Reading: third grade is about shifting from "learning to read," to "reading to learn."
We will use a variety of reading strategies and lesson types to learn how best to attack and understand different literary genres.Last year I subscribed to a program called "Guidedreaders.com." I am continuing with that subscription in order to bring your children quality leveled books for instructional purposes.
Writing
We will use a writers' workshop format as well as try to integrate technology into our writing instruction. We will write personal narrative, research essays, opinion pieces, etc. using digital tools like slides and documents to help.
Science
We will use Mystery Science and FOSS curricula to help students learn with a STEM twist!
Social Studies
There are 4 main units of Social Studies in 3rd grade: Regions of California, The Native American "Ohlone" people, The Oregon Trail, and Economic Basics
Physical Education
Students attend courses with the PE teacher twice a week and extend what was learned in class.
Computer Literacy
We will focus on digital citizenship, keyboard skills, effective web searches, using Google Classroom to locate assignments and due dates, sharing documents to collaborate, and creative uses of Slides to elaborate on their thinking.
About Mrs. Carpenter
I grew up in Fremont and have lived here most of my life. I attended Moreau Catholic High School and then studied at U.C. Davis, graduating with both a Bachelor's Degree and a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential. Prior to coming to Newark Unified School District, I taught private school and then taught at Grimmer Elementary in Fremont. I took a short time away from teaching when my two children arrived in short succession. Then, I joined NUSD in 1998. I taught at Graham, now "Coyote Hills," for 16 years before coming to Kennedy a few years ago. I have taught all grades Kindergarten through fourth.
I have been married for 29 years to my husband, Adam. We have two young adult children: Megan and Daniel. Both of them have had their lives turned a bit upside down by the pandemic, but both are back on track and pursuing interesting careers.
I am blessed to still have my parents, both of whom stole all the artistic talent in the family. My father is a potter with amazing skills. My mother sews beautiful dresses, shirts, pants, and other items for girls and boys around the world who are in need. I am not the sewer in the family, but the one who makes the trips to JoAnn's to pick out the fabrics.
I am most definitely what could best be described as a "homebody." After a long day at school, nothing makes me happier than to be at home with family of humans and my two "doggers," Cali and Ellie, a spaniel mix and French Bulldog respectively. I enjoy cooking and welcome recipe suggestions, especially of the healthier nature. I love getting caught up in a good book. I mostly read History and Biographies. My favorite subjects to teach are Science and Social Studies.
During Distance Learning I pushed myself to become more technologically literate and earned my Google for Educators Certificate. I believe in using technology as a tool to increasing participation and understanding, among other techniques and devices.