A note from Mrs. Hitz.....
by Arlynn Hitz
Once again a new school year is beginning for your child. I would like to share a few thoughts about third grade in anticipation of us working together as a team in helping you child have a successful year.
Your child will have a separate book for math, reading, science, social studies, and English. He or she will also be keeping a writing, science, and math journal. Your child will also be using a spelling dictionary. In other words, your child has a lot to keep track of throughout the day . I will try to give your child time at school to complete assignments, but of course that is not always possible. Homework will be given when I am introducing new concepts that need repeated practice. All assignments are displayed on the board and referred to throughout the day. A folder is left on each child's desk for homework and notes to parents.
My instructional policy and grading policy is as follows. I introduce a concept, give students time to practice and ask questions, and then check to see what they have learned. The grades that I record in the grade book are those assignments completed at school. In reading, the minutes read at home and at school will be part of the total grade. A paper recording reading minutes will be sent home with your child each week with their papers. We will be using the accelerated reading program again this year. Please encourage your child to read at home.
On the road to learning there are "bumps" along the way. When your child has a grade below 75% or so, I will send the paper back with your child for correction and your signature. The child is responsible for returning the paper to school. This system helps us both "keep on top of things" and hopefully assists your child in learning from mistakes. Following through on corrections helps to raise your child's grade. I cannot give your child a 100% after corrections have been made, but I do give a grade of 80% when all answers are correct.
Classroom management involves play money. Everyone in the class receives at least 30 dollars at the beginning of each month. When the classroom rules are followed, no money is deducted from the given amount. I hold an "auction" every few weeks in which students may purchase items with the money they have not lost. If rules are broken, then the student will need to pay one or two dollars depending on the offense. Each month your child is given a "clean slate" and given more money. Money is also given for good behavior when appropriate.
This is a pivotal year for your child. He or she will show many signs of growing up and wanting more and more to please their peers in addition to the significant adults in their lives. Third grade is the adolescence of early childhood. This is the age of children grouping themselves into small groups and subgroups while sometimes being exclusive of others. In the classroom, I will try to monitor behavior in such a manner that each child is treated in a respectful fashion. At those times when children are in a less structured setting, it is hoped that they will exhibit self-control and good manners.
Hopefully, this information will give you some insight about the expectations about third grade and we can enjoy our year together!
