Reminders:

To see which special classes we have each day, click here.

The latest lunch menu can be viewed here.  

(When sending in lunch money, please be sure to seal it in an envelope labeled with your child's name and PIN.)

 What's going on in Literacy?

The largest portion of our day together is devoted to LITERACY, which includes reading, writing, and spelling.  Four blocks of time will be devoted to developing literacy each day:  Guided Reading, Self Selected Reading, Writer's Workshop, and Word Study.

GUIDED READING - In our classroom, we will be using children's literature and novels along with the Harcourt Reading Anthology and other materials for instruction.  Students will practice and progress in the areas of fluency, comprehension, decoding and word recognition, and vocabulary development.  Usually, guided reading occurs within a small, teacher-led instructional group. 

SELF SELECTED READING - Beginning on the first day of school, students will work to develop their stamina for extended periods of reading time.  The children review how to choose books that are "just right" for them, as well as how to vary the types of material they read.  During this time, the teacher will circulate to conduct one-on-one reading conferences.  During a conference, students may be asked to read aloud for a minute or two, summarize or explain what is being read, answer questions about the text or about themselves as readers.  Conferencing provides each child with the individual support and encouragement s/he needs to improve personally as a reader.

WRITER'S WORKSHOP- Writing instruction occurs daily.  We will be using the 6+1 Traits of Writing throughout the year.  These traits are: ideas, organization, word choice, sentence fluency, voice, conventions, and presentation.  After a brief focus lesson, students are required to write for an extended period of time to apply what they have learned in their writing.  There will also be time for sharing our work with one another most days.

WORD STUDY- We will address word study skills using the Fundations program.  Students are led through a specific series of lessons to learn and apply a variety of word patterns.  The program provides plenty of repetition and unique ways to figure out how to spell words while writing and decode words while reading.

Visit The Learning Site!  (password: Farr)

www.harcourtschool.com

 What's new in Everyday Math?

The first Everyday Math unit in third grade is mainly a review of second grade material.  The class revisits many procedures previously taught, and goes over terminology specific to the program to refresh their memories and get them ready to move forward.

As most parents are aware, the Everyday Math program is a highly motivational, hands-on approach to teaching mathematical reasoning and problem-solving.  We will be using several math tools during the course of the year, including:  calculators, rulers, tape measures, scales, pattern blocks, geometric solids, measuring cups, connecting cubes, base ten blocks, geoboards, slates, templates, cards and dice.  We also play a variety of exciting games and use laptop computers as we practice and apply what we have learned. 

Review for every unit!  Click Here

Everyday Math Resource Manual just for parents:

http://montgomerytsd.schoolwires.com/645946121133449/site/default.asp