Welcome to Curriculum Night

1. Welcome to Curriculum Night 3rd Grade Light Farms Elementary Prosper Independent School District August 25, 2016 Jennifer Bates Christen Garretson Robin Gibson Rebekah Johnson Jennifer Miller Bethany Wildenstein Kelly Williams

3. Reading/Language Arts – 90 minutes of instruction The Balanced Literacy approach engages children in a variety of reading and writing experiences that model powerful examples of effective literacy practices using fiction, and nonfiction, informational, persuasive, poetry, drama, and media texts. Best Practices: • Read Aloud • Shared Reading • Guided Reading • Independent Reading • Word Work/Vocabulary • Shared Writing • Interactive Writing • Writing Workshop • Independent Writing

4. Spelling/Word Work Purpose The purpose of Word Study/Word Work instruction is to develop and promote fluent reading and writing. Research shows that students need to develop strong visual images of whole words and demonstrate correct English spelling in every day reading and writing. (Fitzgerald Method and Marie Clay’s Method).

5. Social Studies 45 Minutes of Instruction The elements of a rigorous and relevant social studies classroom in PISD include: • Charts/Maps/Graphs – A primary source for interpreting, analyzing and application of data. • Inquiry Based Learning – Learning how to solve, defend or develop knowledge or solutions. • Content Area Reading and writing – Read materials that are related to social studies and apply historical writing techniques. • Primary Sources – Original materials that have not been altered or distorted in any way. Examples are not limited to the following: music, time period speeches, articles, maps, photographs or artifacts.

6. Math 90 minutes of Instruction The Prosper ISD K-12 Math Department believes in purposeful teaching that allows students to make the connections between concrete explorations and abstract concepts. Teaching Methods: • Modeling • Inquiry • Direct instruction • Guided practice • Interactive models • Differentiated tasks • Electronic demonstrations • Cooperative learning

7. UPS Check and ReflectProblem Solving Model • Prosper ISD will be implementing a standard problem solving model for students in grades K-12. • Math problem solving should be based on an understanding of any problem, initiate a plan, execute it, and evaluate the reasonableness of the solution.

8. Science-45 minutes of instruction Inquiry-based learning, use of technology, and investigative activities promote high engagement and curiosity of our students. Therefore, the Prosper ISD Science classes seek to: • Promote and support all aspects of effective science teaching, including new technologies and instructional strategies • Encourage the natural curiosity of learners at all levels • Increase scientific literacy and the application of science to everyday life • Promote science as a vehicle for lifelong learning for all students • Assume a leadership role in advocating for science education and creating an understanding of the value of science

9. Technology usage in the classroom… • iPads • Promethean board • Laptops • Desktop Computers

10. Enrichment and Intervention: • Differentiation • Small group instruction in the classroom • Tier Time – Intervention and Enrichment • Pre-assessments • Common Formative Assessment • Data to drive instructional decisions

11. Homework • Friday to Fridays • Packet needs to be stapled with 4 WW activities and Response added • Math Practice sheet – spiral from previous week • Reading Practice sheet with thinking questions • Independent Reading (30 mins. nightly) and Response • Word Work/Spelling – at least 3 activities from the WW menu in binder

12. PROSPER ISD Elementary Grading Procedures 2016-2017 *Daily grades include items practice activities and quizzes. (40% category) *Major Grades include tests & research/projects. (60% category) *Grades for Compliance and/or Behavior are not part of the average of either grade category. Progress Reports *Parents will be notified if their student’s averages are below 75% at the progress reporting time.  Parents will receive a plan of action for the grade improvement and will receive a phone call/ written communication home from the teacher prior to the receipt of the progress report.

13. Re-dos: *Teacher discretion will be utilized for students to have the opportunity to “redo” assignments when they make a grade below 70%.  When the student completes the “redo” work for the second attempt, the highest grade possible will be a 75. Major Assignments (60% Category): *Information missed on Major Assignments will be reviewed & retaught to student by the teacher. Late Work (due to excused absence): *1 day will be provided to complete work for each day absent without grading penalty. Completion of Classwork: *Classwork not completed during the school day must be completed during study hall and/ or turned in the following day at school without grading penalty.

14. Communication • Binder • Agenda – Important Reminders • Behavior Log – codes are in binder/ agenda • School Website • Skyward Messages from the office • Email/Phone Calls/Class Newsletters

15. Thank You for Coming!

16. Light Farms Elementary Parent Teacher Organization Home Join PTO Volunteer Spirit Wear Shop Fundraising Directory Newsletter • Welcome • If you are a first time user you must register on our website to have full access to the site.  Registering on our PTO website is not the same as joining PTO.  Once registered you may: • join and pay for PTO membership • donate to the party fund • purchase spirit wear • sign up for volunteer opportunities • complete directory information • sign up to receive PTO communication • access the online school directory & app (PTO members only) • access website pages just for LF families and PTO members • Returning guests may sign in using the same log-in. • Please explore our website to learn more about • the Light Farms Elementary PTO! • WIN A $50.00 SPIRIT WEAR GIFT CERTIFICATE! • https://lightfarmspto.membershiptoolkit.com Join PTO Become a member! Membership Levels Single Membership Double Membership VIP Membership VIP Plus Membership Sponsor Membership Staff Single & Double Membership Sponsor Spotlight Thank you to all our sponsors! Upcoming Events Check here for upcoming Light Farms Elementary events.