WELCOME TO GRADE THREE CURRICULUM NIGHT September 28

WELCOME TO GRADE THREE CURRICULUM NIGHT September 28, 2016

A LITTLE BIT YOUR CHILD’S TEACHER There are two straight grade 3 classes in the portables (Mrs. Kourousis & Ms. Devito) v There is one combined grade 3/4 class in the portable (Mrs. Severino/Lynde) v And there is one combined grade 2/3 class inside the school (Mrs. Longo) v

BEING READY FOR SCHOOL EATING HEALTH AND NUTRIONAL LUNCHES/SNACKS ARE VERY IMPORTANT! PLEASE ENSURE YOUR CHILD HAS A HEALTHY BREAKFAST LABEL ALL BELONGINGS COMING TO SCHOOL ON TIME AND BEING PUNCTUAL IS IMPORTANT FOR LEARNING WEAR PROPER UNIFORM

SUPPLIES PLEASE ENSURE YOUR CHILD IS READY FOR SCHOOL WITH SCHOOL SUPPLIES SUCH AS: CRAYONS/PENCIL CRAYONS PENCILS ERASERS GLUE STICKS KLEENEX BOXES

CLASSROOM ORGANIZATION Classroom Organization Safe and Inclusive Classroom Whole group Instruction Small group Instruction Student – Teacher Conferences Paired Learning Peer Tutoring Promotion of diversity

HOME COMMUNICATION

THE AGENDA Students are encouraged to purchase an agenda for $8. The teacher writes on the chalkboard throughout the day. Therefore this ensures that students have lots of time and opportunity to write in their agenda (not rushing at the end of the day). Students are to copy work down/information. The agenda is also a great communication tool. If you have any questions or doctor’s appointments to make us aware of, please make a note in the agenda.

AGENDAS It is important that you initial your child’s agenda each night to ensure homework completion as well as to verify that you have read any notes written by me or another teacher. Record any notes or questions that you may have for me. The agenda is a valuable and consistent means of communication between school and home.

SIGN AND RETURN ASSESSMENTS POLICY Assessments sent home to inform family of child’s progress. Please sign all tests and assignments that are sent home and please return to school the following day. All assessments will be collected in a folder with your child’s name on it to be used for reporting and as discussion pieces when we meet. This folder will be given to you at the end of every term, along with the report card, for you to keep.

HOME JOURNALS WELCOME TO THE “HOME JOURNAL” PROGRAM. Your child will write a letter to you on Fridays to tell you about their week at school. Your child will write about topics we are studying and highlight different activities we have completed. In this way, you will be able to ask your child questions about their week. Please respond to your child’s letter each week in the journal. You can talk about exciting events and activities from the weekend, or just comment on their letter for the week. All journals are to be brought back to school on Mondays. You will find that your child will really enjoy and get excited about your personal response to their writing.

READING BOOKS Students are encouraged to read books on a daily basis. Please read daily with your child as well. Students are encouraged to read a variety of books (fiction, non-fiction, magazines, graphic novels). Take time to go to the library or book stores. Read the book of an upcoming movie! Then go see the movie and compare the book to the movie. Let’s create a love for reading!

HOMEWORK Reading each and every night is the most important job a student can do! Language homework: reading or writing tasks Math homework: worksheets/workbooks for extra practice to be completed at home It is expected that homework will be returned to school completed the following morning. Should a circumstance arise that your child is unable to complete his or her homework, please inform me of the situation by writing a short note in your child’s agenda. A consistent homework routine will help your child develop solid work habits and an increased sense of responsibility. Homework consolidates learning

AT HOME STRATEGIES FOR READING AND HOMEWORK Reading Homework Extracurricular Ideas �Daily independent reading (20 minutes+) �Daily reading with child �Talk about texts – relating on a personal level �Provide a variety of interesting materials to read �Model interest in reading �Keep a journal to record reflections on texts (written as well as oral response to text) �Provide a quiet, organized place to do homework �Provide a consistent, structured time for homework �Check Agenda daily �Talk about assignments to ensure understanding Decreased TV time Focus computer time on learning educational skills (typing, research) Enrich life experiences: (family outings and shared family activities– e. g. ROM, Science Centre, library, community centres, local pool, orchard, petting farm…)

INSTRUCTIONAL STRATEGIES

DIFFERENTIATED INSTRUCTION Enables the teaching for a range of learners Analogy: All students need to get to school but the mode of transportation they use (walk, bus, car, bike, etc. ) can be different Accommodations Instructional Time Learning Environment Multiple Intelligence Awareness Student/Teacher/Parent Roles Additional Resources Instructional Strategies

CLASS TRIPS Chosen trips always compliment the curriculum and are a great way to pique the students’ interests at the beginning of a unit, maintain their interests during a unit, or bring closure at the end of a unit. We are in the midst of organizing the field trips for the 2016/2017 school year. As the trips are organized and confirmed, letters/notes will be sent home to notify you and keep you informed.

ENCOURAGE INDEPENDENCE AND RESPONSIBILITY Responsibility and independence are essential for learning and success Develop a homework routine/follow homework due dates Provide opportunities at home for your child to have jobs at home to complete.

EQAO The EQAO Assessment of Reading, Writing and Mathematics—Primary Division, is taken by students in Gr. 3 and tests the literacy and math skills of the Ontario Curriculum expects them to know by the end of Gr. 3 In order to prepare your child for the upcoming EQAO Assessment in May or June your can: Visit the EQAO website http: www. eqao. com to access sample questions and practice tests Students will be given plenty of opportunity in class to work on various multiple choice and open ended questions. They will be given strategies and an ideas of how their answers will be marked.

RESOURCES LIST

Curriculum Resources The Ontario Elementary Curriculum can be found at: www. edu. gov. on. ca/eng/curriculum/elementary/

REPORTING 3 Reporting Periods Elementary Progress Report November 2016 Parent interviews will occur in the evening of November 17 and during the morning of November 18 Elementary Report Card, Report 1 February 2017 Elementary Report Card, Report 2 June 2017

THE END . Please feel free to walk around the classroom to familiarize yourself with some of the materials