Math Focus: 

Overview: In 3rd-grade math, we believe God created us to learn and grow together. Our classroom will often utilize vertical whiteboards and interactive group work so students are constantly moving, discussing strategies, and teaching one another. By practicing peer collaboration and problem-solving, students not only deepen their mathematical thinking but also learn to practice patience, clear communication, and encouragement as a team—reflecting Proverbs 27:17 as "iron sharpens iron."

Math Fact Focus: In 3rd grade, students will master multiplication facts from 0-12. This is where you will find information about the math facts we are currently practicing in class. To show mastery, students will complete a 1 minute timed quiz of their assigned 12 facts for that week. As students master facts, they will get to color in items of their ice cream sundae and be rewarded with a real ice cream sundae once their coloring is complete! Math fact practice at home is encouraged daily. Students will have a multiplication fact log in their Moose where parents can initial when they study for Eagle buck rewards.

Math at Home: On average, 10 minutes of math practice at home each night is encouraged, either on their math facts fluency practice, sent-home worksheets, or IXL/Prodigy/Boddle. We will be setting up our online class accounts this week! 

          IXL Click HERE            Prodigy Click HERE          Boddle Click HERE 

Family Chat (Optional): Family chats are discussions that you can have with your child at the dinner table, the car, or wherever you might find time throughout the week to hear about what your child is working on in the classroom. I will post these weekly and encourage you to open good dialogue at home that promotes academic vocabulary, retention, and biblical connections. On Fridays, students will have the opportunity to share any good family chats they had during the week about the topic for an Eagle Buck reward!

What are some positives from working with a group on a problem? (Ecclesiastes 4:9–10) What might be some difficulties when working with a group and what could be a solution to overcome those difficulties? (Colossians 3:12–13) Discuss some good strategies you can use when working with others on a problem or activity. 

Science Focus: 

Overview: This year, our third graders will explore God's incredible design of the world—from physical matter and forces to weather patterns and life cycles — learning how we can appreciate and care for the world He made. Students can also look forward to our field trip to Nasa and a planet research project where they will get to marvel at the vastness of the solar system created by our God and the unique order, balance, and intentional design God built into our solar system.

Homework: None

Social Studies Focus: 

Overview: This year in 3rd grade students will be learning the American history from the Revolution to the Civil War and will be connecting the biblical metanarrative of Creation, Fall, Redemption, and Restoration. 

Homework: None

Spelling Focus: 

Spelling List: This year we will cover about 28 different spelling rules to ensure students can successfully decode words and write with accuracy. This is where the list of 15 spelling words will be given each week. Every Friday, I will also be sending home a paper copy of the list that includes a brief explanation of the spelling rule we will be focusing on so you can be in the know!

Homophones and Homographs:  English is sometimes a confusing language. Each week 2-4 commonly confused words will be listed here. These will be bonus words on their spelling tests. I will use each word in a sentence and students will have to use the correct spelling. (example: their, there, they're, affect, effect)

Homework: Spelling homework is sent home on Fridays and is ALWAYS due on Wednesdays.

Pre Tests are on Wednesdays. (students who correctly spell all of the words on the spelling list will have silent structured computer time during the test on Friday)

Test will be on Friday. *For short weeks, no practice test will be given on Wednesday and the test will be on Thursday.

Reading and Writing Focus: 

Overview: Throughout the year students will do 3 novel studies and read a multitude of texts and genres. Furthermore, they will work towards mastering 4 types of writing. Students will also be connecting their reading and writing by responding to text based questions with short critical responses (SCRs). It is important to note that there is a shift between 2nd and 3rd grade. Last year the focus was learning how to read with fluency and understand. Now they will begin using critical thinking to analyze what we are reading at greater depth and express that thinking is clear, organized writings. That means that not everything is going to come easily to students. There will be some concepts that students will struggle with at first. Rest assured that this is expected and that they will grow so much!

Homework: None (homework will only be given in reading and writing if the student was absent or did not use class time)

Library Challenge: Students read aloud for 10 minutes each night for fluency (rate, accuracy, expression)

• rate = natural speaking speed, not slow or rushed with pauses at punctuation for understanding.

• accuracy = reading the words correctly, not skipping or changing words, sounding them out correctly when needed.

• expression = putting emphasis and emotion in their tone as they read.

Cursive Focus: 

Overview: Students will be learning and developing their cursive and therefore will need lots of repitition in the form of daily practice. I will be evaluating organized and legible letter formation during quarter 1 and quarter 2. This means some students will need to make corrections to some of their letters and words occasionally. I will also be doing graded mastery checks every 2-3 weeks so you can see their progress.

Homework: There will NEVER be cursive homework but I do have extra resources if you would like to request some.

Grammar Focus:

Overview: his year we will cover about 28 different conventions of grammar to ensure students can express their thoughts correctly and clearly in their writings. The conventions will all build onto each other and will allow students to enhance their sentence/paragraph creation.

Homework: None 

Revising & Editing Focus: 

Overview: Students will learn the difference between revising work for clarity and editing writings for mistakes. We will be practicing these skills daily so as to allow students to improve their writings. By the end of the year they will understand how cohesive and strong sentences work together to make organized and powerful paragraphs which all help us to communicate clearly with each other.

Homework: None 

Scripture Focus: A Study of Christ

Bible Reading: 1 John 2:5-6, Matthew 6:33, Luke 9:23-24, John 15:5-17, Galatians 5:22-23

Weekly Memory Verse: "For you were called to this, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you should follow in His steps" 1 Peter 2:21

Character Trait: Teachability: is a willingness to learn and a desire to know what is true so you can put what is right into practice.

Biblical Principle: As a deciple of Christ, you learn from Jesus and strive to become like Him.

Homework: Study the memory verse for our memory verse check on Wednesday Aug. 19th

Verse Champions: Two students from each block will be selected each week to lead our students in reciting the memory verse at chapel. For the first week, I will lead them!

Unit Study Guide: None

Unit Test: None (this is an introductory week)