Welcome, Families! Third Grade Parent Orientation Night Lakewood Elementary September 14, 2015

Teacher Introductions Mrs. Jackson (Reading/ELA/Social Studies) Mrs. Mikeska (Math & Science) Ms. Cohagan (Reading/ELA/Social Studies) Mrs. Francis (Math & Science) Ms. Prica (Reading/ELA/Social Studies) Mrs. Jones (Math & Science)

Basic Information Please reference the pamphlet for all basic information pertaining to Third Grade. We’ll happily respond to any questions at the end!

Third Graders… Complete work independently Monitor their own work production Increase stamina for focused attention, thinking, and reading

Grades Reflect what a student can do independently Generally reflect challenging content as the year progresses Inform teaching Are available for viewing in Skyward

Attendance & Make-Up Work Attending class is crucial to develop as learners. Actual learning takes place in class activities, discussions, games, and experiments that cannot be “sent home” as make-up work. We’ll send home written work whenever possible. We know illnesses occur and we will certainly accommodate as best we can. However, please make every effort to have your students present each day as they are able.

Reading Shift from “learning to read” to “reading to learn.” Focus of reading expands well beyond basic, literal understanding of the text. Students are required to think critically to infer meaning and consider the author’s perspectives and purposes. Students broaden their knowledge of literature genres and their characteristics.

Writing Learn to write personal narratives and expository pieces. Increase length of writing (developmentally: a page a day) Learn and develop author’s craft. Use correct conventions of writing (spelling, punctuation, capitalization, grammar)

Spelling & Vocabulary Third Graders typically have spelling words every other week. Students have the opportunity to “test out” of words on Monday and tackle challenging vocabulary words. Vocabulary words replace spelling every other week. Vocabulary development is an essential part of reading and writing development. tion sion ough

Math While computation is important, students are expected to apply skills in context. Reasoning, applying, problem-solving, choosing the correct operation, and seeing whole/part relationships are crucial to excel in Third Grade Math. Fact fluency is practiced daily and tested monthly as part of our Lakewood Math Initiative. Students are expected to make progress.

Science & Social Studies Major Concepts of Third Grade Science: –Matter & Energy, Forces & Motion, Earth & Space –Weather, Environments, Food Chains, Live Cycles –Adaptations & Traits, CATCH (Health Curriculum) Major Concepts of Third Grade Social Studies –Citizenship, Comparing Communities, –Government, Maps & Geography –Timelines & Biographies, Heroic Deeds

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THANK YOU Lakewood parents are the best! We truly appreciate your support.