We are glad to have your child in third grade this year. This is to help answer questions you may have concerning schedules, grades, conduct, and communication.
3rd Grade
Academic Expectations
Your child will be taught by all three third grade teachers. Mrs. Moon teaches reading and social studies. Mrs. Lopez teaches math. Mrs. Marshall teaches handwriting, grammar, writing, and science. Each of the third grade teachers will teach AR and spelling to their homeroom class.
Spelling
The weekly spelling list consists of approximately 15 words each week. There will be a test over the words on Friday.
Reading
Students reading homework will consist of reading 1 book each night and be ready to test on it when they get to school the next morning.
Accelerated Reader
Thirty-five to forty-five minutes of class time each day is dedicated to AR. During this time your child will be reading and testing on AR books. Your child is expected to read 1 book every night and be ready to test on that book when they walk into class the next morning. They should also take a test on another book during class. One of our end of year awards is an AR certificate for number of points earned during the year. We encourage each student to take 2 tests a day so that they can work towards the 100 point reward trip in December and the 200 point trip in May. To do this they will need to get an average of 50 points during each 9 week grading period. Please encourage your child to work to earn this special trip.
Homework
An assignment sheet is filled out by the student each day. Please take time to look over your child’s assignments and initial it each night. They will need to keep all homework assignments in their homework folder and return with it each day. Homework will consist of reading an AR book, math assignment, and studying spelling words if needed. Time is given each day to complete most of their homework.
Absences
When students return to school after being absent expect for them to have make up work to be completed. This work will be due within three days of their absence. They may also need to make up AR and in class instruction during recess/tutorial time. It is important that your child be at school each day. We begin working immediately after entering the classroom and don’t stop until the final bell rings. New skills are taught every day!
Conduct
Each third grader is given five good behavior “tokens” at the beginning of every week. You will see the tokens on your child’s weekly assignment sheet. Students who have had good behavior will be rewarded with a free Friday Snack Bar item. Tokens will be marked off for not meeting classroom expectations. Excessive or chronic misbehavior will be addressed by the principal. We also use a classroom economy system. Your child will earn classroom play money that they are allowed to spend on classroom rewards.
End of Year Awards
Third graders have the chance to earn several end of year awards. Awards are given for UIL participation, AR points, perfect attendance, and a PE award. The three students with the highest AR point totals will be recognized. These are the only awards that will be recognized at the end of year assembly. Please encourage your child to work hard to earn an award.
Online Information
You have access to your child’s grades and AR testing. There are also subject specific programs for reading and math. Information on each of these things will be coming home with your child soon. We will also be using ClassDojo to keep you informed about things that are happening in third grade and Holland Elementary throughout the year.
Teacher Conference
The third grade teacher conference is each day from 1:35-2:35. Please call to schedule a conference if you have any questions or concerns. You may also send a Class Dojo message.
UIL
Third graders can try out for UIL spelling, storytelling, ready writing, music memory, and chess. Please encourage your child to try out for these contests. Our UIL contest will be held in December.