 3 min. a day Language Arts –Reading for 15-20 min. –Practice writing complete sentences, review of concepts discussed; writing prompts –Spelling – review and concentration of studying spelling patterns that will flow into your child’s reading and writing Should not exceed 30-40 minutes

12. Parent Volunteers All parent volunteers must register each year to become a volunteer at the school (please complete this within the first month of school) Parents may not volunteer in the classroom until they have registered Parents should check in at the office on the day they come to volunteer Parent volunteers are needed for: –our field trips –Copying & cutting out laminated materials –working with small groups –helping out with special classroom projects –returning books in the library –in the lower grades during center time

13. How Do I Register? Report to the Media Center and computers are all ready to go!

14. General Questions? Be sure to check our website at www.sanfordcreek3rd.wikispaces.com Specific questions for your child’s teacher? Please write it on an index card and your teacher will contact you. www.sanfordcreek3rd.wikispaces.com