Third Grade Handbook and Curriculum Guide 2013-2014

Third Grade Curriculum Guide This year we will be learning about a variety of topics in our quest to master the third grade common core/state standards. You may reference the state standards on line at the AZ Department of Education. Standards are addressed through a variety of topics. Topics for this year’s study are listed by content area below.

Language Arts We will explore a variety of genres for both writing and reading this year. Our list of genres include picture books, humorous fiction, mysteries, classic literature, fairy tales, fables, folk tales, poetry, biographies, journals, letters, personal experience narratives, non-fiction, and news writing. Students will also learn and practice a variety of grammar, usage, and mechanics, these skills are specific to primary grade students.

Math Students will explore the following mathematical concepts (listed by unit):      

Number Sequences Money Patterns and Data Adding and Subtracting with Regrouping Linear Measures Area and Perimeter

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Multiplication and Division Place Value in Whole Numbers Geometry Fractions Measurement Data and Probability

Science Students will study the scientific process through the use of our FOSS Science Kits. FOSS is an inquiry based science program. Students will explore the following areas of science: Life Science, plants; Physical Science, Sound and Light; Earth Science, Rocks and Minerals.

Social Studies Students will explore maps and their many uses. Students will learn geographic terms. They will explore three types of communities, communities of the past, cultures, and government. They will also study the following: explorers, government, national symbols, ancient Greece and Rome.

Handwriting Students will demonstrate mastery of all upper and lower case manuscript letters. They will also learn and practice cursive forms for all upper and lowercase letters.

Homework Students will receive a Homework Sheet each week. Please check your child’s homework sheet nightly and sign after the homework is completed.

Homework Tips        

All homework should be completed in pencil. All work must be labeled with your name and the date. Your work should be neatly and carefully written so that it is easy to read. Paper should not be torn from spiral notebooks and should not have jagged edges. Keep your homework clean and unwrinkled. Be sure to check over/edit your work and have an adult check and sign it to be sure you have completed the assignments. When writing, be sure to use your own words. Remember to always do your best.

By the end of 2nd grade, all students should have begun reading chapter books which opens up a whole new world of reading opportunities. Therefore, it is important to encourage your children to read, read, read and then talk, talk, talk about the stories they have read. Comprehension and fluency is a huge focus in third grade. Third graders also make a shift in writing as a means to communicate. If your child does not seem to grasp written sentences and paragraph structure and is consistently confused and upset about this new level of difficulty, please come and talk to me so we can discuss the gaps in your child’s understanding of writing concepts. Third graders should have a good grasp of the math fundamentals. They will be given a short time to refresh their memory of addition and subtraction facts. In 3rd grade, there is a strong focus to learn multiplication and division facts. It is essential that all students learn these facts without using their fingers and toes. They will be required to memorize all facts this year. They will learn how to add, subtract, and compare fractions. When you cut or divide objects at home (pizza, apples, pies), consider talking about the fractions so they can understand this concept better. When you bake or use a recipe, include your third grader in the process so they can learn about measuring and fractions.

HOMEWORK/CLASSWORK: Your third grader will have on average of thirty to forty-five minutes of homework, four days a week (Monday through Thursday). Homework participation allows you to be fully involved in your child’s education and helps you become aware of what is being taught in the classroom. It also provides the student with an extra opportunity to practice concepts learned at that time. Each student will receive a homework assignment sheet every Monday. Your signature is required each day as the student finishes their work and reads for 20 minutes. If there is any unfinished class work, the student is responsible to complete that work. It is the student’s job to place the work inside the homework folder at the end of each day. Please check the student’s assignment sheet in order to verify what work needs to be completed. There is also a place for comments between parent and teacher. It is your child’s responsibility to complete their homework and bring it back the following school day. Students will only receive credit for completed and handed in work on time. Students who forget, lose, or do not finish their homework will not receive credit for their homework. Parents should review any mistakes or misunderstanding daily.

Report Cards Report cards are issued once a quarter. They give you a glimpse of your child’s school performance. They are not intended to provide a comprehensive evaluation, but they should help you get an idea of how well your child is doing. You may check your student’s progress at any time using the Pinnacle Program and your password. If you don’t have your password, contact the front office.

Parent Communication Contact Information You will receive a magnet business card with my name, number, and email address. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns you may have.

Please sign below after reading this packet with your child and return only this sheet to school. (You may keep the rest of the packet.) Thank you!

______________________________ Student’s Signature Date_____________________

_______________________________ Parent’s Signature