Learning is a journey of discovery, problem-solving, cooperation, challenges, and successes.Our classroom is structured to support this journey and ensure it is memorable and successful for all of us involved. This means learning is interactive, engaging, and meaningful.
All classes at SRTMS are driven by the Common Core Standards. To ensure student success with these standards, 3rd grade uses online collaborative learning communities within Google Apps for Education, which includes Classroom, Slides, Docs, Forms, and Gmail. Additionaly, students will use Zearn, Mystery Writing, Studies Weekly, and Vocabulary A-Z, to support common core standards and concepts taught. Through these applications we are also learning the important 21st century skilsl of communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity. In the classroom, and emphasis will be placed on quality verses quantity of work. This will allow for deeper, more meaningful connections to content standards and lesson objectives. Our classroom provides a safe and secure environment where students are encouraged to do their best and not be afraid to take some risks. All students have the opportunity to be successful in their learning. Third grade is the year where students are working toward independence as learners.
My goal is to provide a safe, supportive, and engaging environment for your child to exceed and thrive in. The Common Core Standards embrace critical thinking, integrated learning, and showing not just what students know, but HOW they know. While adhering to these standards, we will embark on subject derived knowledge through self-discovery,cooperative learning, problem solving, small group settings, and supportive classroom cooperation.
Differentiated instruction (DI) will be implemented in all areas of the curriculum. Differentiated instruction is when the content, process, and product are adapted in response to students' readiness, interest, and learning profile. Students are placed at the center of teaching and learning and student needs drive instructional planning. DI is a way to enhance learning for all students by engaging them in activities that respond to particular learning needs, strengths, and preferences. It is an effective tool in addressing the needs of the gifted or high-achieving students, those with special needs, as well as second language learners. DI draws on student interests, leading to greater student engagement, higher levels of motivation, higher productivity and increased achievement, as well as a positive sense of self accomplishment.
Third grade scholars will also participate in Project Based Learning Units. These units encourage student inquiry and self-discovery while connecting concepts/standards to a universal theme or big idea. This year our third grade "big idea" will be interdependence. Your scholar will work in collaborative learning groups, with a specific and very important task. Together, the groups will create projects that reflect student discovery and knowledge. There will also be some independent projects for students based off their own curiosity and interests! Throughout the year, students will continue to connect new ideas/concepts/standards to the universal theme of interdependence or change and acknowledge the connections and how they are found throughout the world and beyond!
There are many new wonderful experiences in store for 3rd graders this year. Come prepared with an appetite for learning and let it take you to places you never imagined. Our goal is to develop independent thinkers who can collaboratively share their ideas in a group setting to spark further curiosity and new knowledge. We hope this will be one of your most memorable and exciting years yet.
STUDENT GOALS;
Master all basic addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division facts and be able to use those facts accurately when doing computation and problem solving
Learn to work cooperatively in groups and sometimes take leadership roles
Develop writing skills that allow them to cummunicate in both narrative and expository styles
Learn to plan long-range projects and bring them to completion
Learn to speak in front of their peers with confidence and style
Learn to stay focused on written tasks and bring them to completion