Your child will be learning all core subjects in my room this year. We will be using the Common Core Standards. These standards, as you will find, are much more rigorous and require a deeper level of thinking from your child. Please visit the Arizona Dept. of Education to learn more about Common Core.
You can find our Math and Social Studies books online this year, should you need them. The links are on the learning sites tab.
Spelling- Most of our spelling practice will be done at home. Expect spelling homework. You can also check out www.spellingcity.com to help your child practice the week's spelling words using games, etc. Just type in the title of this week's story on the main page.
Writing-We will be using the program Write From the Beginning. Your child will learn to organize their ideas and writing using thinking maps and by adding a new concept to each piece of writing we do. They will also be writing in daily journals.
Reading- We will be using Reading Street this year. This is a great program that incorporates lots of non fiction and informational text as well as traditional stories. We have a nice long, uninterrupted reading block of 90 minutes called the ELA block. We will be reading stories from the basal, doing centers, responding to literature and more to increase engagement in reading. We will also focus on the complexity of text read by 3rd graders.
Math- We also have 75 minutes to dedicate to math. We will be using Envision, Investigations and Mountain Math. It is imperative that your child knows their multiplication facts!!!! If they are struggling, please have them practice their facts at home.
Science- We will be using Foss kits for Science. We will most likely be alternating Science and Social Studies.
Social Studies- Harcourt has a wonderful Social Studies curriculum which we will use to study the world around us.
HOMEWORK
As far as homework goes, while I do not give homework EVERY night, I do assign it 2-3 times a week. The students will write down every assignment that is homework in their agendas at the end of every day. Please check your child's agenda everyday if possible. Even if there is no homework you will be able to see what we did during the day and your child should be able to tell you about it. Homework is always due the very next morning. I do not give homework on Fridays. Your child should also be reading for 20 minutes each night.