Panther Lake/3rd Grade

We have high expectations for every student that enters our school. We believe that every student can achieve success in our classes. Students must believe in their own abilities and apply those abilities. Positive outlooks, a sense of responsibility, pride in one's achievements, and an acceptance of differences in people are all key elements for a successful and enjoyable school year.

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Third Grade Program
Grade Span Expectations

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Reading: Silver, Burdett & Ginn - World of Reading

Castles of Sand - 31
On the Horizon - 32

Each child will learn to:

summarize a story that they have read by selecting and sequencing the main events
see reading as an enjoyable leisure time activity
read with fluency and expression that demonstrates understanding of the story
read non-fiction sources (encyclopedias, reference materials, biographies, etc.) and find the information needed
analyze the critical elements of a story, such as character development, setting, plot, climax, etc.
use literature to develop vocabulary
use literature to recognize uses of punctuation and capitalization
use literature as a model for different writing styles
develop an appreciation of literature
develop questioning and critical thinking skills through literature discussion groups
write in a Literature Response Log
develop life long reading habits for pleasure and informational reading
use reading and language skills in projects and oral presentations

Mathematics: Addison - Wesley Mathematics

Each child will learn:

place value to 100,000
addition and subtraction of up to 4 digit numbers
multiplication and division facts to 9
multiplication and division problems with 2 or 3 digits times (or divided by)1 digit
decimal place value to hundredths; add and subtract decimals
addition and subtraction of fractions with common denominators
identification of angles, polygons, segments, and points; recognize the relationship of plane to space figures; intersecting and parallel lines; giving and locating coordinates
customary measurement of length, weight, and capacity; perimeter
mental math, estimation, and problem solving strategies

Spelling and Language Arts

Spelling - Steck/Vaughn
Write Idea! - MacMillan/McGraw Hill

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Each child will learn to:

write a paragraph with correct form with a topic sentence
use resource materials to write a beginning research paper
listen and communicate effectively in group situations
write a story with a beginning , middle, and end in complete sentences
write a story using the writing process
write in a journal using proper paragraph development
develop presentation skills
develop skills to assist with spelling
experience different forms of letter writing
write different forms of poetry
use reading and language skills in projects and oral presentations

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Handwriting: Scott Foresman & Co.

Each child will learn:

to practice correctly in cursive writing

Science: Hands On Science Kits - Federal Way Schools

Each child will study 3 or more of the following science units:

Marine Science

geography of Puget Sound
tides and tide tables
plants and animals of different marine habitats
ocean ecology

Electricity

what makes electricity
importance
types of electricity
types of circuits

Energy / Matter

characteristics of energy
characteristics of matter
the interaction of energy and matter
conservation and importance of energy and matter

Interaction

types of interactions
animate and inanimate objects and how they interact
the role of change in interaction
man's interaction with the environment

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Social Studies: Communities - D.C. Heath Co.

Each child will learn:

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Geography

to use map symbols and legends, and the compass rose to locate places on a map
to identify oceans, continents, countries, and states
to recognize how landforms, climate, and natural resources influence the development of communities

History

to recognize how places, people, communities, and technology change over time

Anthropology and Sociology

to show respect for other cultures and people of different ethnic backgrounds
all people have similar needs and wants, but meet them in different ways

Citizenship and Government

to become a responsible member of the community
to recognize community helpers in his/her community
cities and countries organize government to solve problems
voting is a way to make group decisions

Economics

to recognize how people work with others to provide for the needs and wants by working at different jobs, production and trade

Health: You and Your Health - Scott Foresman & Co.

Each child will learn to :

practice good oral hygiene
follow the Food Guide Pyramid and how nutritional choices contribute to physical health
plan for fire safety and prepare for emergencies
determine how the body's internal systems operate and how diseases and drugs affect the body and mind
utilize decision-making skills to promote good social behavior

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Art: Discover Art - Davis Publications, Inc.

Each child will learn to:

use artistic skills
use a variety of art materials
develop an appreciation for art in the environment

Classroom Discipline Policy

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We are delighted that your child is in our class this year. We can look forward to many exciting and rewarding experiences as the year progresses.

As we firmly believe that life-long success depends on self-discipline, we have developed a Classroom Discipline Plan that gives every student the opportunity to manage his or her own behavior. Your child deserves the most positive educational climate possible for academic growth. Therefore, this plan will be in effect at all times.

Classroom Rules

1. Follow directions the first time they are given.
2. Keep hand, feet and objects to yourself.
3. Raise your hand and wait to be called on before speaking.
4. Remain in your seat unless you have permission to get up.
5. Speak to others without teasing or name-calling.
6. Listen carefully and work quietly.
7. Walk in the classroom and hallway.

Appropriate behavior will be reinforced.
If a student chooses not to follow these rules, these are the consequences:

Consequences
1st time - warning
2nd time - 10 minute loss of recess
3rd time - 25 minute loss of recess
4th time - phone call or note home
5th time - send to principal
Severe disruption - send to principal

Attendance
One of the objectives of our program is to teach lifelong habits of promptness and reliability. These are habits which will promote success in future endeavors. Due to a full schedule of curriculum in the third grade, we will be introducing new ideas and lessons on a daily basis. Missing these lessons and activities, especially for an extended period of time, can affect a student's performance and grade. Unexcused absences will affect effort/participation marks.
Students will be given one day for each day missed to make up assigned work. If the work is not completed within that time frame, it will incur a deduction for each day late. It is the students responsibility to inquire about what assigned work was missed.
Assignments/Homework
All students are responsible for completing each assignment given in a neat and timely fashion. Third grade students may have assignments that are designed to be completed in class or require some homework time. Assignments that are not completed during classtime will need to be finished at home. In addition, students will be required to complete specific weekly homework assignments. These are passed out Monday or Tuesday and must be completed and returned on the last day of that week. Parents need to check their child's work and sign the front cover sheet. Homework tasks will be checked for completion. Homework completion will be reflected in a student's "completes asignments" mark.

Parent Involvement
Students benefit greatly by having strong support and participation from parents at home. This support is given through activities such as:

enforcing a set time and place for daily schoolwork
helping with homework
reading with and to your child every night
reviewing weekly vocabulary and spelling words using media experiences to reinforce comprehension skills (asking for verbal summaries) practicing and reviewing math facts

Communication
Parents can expect a weekly or bi-monthly class newsletter that updates progress on units of study, upcoming projects or events, and general information about school/class activities. In addition, we are available for telephone discussions during the following time periods: 8:15am - 8:45am and 3:15pm - 3:45pm. The school's phone number is 945-3600.

Assessment
Third grade students will be evaluated using a combination of the following methods of assessment:

daily work
quizzes
tests
observation
oral responses
journal and other writing samples
reports
projects
homework

Grading
Assessments will vary between formal grades and informal marks. Grading is commonly based on the percentage of accuracy the student demonstrates on an assignment or test. It also takes into consideration improved progress over time. Informal marks may refer to task completion, understanding a certain idea, or group/class participation.

Grades - Percent
E - 89.5% - 100%
S+ - 79.5% - 89.4%
S - 69.5% - 79.4%
S- - -59.5% - 69.4%
M - 0% - 59.4%

We will use the following participation grading criteria:

Excellent progress

almost always on task
almost always volunteers answers to oral questions
almost always asks questions
frequently tries new activities and/or skills
work is of high quality
almost always puts in extra effort

Satisfactory progress

occasionally is off task
occasionally volunteers answers to oral questions
occasionally asks questions
occasionally tries new activities and/or skills
work is of acceptable quality
occasionally puts in extra effort

Minimal progress

regularly off task
almost never volunteers answers to oral questions
almost never asks questions
resistent to try new activities and/or skills
work is of poor quality
rarely or never puts in extra effort

State Learning Goals
The third grade curriculum will be taught emphasizing the following state learning goals:

Read with comprehension, write with skill and communicate effectively and responsibly in a variety of ways and settings.
Know and apply the core concepts and principles of mathematics; social, physical and life sciences;civics and history; geography; arts; and health and fitness.
Think analytically, logically and creatively and integrate experience and knowledge to form reasoned judgments and solve problems.
Understand the importance of work and how performance, effort and decision-making directly affect future career and educational opportunities.