Welcome to Third Grade !

1. Welcome to Third Grade! Mrs. Hazelwood’s Class Parent Orientation Class

2. Welcome to Third Grade! • Today, we’ll cover some of the ways you can get your student ready for 3rd grade… and help them start the year out on the right foot!

3. Communication is Key! • Weekly newsletter – sent home in folders & posted online • Class website - www.waltermkennedy.com • Remind101 – text @mrshazel to (442)222-3801 • Email – alyson.hazelwood@pellcityschools.net • Phone – 205-338-7896 • And there are always paper notes in folders!

4. How will this year be different? There is a BIG jump from what is expected in 2nd grade to 3rd grade! Listen up for what to expect!

5. Reading at home … it’s vital! At least 20 minutes per night! Read weekly story in reading book each night, focusing on comprehension and vocabulary words. Read things that interest you – on our weekly topics, or whatever else sounds good! As your child reads, ask questions that “dig deeper” into the story. Test their recall skills AND comprehension!

7. Homework? designed to “dig deeper” into a topic from class often a written reflection or blog post can be assigned as needed for extra practice projects – both individual and group reading log!

8. How will test be given? Spelling test – 20 words and dictation Reading test – Scott Foresman reading series test (17 multiple choice + 3 discussion) from weekly story. Includes weekly vocabulary; Weekly comprehension test. Grammar test – weekly, as announced in newsletter Math test – skill of the week (from Go! Math series) Math timed drills – addition, subtraction, multiplication, division – weekly, as announced in the newsletter Science/Social Studies – weekly, as announced. Includes multiple choice, fill-in-the-blank, and discussion questions AR (Accelerated Reader) – as time allows in the room and computer lab

9. Math • Go! Math series • Emphasis familiarity of vocabulary words, and application of skills in problem-solving • Big push on “explaining” – knowing how and describing a strategy to others • Curriculum moves quickly! • Watch newsletter for weekly goals, and review all work that comes home!

10. Multiplication! • Third graders memorize their multiplication facts! • Mastery of zeroes to twelves before Christmas! • By end of year, 100 mixed facts in 6 minutes • Will be mixed into quizzes and tests throughout the year • Multiplication will make or break in 4th grade! Flashcards, multiplication.com, and oral drills… practice these at home!!!

11. Writing • Formal writer’s workshop process • Informal journaling • Letters • 5-paragraph essays • Persuasive, informative, and entertaining • Editing and collaborating for growth

12. Standardized Testing • In May • Covers everything we’ve done all year! • Ask questions, stay informed, and review weekly goals (and graded assignments!!) at home throughout the year. • Before the test: eat well, early bedtime, lots of positive energy! These scores are used for consideration of the gifted program as well as placement for fourth grade and honors classes at Williams Intermediate! It’s serious!

13. Accelerated Reader A way to test comprehension of independent reading Read at home and school, test in classroom/ library/ computer lab High points + high comprehension score = mystery field trip! Color dots indicate difficulty level We will have limited time in the room for independent reading… read at home and come ready for your next test!

14. Cursive handwriting • New program: “Handwriting Without Tears” going into practice system-wide • http://www.hwtears.com/hwt/parents • http://www.hwtears.com/hwt/our-curriculum/cursive • We’ll be all-cursive when we return from Christmas break! Practice at home!

15. Emphasis on the “whole child” Study skills Social skills Communication skills Behavior management Character development

16. Behavior expectations Very high expectations of every student We all pledge to give our best to ourselves and each other Positive reinforcement whenever possible If needed, consequences can include: Change in seating Silent lunch Sit out recess Call home Office visit Others as needed…

17. How can I help my child? • Read with your child! • Add to your home library whenever possible! • Thrift store books • Pell City library • WMK library • Kellogg’s / Scholastic book program(If you don’t want them, send them to school and we’ll use them for our classroom library!) • Read your newsletter and check all homework • Go over returned tests with your student • Be sure they know spelling words/math facts, and review ALL THE TIME! 

18. Opportunities to help our class Read with a struggling reader Volunteer through the KPTO Send supplies as requested

19. Ways to help our school… • Collect and send in box tops – these support our Fine Arts department! • Collect old print cartridges – these support our wonderful library! • Collect Sunny D labels – these help provide books in our classroom!

20. Snacks, parties, etc. • No daily snack in the room • Friday snack, if behavior goals have been met. Consider healthier options… water and fruit/crackers instead of chips or cookies • Birthday celebrations should be small • Summer birthdays celebrated on the ½ birthday (example: June 21 celebrated on December 21) • Daily bottle of water for desk is okay, unless it becomes a problem

21. Our cafeteria policies NO CHARGES without parent note on file Ice cream on Fridays only (50 cents) Classroom behavior standards apply in the lunchroom!

22. Trips and fees • We will have two big field trips this year. Other more local ones may be scheduled. Notification will go out ASAP so you can plan ahead! • 3rd grade shirts will be available for $10 • Instructional donation $30

23. Questions?