This document provides information for a Grade Three curriculum night. It introduces the teaching team and support staff. It summarizes the school's balanced literacy program, mathematics curriculum, social studies, science, and technology programs. It discusses MCAS testing and how the curriculum prepares students. It also outlines the school's assessment methods and encourages parental involvement in helping students with homework, volunteering, and donating supplies.

1. Welcome to Curriculum Night! Grade Three September 22, 2011

2. Our Team Robbyn Wile Kris-anne Dooley Laurel Wolfrum Meg Smith Paula MacGauley Marybeth Mathews Support staff : Jen LaCava, Kat McGowan, Jen Spencer-McAdams, Michelle Zampell, Deb Trevarrow, Jenifer Cooke, Dianne Cote, Jennifer Grenier

3. Balanced Literacy Program with Tufts University/ reading comprehension strategies Fundations -spelling, phonics, grammar, vocabulary, mechanics

4. Writing Process Lucy Caulkins writing program We write every day! Paragraphing Supports our readers’ workshop Open-Response to reading

5. Mathematics Beginning, Developing and Secure skills/ Mass. State Frameworks Spiral curriculum Home Links Facts practice

6. Social Studies Social Studies Topics: MA and Local History Geography Economics & Government Biographies/famous people from Massachusetts Curriculum-based Research Group projects Citizen Facts Things you need to know about being an informed citizen of the United States

7. Science Plants, Soil, Trees Magnets and Electricity Rocks and Minerals Inquiry based learning Science Notebooks Hands-on experiences

8. MCAS in Grade 3 English/Language Arts test (March/April) Math test (May) How do we prepare our students? Our curriculum does it! Practice test-taking skills and situations

9. Technology in the Classrooms Tools are used to : Collect data/ research Organize information Present findings Word process Assess progress Some tools/programs we use : Microsoft Word, Power Point, Excel Inspiration/Kidspiration Digital camera Lexia Raz-kids Dragon Speaks Kurzweil Class wikis

10. Assessment Observation/Conferencing Data collection/progress monitoring Performance assessments Quality indicators and rubrics Ongoing throughout the year Trimesters Open communication Conferencing Phone calls Emails

11. INDEPENDENCE! 30 minutes per night (on average) Math skills Math fact practice Reading comprehension Reinforces class work Encourages responsibility and accountability How to help: create a routine have supplies handy offer a quiet spot

12. Would you like to help? Here’s how: Help at home by: Reading to/with your child Practicing writing (thank you notes, shopping lists, etc.) Help build routines, encourage responsibility Help the class by: Chaperoning a field trip Contributing supplies from the wish list occasionally Contact VIS to volunteer

13. THANK YOU FOR COMING! Laurel Wolfrum [email_address] Kris-anne Dooley [email_address] Robbyn Wile [email_address] Meg Smith [email_address]