2. Grade 3 - Miss. Martens I graduated from Ambrose University with my undergraduate degree in English Literature. I then went on to the U of C to complete my Elementary Bachelor of Education, specializing in language arts. I had the privilege of teaching grade two for the remainder of last year, but this is my first “very own” class!

3. Agenda: will contain homework and important notices. Please check and initial each evening. It is to be returned along with any homework each day. Classroom rules: Respect, Raise your hand, Listen, Ask, Look. Marble jar for positive classroom behaviour, lots of praise and positive environment for learning. Clip chart- students will daily move up or down on the clip chart, depending on their behaviour that day. Each day is a new start, and students will start on green “ready to learn.”

4. I will be posting a copy of our weekly schedule online on Pearson Powerschool. Watch for updates!

5. Time: Every day. Students are given the opportunity to read independently daily, and to read with a small group or the teacher at least once every week. We have an ever-expanding classroom library, as well as access to Raz-Kids online, allowing students to read, listen to reading and to test their comprehension. Reading is also integrated in almost all other subject areas.

6. Time: Every day, mornings and sometimes afternoons. Also integrated into other subject areas. We use a format known as “Daily 5” alongside guided reading to help students grow in reading, writing, spelling and independence in their learning. In 3C we do larger class lessons the other two days. Included in our program are novel studies, many opportunities to try and publish both fiction and non-fiction writing. Technology is integrated into language arts as a tool for sharing ideas. We

7. Each week we will have a list of words which will be taught and practiced both at school and home. Students will be tested on spelling words on Fridays. Students are expected to write spelling words at least once each evening at home to practice and prepare for the test. It is also a good idea to practice using the spelling words in sentences. www.spellingcity.comwww.spellingcity.com is also a great place to practice online.

8. We use a program called JUMP Math and integrate activities involving problem-solving skills. We also have access to Mathletics online, which is a fun and interactive way to learn and practice skills.

9. Units of Study: *Rocks and Minerals *Building with a Variety of Materials *Testing Materials and Designs *Sound and Hearing *Animal Life Cycles Our science units are very practical and engaging, and students enjoy them every year!

10. Units of Study this year: IndiaPeruTunisia Ukraine We incorporate ideas about quality of life, poverty and global citizenship in our units. We also talk about our role and responsibility as Christians to show love and to pray for others. Students enjoy learning about children and their lives in other countries.

11. Grade 3 students are expected to do approximately 30 minutes of homework per night during the week. This time can include: *20 minutes of reading *practicing spelling words *memory verses, * and sometimes...language or math practice, and occasionally science or social project work. The 3C homework policy will be available online on Pearson Powerschool.

12. PE: Monday, Wednesday, Friday Music: Monday and Wednesday Library Day is Thursday

13. We are planning several fun field trips this year. We generally attend the Glenbow museum for Rocks and Minerals and Social Studies. Later in the year we will visit The National Music Centre for some great learning about Sound and Hearing, and we will have a fun in-school workshop with Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society about “Species at Risk.” We will be looking for volunteers closer to the dates of the trips. A

14. A few other things... - I will be creating a website that will have class information, pictures, messages, reminders, and some handouts. This should be done in the next week, at which time I will send the link in an email. - Classroom supplies- some parents have graciously asked if we need anything for the classroom. It would be wonderful to have donations of the following things to enhance our art classes and other uses in different classes. 1. crayons 2. paint brushes 3. fat markers 4. shaving cream 5. small containers (from yogurt, applesauce etc). 6. empty cans and any other art supplies, I am sure we can put to good use! Thanks!