Math- We kick of the year with reviewing the number system. We will talk about place value, estimating, and quickly move into adding and subtracting. Helping your child memorize their addition and subtraction facts will make math way less frustrating for them. Make this a priority. You can use flashcards, songs, or websites. Every 3rd grade student will have a login to a site called Xtra Math. We will send this login information home so you can encourage your child to practice math facts on this site. Xtra Math

Reading- Our reading unit begins by getting students ready for their school reading life. We focus on lessons having to do with reading time, persevering when a book is difficult or we don't enjoy it, picking just right books, and summarizing what we read. You can help your child by taking them to the library and helping them pick out books. How do you know if a book is just right or not? Have your child pick a random page in the book. Then, have them read this page to you. Keep track of how many words they stumble on or don't know the meaning of. If it's 0, 1, or 2 words, this book is too easy. If it's 3-5 words this book is just right. If it's more than 5 words, this book is too hard. Children should read aloud at least 10 minutes every night to you, a sibling, a relative, a stuffed animal, or a toy. This helps them develop their reader's voice which is key in comprehension. So, set that timer!

Writing- In writing we start with a personal narrative about a small moment. Children love writing about their lives but struggle to narrow their stories down. For example, students often want to write about their summer and will give a day by day description not realizing them feeding their dog every day may not be interesting to other readers. We will focus on finding those important moments that can be used to learn something or show a change in the main character. How can you help? Encourage your child to write at home. Maybe start a journal with your child. They write about their day to you and leave it on your pillow. You write about your day back to them and leave it on the table. This not only helps with writing but is a great activity to help your child feel loved and special.

Science- Science and Social Studies units will rotate this year. We will begin with Social Studies so this content will not be taught until September. When we start we will be working on Life Cycles. More to come when the unit starts!!

Social Studies- We have NEW curriculum this year and are so excited that we will be the grade that teaches all about Missouri and its history. Missouri has one of the most interesting historical stories out there and children this year will learn as much about it as we can fit in. We begin our journey with the geographical elements of the state. We will talk about the different land regions and how they were formed. Ask your child every day to share with you what they learned. Missouri has some amazing state parks that highlight the unique land areas. Some are close enough to do on the weekend. You could even take some time to go down to the Missouri River (English Landing Park is a great place to do this) and imagine with your child what it would have been like to travel down this river before there were any cities.