Reading
We spend 60 minutes on reading everyday. Most of that time (30-40 minutes) is spent actually READING! Students choose books from our classroom library, school library, or from home that they want to read. We encourage students to read books at their level, because we know this is the only way that students grow in their reading skills. Students have reading partners that they get to discuss their books with and recommend their books to. Reading partners are essential to holding students accountable and to develop a love of reading. The remainder of our reading time is spent on a reading lesson. During this time students enjoy hearing a great book being read aloud by me! While reading, I teach key skills that reader's use. We also have a lot of discussions during this time. This year the students will learn how to think deeply about the characters in their books, read a favorite 3rd grade series, study non-fiction texts, and learn about biographies, poetry, and mysteries. |
Writing
Students have many stories to tell. From the time they wake up, their life is full of many small moments. My goal for your child is to see the importance of these small moments and communicate them in the form of writing. To do this we study, observe, and practice skills that good writers use. These skills include:
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Math
This year your child will be studying math using a curriculum called Math Expressions (adopted by Hudsonville Public Schools in 2009). This curriculum is researched based in the best strategies known to teach math. Some of the strategies are different from how “we” may have learned math, but it is important to remember they are simply strategies, or one way to complete a problem. Students will have ample time to try out many different strategies until they find the one that is most comfortable to them. They will also be given time to talk with their classmates about the other ways to complete a problem. The learning occurs more in the process of learning how to, rather than the correct answer. The topics your child will be studying this year include:
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Science and Social Studies
From experiments to investigations students enjoy learning about the world around them. This year your child will learn about the geography, economics, history, and government of Michigan. They will also get to learn about life, earth, and physical science. Science Topics: Plant and Animal Adaptations, Light and Sound Energy, Reduce Reuse Recycle, Minerals and Rocks, Earth Changes, Natural Resources, Push and Pull Factors, and Mixtures. Michigan Studies Topics: Michigan's Constitution, Core Democratic Values, Public Issues in Michigan, Michigan's Geography, Michigan History, Michigan Economics, and Michigan's Government. |