Sorrento Open HouseSeptember 4th 2014

Topics to cover FSA/ Common Core Grading Spelling AR Tests Homework

Welcome to Third Grade

Baseline year◦ Common Core◦ Math and ELA test specifications are available

online

FSA- Florida Standards Assessment

Reading curriculum may include some of the following skills:

Compare/contrast Author’s Purpose Plot Development Words in Context Figurative Language Cause & Effect Main Idea & Details Point of View Theme

Sample FSA Question: Theme What is the central idea of the passage? [Multiple Choice]

The student must synthesize the entire text to determine which of the options is the central idea of the text.

One of the lessons of the passage is to use your imagination. Select two details from the passage that support this idea.

[Hot Text] The student must select details from the passage to

support the lesson provided in the stem.

Why Can’t I Skip the 20 Minutes of Reading Tonight?

Student A Student B

Reads 20 minutes each night Reads only 4 minutes or less each night

Multiply by 5 times a week = 100

Multiply by 5 times a week = 20

Multiply min/wk by 4 wk/month = 400

Multiply min/wk by 4 wk/month = 80

Multiply min/month by 9 months = 3,600

Multiply min/month by 9 months = 728

That equals 10 whole DAYS in a school year

That equals 2 whole DAYS in a school year

If these same reading habits are maintained through the end of 6th grade…40 DAYS Total

If these same reading habits are maintained through the end of 6th grade…8 DAYS Total

Math Curriculum Overview

What’s in our text and what’s on FSA Multiplication & related division concepts Fractions – Equivalent Describe & analyze 2D shapes (angles, symmetry) Algebra (tables and graphs) Data Analysis (construct & read tables, graphs, pictographs) Numbers and Operations

◦ Represent, compute, estimate and solve problems through hundred thousands

Geometry & Measurement (perimeter)TIME: to nearest minute, quarter hour, elapse time, Shapes: area and volume.

• All of these are written as word problems and require a high level of thought to compute.

◦Our Math textbooks work to help students learn to THINK and truly understand math concepts, not just memorize abstract steps – so be ready!

Sample FSA math questions Tom planted 5 rows of flowers with 7 flowers

in each row. Write a multiplication equation that shows the number of flowers in Tom’s rectangular-shaped garden.

Tom told Mary he planted 4 x 5 flowers. How might Mary describe the arrangement of flowers in Tom’s rectangular-shaped garden?

Curriculum Overview

Language Arts◦Building writing conventions skills◦Understanding of grammar and parts of speech

◦Development of paragraph writing to essay writing

◦Develop research and note taking skills

Curriculum Overview Science

Practice of Science The Role of Theories, Laws, Hypotheses, and Models Properties of Matter Changes in Matter Forms of Energy Energy Transfer and Transformations Organization and Development of Living

Organisms Diversity and Evolution of Living Organisms Interdependence Florida Ecosystem with a Focus on Native Plants

and Animals

Curriculum Overview Social Studies

◦ Developing Map Skills◦ Studying the exploration of the Americas◦ Freedom Week◦ Economics: What does is take to produce goods and

services?◦ Learn why government is important in our society◦ Explore the basic principles that are important to the

American people◦ Learn about the contributions of famous Americans (i.e.

George Washington)◦ A brief overview of the Holocaust

Practice makes perfect Teachers give practice tests to their students.

Knowing the format and seeing the types of questions that will be asked can help build your child’s confidence.

Practice how to bubble in answers and how to limit stray marks.

Practice test taking strategies

FSA: Reading You can help your child get ready every

time you read together and independent reading for AR test.

Informational◦ Magazine articles◦ How-to Articles◦ Advertisements◦ Biographies

LiteraryShort StoriesPoemsFables/FolktalesNarratives

Importance of Reading Reading and comprehension are the

learning foundations for all academic learning.

Students need strong reading skills in order to learn in all other subjects.

By the end of 3rd grade, students are expected to be able to read independently.

Seventy-five (75%) of students who cannot read by age 9, will struggle with reading throughout adulthood.

How can parents help Parents only want what is best for their children,

and most are willing to do whatever it takes to help their child be successful in school.

Helping a child to become an independent reader is one of the greatest gifts a parent can give.

Read aloud, listen, and ask questions daily. Sleepy children have a tough time

succeeding academically. It is particularly important for your child to get a good night’s sleep the night before a big test. For most elementary school children, 10 hours of sleep every night is best.

Please Remember

Check Agendas Daily Check Homework folder or binder for homework and important notes

Look for newsletters Any changes in dismissal transportation must be noted in agenda or hand written note.

20 words 2 dictation sentences that will be graded on

spelling, writing the complete sentence, capitalization and punctuation use.

Spelling Test

Attendance Snacks Homework Daily Routine Website log-ins Teacher Website Page

Generic Topics

More information online www.fldoe.org (State of FL Department of

Education) www.lake.k12.fl.us (Lake County Website)