Conferences

I would prefer to conference with you sooner, rather than waiting until January. There are a few options available for you. If you would like clarification on the progress report or if we are concerned about your child's academic progress, then we can meet next week. The options are listed below. Please let me know what you prefer by email and we can set a time and date.

Before School- meet at 6:45-7:15
During Planning- 10:35-10:55 or 10:55-11:15
After School- Monday, Tuesday, or Friday from 2:30-2:50, 3:00-3:20, or 3:30-3:50

If your child is doing well, I would like to wait to meet after the IOWA and COGAT scores come in so that we can discuss your child's results and progress at that time. Please contact me if you would like a conference before then and we will schedule a time to meet.

Curriculum Highlights for September 17-21, 2007

Reading- Ramona Quimby, Age 8, Beverly Cleary chapter book study
Writing- Responding to literature
Spelling- Sitton Unit 5, Synonyms and antonyms
Grammar- Nouns
Vocabulary- Chapter 3
Math- Addition and subtraction algorithms
Science- I will be teaching Mrs. Miller's students science for the next four weeks.
Social Studies- Mrs. McAuley's students will go to Mrs. Miller's class for Social Studies for the next four weeks.
Health- Character Education-

Spelling Words for September 17-21, 2007

Sitton Words:
1. world
2. going
3. want
4. school
5. important
Content Words:
6. friend
7. character
Challenge Words:
8. atmosphere
9. brillant
10. convince
11. endure
12. glance
13. harsh
14. plunge
15. precious
16. swift
17. unite

Frequently Asked Questions about Math Compacting

We will be using the Compacting Instructional Strategy in math this year. Listed below are some frequently asked questions about the Compacting Instructional Strategy. We are excited about the learning opportunities this strategy offers our students.

How can my child compact?
Your child will compact if he/she has mastered a high percentage of the objectives in the unit. We look at pretest scores based on the entire third grade. If your child compacts, he/she will go to the extension teacher during math time. Your child will receive instruction and challenging extensions.

What is compacting?
Compacting is a three step process: (1) assess what the student knows about the material to be studied and what the student still needs to master (2) plan for learning what is not known and excuse the student from what is known (3) plan for time to be spent in extended or broadened study.

What is the process of compacting?
Before each math unit, teachers will administer a pretest to each student. The results of the pretest will determine the most appropriate placement of the individual student. Placement will either be in the concept, regular or extension classroom.

What are the benefits of compacting?
Compacting recognizes a large reservoir of knowledge.
It satisfies a students hunger to learn more about topics.
Independence is encouraged.
Compacting eliminates unnecessary drill and practice.
Compacting addresses the needs of individual learners at various levels.

Should I be concerned if my child does not go to the extension classroom?
No, your child has not experienced many of the objectives on the pretest.

Will the pretest count towards my child's math grade?
No, the pretest is only used to assess prior knowledge before the unit begins.

September 11th

On September 11th, we will be celebrating Our Great Democracy. Please have your child wear red, white, and blue clothes to school in honor of this day.

We will be using the curriculum, “Our Great Democracy," that was donated by the Modern Woodman of America. 3rd grade appreciates the grade level donations that were made by Mr. ______ . Thank you also to Mrs. Birkbeck for ordering these wonderful materials for our team. Please refer to the letter that will come home on 9-11-07 for more information about this program and organization.

We will be learning about how our democracy provides citizens with protection through the Declaration of Independence, Constitution, Bill of Rights, and amendments. We will discuss the duties that citizens have, which include voting, jury duty, paying taxes, and military duty. Finally, we will honor America by showing our pride with the Flag, Pledge of Allegiance, wearing patriotic colors, singing the National Anthem, and by honoring the military. A mini research project will research quick facts about our Founding Fathers and past Presidents.

We will also be writing letters from America to a friend of mine who is a soldier in Irag. His name is Scott Keeney and he flies Black Hawks for the US Army. If you have a special soldier in mind that you would prefer that your child write to instead of Mr. Keeney, just provide the name and address and he/she can write to them.

This preview of Democracy will be in honor of September 11th. More information and instruction about our Government will follow later in a Social Studies unit of study.