Classroom Community
Building a Classroom Community
During the first few weeks and months of school we will be building our classroom community together. This involves sharing and learning about one another, working together to come up with classroom "wishes" (standards), learning the layout of the classroom as well as the materials and rules, learning the schedule, and falling into a daily routine. We will be doing a lot of shared reading, team building, and whole class activities during this time. If you or your child have any specific questions or concerns they can be communicated on the family feedback form at Open House, or you can contact me directly. I am very much looking forward to this year and all of the wonderful things planned!
Classroom Rules
As stated above, we will come up with a classroom "wishes" together and discuss what each of us is looking for in a classroom environment. I do, however, have a few additional, simple rules for the classroom:
1. Treat yourself, others, and our school with respect.
2. Help to keep our school environment safe.
3. Always try your best!
Your Role In Our Classroom
Our class will be our community and our home-away-from-home for the year. We all have a role to play to make our classroom a place where everyone will learn and feel welcome. Each week, we will rotate through classroom responsibilities, as well as our day-to-day routines and expectations. I also like to let third graders have more of an active role in their learning. There will be times where students are given choices, asked for input, or may even drive the direction of our learning with their interests and skills. Throughout the day students will also be given opportunities for flexible seating, small group and partner work, project and activity choices, develop our classroom library, etc.
Shares
Sharing is an important piece to forming a classroom community. It helps students learn about each other, develops public speaking skills, and enhances listening skills. It also creates opportunities for students to ask thoughtful and meaningful questions. Periodically throughout the year I will send home a share calendar for a specific themed share and each student will have their own designated day to bring something something in that fits the theme. Stay tuned for more information.
Book orders
Our class will participate in the Scholastic Book Club book orders. These will be sent home monthly. This is a great way to build their reading libraries at home, discover new books, and earn points towards getting books for our classroom library. I am always here to help with book recommendations or finding the "just right" books for your child. To place an order please visit https://clubs.scholastic.com/home , click "Connect to teacher", and use our class code: P4WPP .
Birthdays
Birthdays are very special and we make sure to celebrate each child's birthday in our class! We are not be able to allow shared birthday snacks, but students may bring in a special share and/or book to share with the class. Your child can also enjoy receiving a few other perks and surprises throughout the day!
*Any summer birthdays will be celebrated during the last week of school.*