The third grade teachers want to join you, the parents, in creating the best learning experience possible for your child. Third grade is a transition year. Students go from being primary students to intermediate students during the third grade. We must work together to help this transition be a rewarding and positive experience.
Language Arts
The language arts instruction in the third grade encompasses oral and written expression (including grammar and word usage), reading, spelling, and handwriting. The Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills required by the State of Texas are taught consistently throughout the year in preparation for the TAKS test given in the spring.
During the first six weeks, the formation of cursive writing skills is reviewed. By the third six weeks, all writing is done in cursive.
We hope that third grade will be the transition year that takes the basic skills taught in previous years and builds upon them for a lifelong love of reading and writing.
Math
Third grade math incorporates the Saxon Math program. This is a spiraling curriculum that emphasizes problem solving and daily oral and written practice of skills. This program is a hands-on, success-oriented program that emphasizes the use of manipulatives and mental math. It addresses a multisensory approach to teaching and enables children to develop a solid foundation in the language and basic concepts of mathematics. Through the daily meeting board and the subsequent lesson, students build new concepts upon old ones and achieve mastery at an appropriate, yet challenging pace. Basic addition and subtraction facts are practiced frequently and should be mastered by the end of the first semester. Multiplication facts receive strong emphasis later in the year and should be mastered by year’s end. Saxon Math lessons are supplemented with other high-quality resources and activities.
Science
In third grade, students begin to do experiments and learn about the scientific method. All students are encouraged to participate in the annual Science Expo in which they can acquire practical application of the scientific method.
Social Studies
During social studies, students examine their relationships, past and present, physically and socially, to others in their world. One major emphasis of study is our Kerrville unit. We study the history of Kerrville and learn about our community and its leaders. This culminates in a field trip to the Schreiner Museum where we further explore our community’s rich heritage and history.
Weekly Folders
Communication with parents is kept open through the use of weekly folders. These folders are sent home each Thursday. Parents are asked to review the papers inside the folder with their child and supervise any necessary corrections. Teachers’ notes are written as deemed appropriate and special notices will often be included in the Thursday folder. Parents should sign and return the empty folder on Friday morning.
Assignment Sheet
Teachers assign homework on a regular basis. By using an assignment sheet, the students are reminded of assignments and specific directions on the front side of the sheet. Students are expected to assume responsibility for homework and are held accountable for all homework assignments. The back side of the assignment sheet provides a daily discipline report and space for teacher comments, as well as parent comments. Parents should sign the sheets on Thursday and return them with the Thursday folder. New sheets are given to the students each Friday.
Character & Citizenship
In order to create the best learning environment, character and good citizenship are woven into all activities in which third graders are involved. Respecting rights and property of the school and others is stressed. Interacting well with others, accepting responsibility, and self-control are all part of third grade citizenship. The six pillars of “Character Counts” (trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring and citizenship) are emphasized and reinforced daily.
Work Habits
Third grade works on developing lifelong study skills and effective work habits. A student with satisfactory work habits uses time wisely, listens to and follows directions, completes work assignments, practices neatness, work well independently, shows consistent effort, works without distracting others, and brings appropriate materials to class.
STUDENT SUCCESS INITIATIVE
According to State Law, a third grade student must pass the reading portion of the TAKS test in order to be promoted to fourth grade.
The third grade teachers’ conference time is 10:45 a.m.-11:35 a.m. Please call the school office (257-2210) to schedule a conference.
THIRD GRADE FACULTY
Tammy Callcott Grade Level Chair
Tarleton State University
Degree: Bachelor of Science
E-mail: tammy.callcott@kerrvilleisd.net
Erin Falcon Crichton College
Degree: Bachelor of Science
E-mail: erin.falcon@kerrvilleisd.net
Nicole Esensee Stephen F.Austin State University
Degree: Bachelor of Science
E-mail: nicole.esensee@kerrvilleisd.net
Tami Saenz Southwest Texas State University
Degree: Bachelor of Science
E-mail: tami.saenz@kerrvilleisd.net
Stella Blocker Bilingual Teacher
University of Texas at Austin
Degree: Bachelor of Science
E-mail: stella.blocker@kerrvilleisd.net
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