A Look into Room 401

1. A Look into Room 401

2. Welcome 3rd grade team – PLC: planning, activities, assessments Communication: Bi-weekly Newsletter on Fridays - email blast and on website My e-mail address: phirsch@fscsmn.org Testing – NWEA – fall and spring - cogAT - winter

3. Reading: Focus is on comprehension skills Whole group and small group instruction Writing/English: Writing projects Mechanics, grammar and parts of speech Handwriting: The third graders learn cursive! Please help me by NOT teaching your child at home. Spelling: Each week we will focus on specific rules and how to apply them to spelling. Tests will be given on Fridays. “Red Words” – added to lists (starting in 2 weeks) Reading requirements: 15-20 min per day Record on monthly rdg calendar 3 book reports: Mystery Bag Biography Poetry Book Talk Language Arts * Grades = tests, journals, HW, and daily work

4. We learn a new concept using pencils, manipulatives or on-line resources. Usually there will be a practice worksheet sent home for homework. Quick check to monitor on-going progress – will come home before tests so you know where your child is at with current skills Practice addition and subtraction facts Kahn Academy Basic fundamental skills – will retest but other smaller units we do not Level 2 Services Students take a pre-test at the start of most units. Those who show strong performance with the targets meet with Mrs. Friesen 3x a week to receive enrichment opportunities. Flexible grouping – depending on the targets Reading is run the same way Math

5. Science and Social Studies • We alternate between social studies and science units. • Tests will be given at the end of each unit – dates will be listed in my newsletters. • A study guide will go home 2 days before the test. • Unit updates will be shared in my weekly newsletters. • If a student scores at 70% or below we offer a retest, but studying will be done at home.

6. Religion Tests will typically be on Tuesdays (books will come home on Mondays to review) Mass responses (prayers AND songs) Our masses = September 18 and April 8th Steps to Respect A bullying prevention curriculum for grades 3-5 Lessons focus on: Building friendship skills Recognizing and responding to bullying Religion and Steps to Respect

7. Homework and Expectations • 20-30 minutes a night plus 15 minutes of reading • Usually math (every day) and spelling (2 times plus study) • Studying for tests using unit reviews • Quality work is important • Listed on my website if planner was left at school • Forgetting something can be a learning experience • Problem solve if I forget HW • Build off grade 2 and lead up to grade 4

8. Mystery Reader • On most Fridays (there are a few Thursdays) at 12:00 a Mystery Reader will share a book with the class. • Clues will be given throughout the day to detect the Mystery Reader. • If you or a relative would like to participate, see the dates in your packet or on my web page. • E-mail me a date or 2 you are available to share and I will contact you with your actual date. THANK YOU!

9. Misc. Classroom Behavior: • As a class we decided upon one rule to follow in order for us all to learn best • Take a break when not following expectations or need to regain self-control • Fill out an apology of action form when needed • In-Class Activities: • Variety of independent, partner and group work • Sometimes my choice sometimes theirs • Can be random, but could be arranged by ability by a pre-assessment activity, or by students’ learning preferences

10. Thank you!