2012-1013 Grade 3

1. 2012-1013 Grade 3 Welcome to Back to School Night!

2. All about Me! Karyl Morton • 6th year teaching 3rd grade at TVES • Grew up in town • Husband Cliff- personal trainer • 2 dogs, Miles and Monk • 2 rabbits, Punkin’ and Petunia • And…..Elijah, my one year old son

4. Our Team • Team 3A • Mrs. Pantalena • Mrs. Morton • Mrs. Scigliano • Team 3B • Mrs. DiLella • Mrs. DiStefano • Mrs. DeAngelo • Mr. Amodio

6. What is so special about third grade? • Focus from learning to read to reading tolearn. • Higher expectations for independent work. • More opportunity for collaborative work. • Opportunity to show learning in “different” ways. • Additional reading time scheduled daily. • CMT Testing in March

7. Reading • Students will be reading more authentic literature this year, as opposed to selections from an anthology. • The reading block is now 90 minutes to allow time for direct instruction, small group instruction, and independent work.

8. Spelling • 15 words a week + 5 Challenge words • All follow a pattern • Short vowels, long vowels, etc. • Spelling format: • Emphasis on learning the spelling pattern. • Decrease emphasis on memorization. • Encourage application of pattern in writing.

9. Math expressions • Students are involved in daily sharing of ideas through discussions. • Discussing math promotes good listening habits and a receptive attitude toward the ideas of others. • By discussing their thoughts, students are clarifying and solidifying their learning. • 2 consumable books • Activity Book – class work • Homework and Remembering – homework • Our first chapter is devoted to place value practice.

10. Core Math, Science, Social Studies, & RTI • For these areas of study, students will be placed in groups with teachers from their team. • Ex. Mrs. Scigliano is teaching Science and Mrs. Morton is teaching Social Studies. Students will switch classes 3 out of the 6 days because 3 days are devoted to science and 3 days are devoted to social studies. • RTI groupings may be instructed by additional teachers like Mrs. Darragh (reading), Mrs. Peterson (resource), and Mrs. Seiden (creative learning).

11. Silent, Sustained Reading & personal reading • Students have 15 minutes to read silently in school each day. • It is important that they are reading books that are appropriate for their reading level. • 20 minutes of reading at home is recommended every night • Reading logs... Coming soon! • Oral reading fluency should be part of at-home reading

12. RTI • Response to Intervention: Tier 1 • Students move to their respective group for 30 minutes • They work on a specific skill or problem area • Days 1-3 for Math only • Days 4-6 for Reading only • Students on Tiers 2 and 3 have RTI more often and for longer periods of time.

13. Science • Inquiry-based Units • Butterflies • Caterpillars hatch into Painted Lady butterflies • Chemical Tests • Mix chemicals to watch their reactions with certain house-hold liquids • Draw conclusions and match results to determine chemical • Rocks and Minerals • Study rocks and minerals through a series of tests • Draw conclusions to match rocks

14. Social Studies • Inquiry-based research projects • Native Americans • Study several tribes and specific jobs a tribe member might have • Connecticut • The history of our state, famous people, things unique to CT • Japan • Geography • Culture in comparison to our own culture

15. homework As needed basis. Math homework will be given daily from the student’s core math teacher. Students are to write down their assignments in their homework books and bring home their take-home folders each night. You may support your children with their homework, but homework should be done by the students. If they are experiencing difficulty, please send me an e-mail or write a note on the top of the assignment so I can address it.

16. Coming soon!! • Reading Log and Response • Develop accountability for reading outside of the classroom • Edmodo • Online learning site • Extending learning • iPad • Classroom use • Listing of apps on website • Green Initiative • Composting • Scholastic Book Orders

17. Other • R.O.C.K.S • Respect, Opportunity, Cooperation, Kindness, Safety • Snack-This year our class will have lunch at 11:00 a.m.  We will have a "working" afternoon snack. Please provide your child with a healthy snack daily! • Birthdays-You may send in a Birthday treat for your child.

18. Other CMTs (Connecticut Mastery Test)- This is a big year for the students in preparing for the CMTs. We will focus a lot on the skills needed to succeed on the CMTs, as well as test-taking skills. Email- Please let me know if you have not received any of my test emails. I might not have your correct address. Summer Reading Challenge-Due Sept. 7th! Box Tops and Pop Tops Webpage: http://mail.northbranfordschools.org/~kmorton/

19. Just the F.A.Q.s, Ma’am • RTI • “My child received services last year. Will those services continue this year?” • Contact • “What is the best way to contact you? • We are the first line- please contact us first with any problems. • CMTs • “How can I prepare at home? What month do they take them?” • Building • “Can I tour the building after you are done talking my ear off?”

20. Any Other Questions? • Remember, we are your child’s team for academic success. Support at home is just as important as support at school. • Feel free to contact me at anytime • Use the website as a resource as often as possible

21. Before we say goodbye… • Dr. Seuss and The Lorax Inspiration

22. It’s not about what it is…

23. …but what it can become!

24. Thank you for coming tonight! • Papers on the back table • Leave a note for your child