Reading

We have a new reading series - StoryTown! This text is packed with wonderful selections, great vocabulary (better known as robust vocabulary) skills for teaching language arts, and more!! In addition, students will be exposed to many genre of literature through their textbook, novels, level readers, as well as their social studies, science and math textbooks. All textbook will be used to incorporate reading in the content area. Also, students and parents will have access to the new reading series via:  www.harcourtschool.com/storytown
 
Our main focus will be literature circles or reciprocal reading. This strategy will allow students to become independent readers as well as provide higher order thinking skills, and refined discussion facilitated by the classroom teacher. Students will:

• read and discuss selected reading materials

• learn to work cooperatively

• formulate opinions

• engage in meaningful discussions

There is a vast amount of literature available on the success of these types of reading programs. If you are interested, please click on the following links:

                                       Reciprocal Reading

                                       Literature Circles

You will notice both strategies are very similar and will both be integrated into our reading and Social Studies Curriculum!

It is my strong desire to encourage and promote reading outside the classroom. Through the Book Adventure, Scholastic, and other online reading clubs, children are able to choose from a wide genre of literature, enhance their reading experiences, take ownership of their reading, and learn to love reading. As the school year progresses, we will look into these options, have a discussion about what would work best, and proceed.

Science/Social Studies

Science and social studies will include many wonderful, fun activities and projects as we learn science and American History. Our Social Studies book is rich with lessons that offer each child a unique virtual learning experience! The science text will be fused with the lessons taught through the science lab as well as classroom experiences.

I love integrating technology into the curriculum making lessons come alive! We will use technology to it’s fullest capabilities in our classroom!  There will be online assignments that can be completed at home, for those that have access to the internet as well as working in the classroom. In addition, all classrooms have been equipped with an ActivBoard - the latest technology and teaching tool. You can click on the link below to learn more about this great teaching tool!

ActivBoards
 

                                                  Mathematics

How I LOVE teaching mathematics! I had the unique experience this summer to be a part of some middle school students math experience and this was a true reward for me. In third grade there is a strong emphasis on math facts. We will have a math drill daily with the children recording their progress. This drill will include addition, subtraction and most importantly multiplication! Learn those multiplication facts!

Spelling

Spelling is integrated into the reading series - another wonderful aspect of this new reading program. We will use spelling choices as their homework and the children will receive a packet that includes the spelling choices with point value for each activity. They may choose the activity, however, I will designate one per week (periodically) they will be required to do. The choices and forms needed for some of the choices are available on the "Homework" page for you to download as needed.