Third Grade Parent Information Night March 1, 2018

1. Third Grade Parent Information NightMarch 1, 2018 Kirk o’ the valley 2018-2019 Mr. Bernstein & Mrs. Holy

2. Agenda • Welcome/Background • Classroom Philosophies and Practices • Curriculum • Cross-Curricular Synthesis of Learning/STEAM Projects - aqueduct/village + good ol’ fashioned practice! • M.I./Emergent Curriculum – “miniphanies” ding, tribe name/symbol, Desert Dream – flow of class • Language Arts: Reading, Writing, Spelling/Vocabulary, Journal, Cursive • Singapore Math • Social Studies: from the ground up • Field Trips • Schedule/Routines • Opening/Closing • Homework • Expectations: Work & Behavior – more independent, time management, intrinsic active thinking • Parent Volunteers/Field Trips • Communication

3. Language Arts Novels: Hundred Dresses, Chocolate Touch, Annie & the Old One (novella), Stone Fox, Charlotte’s Web Reading/Writing Process: brainstorm, mapping, draft, revise/edit, publish… Book/Research Reports, comprehension questions ~ fiction & non-fiction ~ novels, Harcourt reading series, Scholastic News, Social Studies textbook, & other various sources. TYPES OF WRITING: Spelling: 1st Sem. Words Their Way, test: Thurs. 2ndSem. Wordly Wise, contextual vocab. building, test Thurs. + common sp. error words practice Read-a-loud Samples: This Land is Your Land; Paddle-to-the-Sea; Old Turtle; Turn, Turn, Turn; The Other Side of the Fence Poetry: shape, free-verse, rap, haiku, Poetry Jam? Cursive: various sources, invitation, thank-you letter

4. Quote of the Week We will explore a different quote displayed in our classroom, often relating to the curriculum, the calendar, &/or life experiences. Students have an opportunity to share their thoughts about the quote in class, as well as write a response including the meaning, text-to-world/self connections, & a little bio about the author. Some students create their own wise observations… “If you haven’t fallen off your horse, then have not been riding enough.” ~Fast Flyer

5. MathSingapore: Concrete-Pictorial-Abstract…Model Drawing, Journal, Mental Math, Drill Facts Mastered by August, ‘18: +/- doubles (2s/4s/etc.)Multiplication Facts: 10s, 5s

6. End-of-Unit Challenging Problem

7. Model & Computation

8. Social Studies • Geography - sense of location • Natural Resources/Conservation – happy trash • American Landmarks/Landforms • Indigenous Tribes of California & United States

9. 3rd Grade General Schedule 8:30 – 8:45 a.m. Morning Meeting/Wake Up Work8:45 – 10 a.m. Math10 – 10:30 a.m. Language Arts: Novels, Spelling, Handwriting, Reading/Writing Assignments/Grammar10:30 a.m. Recess10:45 – 11:15 a.m. Language Arts (Cont.)/Enrichment 11:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. Social Studies/Weekly Reader/Enrichment12:15 p.m. Lunch1:00 p.m. Social Studies/Enrichment/Catch-up/Read to Kids/ Math/Grammar Prep for H.W.2:55-3:00 p.m. Closing/Dismissal

10. Homework Monday-Thursday *Math: 1-2 pages *Spelling/ (practice words, Spelling City, Sentences) *Occasionally Literature, Social Studies reading *Projects, Final Drafts, Study for other Tests *Grammar on T & TH until January *Reading: 20+ min, 30 weekend: vary it… silent, parent-to-child, child-to-parent, asking questions Begins in Jan. … *Wordly Wise vocabulary building, multiple choice & sentence responses (from then on, grammar is only classwork) *Spiral Reviews TH *T & TH short journal response to reading after Spring Break Assessment Formal Tests, Projects, Assignments, Letter Grades Informal: observations, notes, sharing

11. The Unity of Our Class Expectations… 3rd Grade Scholars: Upper–Grade Student Body Create own rules: groups & whole class Curriculum-related (team-building/class seen as 1 tribe) Work Habits for Each Day…Organization/Care, Time Management (clock), Gradual Independence, Stamina, Active Thinking, Tardy Mornings/Attendance: (Try to avoid week-long family trips.) Positive Reinforcement… CHANCE tickets for going beyond expectations… In Work, Verbally Sharing Deep Connections Between Topics, Extreme Kindness in a Social Situation/Problem Mindfulness/Consequences cause/effect: weekly tallies, quote connections, reboot Letter written by student for parents to sign if … an issue is persistent or somewhat severe

12. Parent Volunteers • Class Parties (sign-up sheet) • Room Parent: (party/b-day/raffle basket reminders) • Field Trips/Special Guests - Stagecoach Inn … Chumash Interpretive Center in 4th Gr. -Play (Peter Pan, Alice, Midsummer’s) -Outdoor Ed.: Malibu Cr./CabarelloCyn./Japanese Garden/ L.A. River Walk • Class Garden (Native Plants)

13. Class Party/Cultural Sharing List Halloween Christmas 1_________________ 1)_________________ 2)_________________ 2)_________________ 3)_________________ 3)_________________ Diwali Valentine’s Day 1)_________________ 1)_________________ 2)_________________ 2)_________________ 3)_________________ 3)_________________ Thanksgiving (low-key) Spring/St. Patrick’s Day/Norooz 1)_________________ 1)_________________ 2)_________________ 2)_________________ 3)_________________ 3)_________________ Hanukkah (low-key) End of Year 1)_________________ 1)_________________ 2)_________________ 2)_________________ 3)_________________ 3)_________________ You’re welcome to see me if there is any other holiday or cultural sharing you would like to bring to the class 

14. Communication E-mail –grade3@kirkschool.org I check it everyday by 3:00, if not in the morning. In person:after school is best, 3:15 – 4:00 (or appt.) Weekly Newsletter: The Third Word + Class Announcements/Useful Links Examples: a/v projects, research rubric, pictures, educational links

15. “All and All is All We Are…” “There is no end to education. It’s not that you read a certain book or pass a certain test, and then you’re done with education. All your life is a process of learning.” ~JidduKrishnamurti (paraphrased for emphasis here)