Welcome to Third Grade - St. Thomas the Apostle School

Welcome
to
Third Grade
Mrs. Magarie
What to Expect in Third Grade
Third grade is a year of significant growth and
development. Students become more independent
workers with study and organizational skills growing
in importance. Respect for self and others, empathy,
and a sense of community is integrated into all
phases of the curriculum.
Homework Policy
Homework will always include Math, Spelling, and one
other subject.
Please check your child’s student planner to see that
your child has done the assignment completely and
accurately.
Homework is given Monday through Thursday and
should take about 30 minutes.
Homework is checked everyday either by me or as a class.
Language Art
Demonstrate pre-reading, during, & after reading
comprehension strategies.
Acquire new vocabulary.
Beginning to use new tools such as dictionary, glossary.
Participate in reading aloud in class.
Appreciate different genres & authors.
Writing
Students will practice several forms of writing
this year: We will begin the year with
descriptive and narrative forms of writing.
Emphasis will be placed on using the writing
process, use of graphic organizers, spelling,
vocabulary, and grammar skills.
Mathematics
The mission of the mathematics curriculum is to
instill in each student numerous concepts &
reasoning skills that allow them to appreciate
mathematics as an integral part of our everyday
life. To accomplish this, each child will be provided
with a wide variety of opportunities that require
creative problem solving and the use of assorted
mathematical tools.
Math concepts explored:
Number Sense & Numeration
Computation Skills (includes multiplication and
division)
Measurement (includes fractions & money)
Geometry
Patterns, Functions, & Algebra
Data Analysis & Probability
Social Studies Unit Focus:
Developing an understanding of the communities,
geography, economics, different cultures around the
world.
We will begin the year learning about map skills and
end the year reviewing what we’ve learned.
Students will also take part in a Thanksgiving Play held
the Wednesday before Thanksgiving Day.
Science and Health
Third grade science addresses subjects in life
science, physical science, earth/space science,
and scientific process.
Health addresses understanding of the human
body (muscles & skeleton), diseases, & hygiene.
Third Grade Science Topics
Plant growth & Photosynthesis
Ecosystem & Adaptation of Animals
Weather
Exploring Energy & Forces
Investigating Matter
Cycles on Earth and in Space
Insects & Butterflies
Ocean life and the Coral Reefs
Computer & Technology
On certain occasions, students will be given various internet
assignments in science or social studies. Although most of
the work will be done in class, be advised that at times, some
of the work may need to be done at home. Therefore,
internet access is needed. Please inform me as soon as
possible if this is a problem. Note that all libraries allow
students to use their computers. I suggest you contact them
should you need access to a computer.
Field Trips
The following field trips are planned for this year:
The Long Island Children’s Museum (Mitchel Field):
Students will partake in various activities involving maps.
Garvies Point Preserve: Students will appreciate the Native
Indian culture.
Long Island Science Museum: Further understand Forces in
Motion and Magnets.
Parent Portal
This is our second year using the Parent Portal. Here,
parents will have access to assessments and comments
about their children.
All parents must set up a username & password for
each child and sign a ‘Disclaimer’ form before gaining
access to this site.
Types of assessments to be graded: Tests, quizzes,
performance tasks/projects, class work (randomly
chosen), & homework (randomly chosen)
My Pledge to Students
I will trust you until you give me reason to do
otherwise.
I will respect you and work with you to solve
problems.
I will promptly correct and offer feedback on your
work.
I will work with you to meet learning goals.
I will offer extra help and alternative assessments
should you require them.
I look forward to a wonderful and
exciting year teaching your child.
Sincerely, Mrs. Magarie