What is the Third Grade Honors Math Program?

 The  third grade honors math program is an accelerated math program. It is a replacement program, which means that students receive math instruction from Mrs. Nabozny on a daily basis and not from their classroom teacher. In this program, students will be taught a blend of the 3rd grade and 4th grade math curriculum. This means that by the end of the year, all 3rd grade skills and at least 75% of fourth grade skills have been taught. It is a fast paced program for our most able math students. 

What is the difference between Honors Math and Math Enrichment?

 Honors math is a replacement program where students work with Mrs. Nabozny 5 days a week on the third and fourth grade math curriculum. Math Enrichment is a once a week pull out program where we work on applying our math skills to more challenging problems. It involves a lot of higher level thinking and  really helps students to develop their mathematical thinking and problem solving skills. Both programs provide mathematical challenges but in different formats.

If students are taught most of 4th grade curriculum in 3rd grade, what happens in 4th grade?

 Students who successfully complete the 3rd grade Honors Math program move on to the 4th Grade Honors Math program, which focuses on 5th grade curriculum and beyond.

How do you cover two years of curriculum in one year?

 Two years of curriculum in one year sounds excessive, and it would be if we taught every page of every lesson. We blended the curriculum of the two grade levels.  What this means is, for example, we teach the 3rd grade multiplication curriculum (basic concepts and mastering facts), and then move straight into the 4th grade skills of double digit multiplication. By doing this we eliminate a lot of repetition and revision at the start of each new skill set in fourth grade. The students in this program have proven themselves to be very strong math students who master skills quickly and can easily apply those skills without as much practice and repetition. Consequently not every question/page need be completed. We  move through the curriculum much faster than 3rd grade classroom teachers.

How do you qualify for Honors Math?

 We use different methods of assessment to place students in the program, but it is a small class because we typically look for students who are placing consistently in the 95th  percentile with their math skills.  This is necessary due to the pace of the class.  We look at the iready diagnostic tests given throughout students’ second grade year, end of year assessments, classroom performance, and teacher recommendation according to a math habits rubric.  Additionally, there is a formal assessment given that measures critical thinking and problem solving skills necessary for success in the program.

How do I know if my child is in the program?

 Mrs. Nabozny will call you and let you know the results of the assessments either way.  Students will NOT be told about the program or reason for assessments.  Parents can choose to have their child join or not.  Children who do not qualify still may qualify for math enrichment as a third grader.  At the start of third grade, Mrs. Nabozny will work with the homeroom teachers to transition the honors math students to her classroom during the math block each day.

What can you do to prepare for 3rd Grade Honors Math? 

 If you come into third grade with a good knowledge of multiplication facts, you will certainly feel a lot more comfortable once we start the multiplication units. It is not a requirement since multiplication will be practiced, but it is something that will make life a whole easier :0) gre honors math program is an accelerated math program. It is a replacement program, which means that students receive math instruction from Mrs. Nabozny on a daily basis and not from their classroom teacher. In this program, students will be taught a blend of the 3rd grade and 4th grade math curriculum. This means that by the end of the year, all 3rd grade skills and at least 75% of fourth grade skills have been taught. It is a fast paced program for our most able math students.