Standards- We will be working on the Common Core Standards in the subject areas. We will also be using some modules, lessons developed by New York State, to present those standards in E.L.A. and Math at various times this year. We will not be following our books page by page as a result. At times we night not use a textbook at all. Textbooks are just one tool used within the classroom along with other sources to present the Common Core Standards for Third Grade.
Students grades are a combination of class work, participation, homework, projects, quizzes, and tests. These grades are weighed as follows:
Tests/Quizzes -We will let you know via agendas four to five days before any quiz or test. Spelling and vocabulary tests will be on Fridays every two weeks. Dates for these tests are on the vocabulary definition sheet that is stapled into your child’s agenda. Please sign all quizzes or tests and return them to school. We will keep them until some time in May, before exams, when we will return them to the student so they can study them. Spelling tests do not have to be signed or returned.
Agendas - We spend time each day going over with the children their assignments that are to be recorded in their agenda. We check to see that they are writing down their assignments and then initial them. Please take a moment to check their agendas and initial them as well.
Homework - Homework is assigned on a nightly basis. Homework assignments are to be completed and brought to school the day it is due. Late or missing assignments are recorded and will affect a child’s participation mark. Being prepared with their work, participating in discussions, answering questions, and following class rules for creating a good work environment are all reflected in a student’s participation grade.
E.L.A./Reading/ Writing - Much time will be spent learning how to use evidence based terms when answering comprehension questions. Students are working on restating the question and using complete sentences in their writing. I encourage reading nightly as this is essential in developing their vocabulary and fluency.