Grade Three Newsletter
September
Welcome to Grade Three!
We look forward to an amazing school year!
NEW! English Language Arts Curriculum
Mathematics
In Grade Three weeks one through five, students will use place value understandings to round numbers to the nearest 10 or 100. Additionally they will use place value understandings and properties of operations to enhance their strategies for addition and subtraction within 1000. In Grade Two, students developed a foundational understanding for addition and subtraction within 1000. In Grade Three, students strengthen this understanding by looking for and explaining patterns in addition tables and in written methods, as well as working towards fluency and the use of more efficient strategies. By the end of the first marking period in Grade Three, the expectation is that students add and subtract fluently without the aid of concrete models or place value drawings. When a student adds and subtracts fluently, methods are efficient, accurate, and flexible. A student who is fluent does not rely on concrete models, pictures, or counting strategies.
Science
In this marking period, students will investigate the phenomena of forces. This includes balanced and unbalanced forces and magnetic forces. Students will begin to understand that unbalanced forces will cause an object to move and balanced forces will keep it in one place. Students develop their understanding of the phenomenon of forces through modeling balanced and unbalanced forces with different objects. Through these investigations, students will begin to make predictions about patterns of motion. Students move into the effect of magnets on objects and the force they can exert. The unit ends with an engineering design challenge. Students will use the engineering design process to create a car. Students will use criteria and constraints to design a car that can hold a washer that will interact with magnets to affect motion.
Social Studies
In Grade Three marking period one the instructional focus is on understanding democratic principles. Students begin the year by examining the roles of individuals, groups, and leaders in a democratic society. They consider rules, laws, and rights and responsibilities of citizens within the classroom and community today through the lens of making a positive difference by taking action. Students will have the opportunity to participate in an interdisciplinary project focused on two driving questions: How do people work together to create a thriving community? What action would you take to contribute to a thriving community? In weeks four and five, students explore the basic functions of governments: creating structure through laws, enforcing laws and interpreting laws. Students examine the selection process and role of local government leaders today in Montgomery County and in the past government of the Roman Republic.
Reminder about Celebrations
Celebrations This Year....
We love to celebrate with our students and families. The school and PTA have many exciting events coming up during the school year that your family will really enjoy! We celebrate student birthdays by announcing names during the morning announcements, providing a birthday pencil, and recognizing them within the classroom.
The Leadership Team and PTA Board have worked closely together to adjust birthday celebrations for this upcoming year. The model that Kindergarten used last year will be used by all grade levelsin order to promote MCPS’ policy on health and wellness, be considerate of student allergies andto maximize classroom instruction time. On a student’s birthday they are allowed to (not required)bring in a small non-edible item (pencil, sticker, etc.) to pass out to their class at the end of the day. Students should be able to bring them to school in their backpack or parents may leave them in the office that morning. Any edible items (including candy) that are sent in, will not be passed out and will be sent back home with students.