Dear Parents,
I am so excited to get to work as part of a team with you in your child's educational success. Third grade is a special year in elementary school. Students are now the "upper elementary" kids, and with that comes so much fun, as well as new opportunities and responsibility. Third grade is the first year for your students to participate in the SC READY test at the end of the school year, which can influence the course of your child's education. Encourage your child to value their education, and to take pride in their schoolwork. At school, I will be there to facilitate their learning, but when they come home, you have many opportunities to extend their learning as well!
Some things you can do at home to ensure your child continues their success in school are:
~Read, read, read! Parents often ask what they can do to help their child. Many times they will ask for worksheets, websites, or apps that their child can do. The BEST thing you can do to help your child is read with them nightly! Have your child read to you, but also, parents need to read to their child.
~Check your child's folder and agenda nightly. This will keep you up to date on their homework assignments, grades, and upcoming school events.
~Have your child complete their homework nightly. We have homework every night except Fridays. This homework should take about 30 minutes for your child to complete. I typically assign 15 minutes of reading, one math sheet, and spelling practice. I may occasionally send home study guides to help students prepare for tests or missed assignments to finish at home. If it is taking your child significantly longer than 30 minutes to complete their homework, please contact me. This indicates that they may need more help on these topics in class. Please do not spend hours of time at home on homework, family time and play is important too!
~Ask your child questions! Just so you know, we never do "nothing" in school... your child should always be able to tell you something we learned during the school day! Talking to your child greatly increases their vocabulary which helps them in school. Yes, talking to your child does help them!
~Help your child get a good night's sleep so they are alert and ready to learn in the mornings. If they are eating breakfast at school, please make sure they arrive by 7:35 so that they may get breakfast. Breakfast is provided FREE to every child in the school each morning. It is very hard to be successful when your stomach is empty and your eyes are sleepy!
~Arrive on time. Missing a few minutes a few times a week really adds up to a lot of lost instructional time. They are tardy if they are not in the building by 7:45a.m., but they are missing instruction if they are not in the classroom by 7:45a.m.
~Please reach out any time! Messaging me on Class Dojo is the quickest communication, but I also check emails regularly and am available by the class phone number.
I look forward to a great school year with you!
Sincerely,
Mrs. Binns