Transcript The_Transition_from_2nd_to_3rd_Grade_parent_info_night[1]

The Transition
from 2nd to 3rd
Grade
March 8, 2012
Comparison of 2nd and 3rd
grade
2nd grade




Builds on knowledge
learned in K-1
Strengthening of skills
to build a solid
background of all
content areas
Lots of support from
teachers during
independent work time
1, 2, and 3 grading
scale
3rd grade




Takes what students
learned in K-2 and
adds a higher level of
skill to concepts taught
Lots of new material is
covered, not much
review of previous
grades
Independence during
work time is stressed,
but teachers offer
support when needed
Letter grading scale
What’s different in literacy?






In K-2 students are learning to read. In 3-5
they are reading to learn.
Identify and know meaning of most common
prefixes and suffixes
Find meaning of words and phrases from text
(context clues)
Use root words to find meanings of words
Describe characters in a story and how their
actions contribute to events sequence
Distinguish own point of view from that of
narrator or character
 Write
opinion pieces on topics or texts
supporting a point of view with reasons
 Write informative texts to examine a topic
and convey ideas
 Include in writing: introduction
development and support of ideas, linking
words, conclusion
 Conduct research projects
 Focus more on comprehension than
fluency
What’s different in math?
Number Sense
2nd grade
3rd Grade
Know and understand the place values
of hundreds, tens, and ones
Read and write numbers to 1,000
Compare and Order numbers using <, >,
=
Know that 100 is a bundle of 10-tens
Count within 1,000 by 5s, 10s, and 100s
Rounding numbers to nearest 10 or 100
Fractions
2nd grade
3rd grade
Partition circles and rectangles into 2, 3, or 4
equal parts. Then describe using 2 halves, 3
thirds, or 4 fourths.
Represent fractions and understand
that a fraction is 1 part of a whole
Compare 2 fractions with the same
numerator or same denominator by
reasoning about their size. (<,>,=)
-Understand two fractions as
equivalent if they are the same size or
same point on a number line
-Recognize and generate simple
equivalent fractions and explain why
they are equivalent
Understand fractions on a number line
Express whole numbers as fractions
Addition & Subtraction
2nd grade
3rd grade
Add and subtraction within 100.
Fluently add and subtract within
1000
Use strategies to add and subtract
based on place value and
properties
Complete 1 and 2 step word problems
using addition and subtraction strategies.
Fluently add and subtraction within 20
using mental strategies.
Know all sums of all 1 digit numbers from
memory.
Add up to 4 2-digit numbers
Mentally add 10 and 100 to any number
between 100-900
Explain why addition and subtraction work
Understand the relationship
between addition/subtraction
Measurement
2nd grade
3rd grade
Measure length of objects using rulers, yardsticks,
Measure lengths using rulers marked with
meter sticks, measuring tape
halves and fourths of an inch.
Measure length of objects twice using 2 different
units.
Estimate lengths in inches, feet, centimeters,
meters
Tell how much longer 1 object is from another.
Use addition and subtraction within 100 to solve words
problems imvolving lengths given in same unit.
Represent whole numbers as lengths on a number line.
Tell time at the 5-minute intervals using AM and
PM
-Tell time at the 5-minute intervals.
-Solve word problems involving adding and
subtracting of time intervals in minutes
Measure and estimate liquid volumes and
masses of objects using standard units of
grams, kilograms, and liters.
Add, subtract, multiply, or divide to solve 1step word problems involving masses or
volumes that are given in the same unit.
Geometry
2nd grade
3rd grade
Recognize and draw shapes having specified
attributes.
Identify triangles, quadrilaterals,
pentagons, hexagons, cubes.
Partition a rectangle into rows and columns
to find the total number.
Solve problems involving perimeters
and area.
Understand that shapes in different
categories may share attributes.
Measure areas by counting unit
squares
Relate area to the operations of
addition and multiplication
Data Collection
2nd grade
3rd grade
Take general measurements of lengths to
whole unit and show measurement by
making line plot.
Create pictographs and bar graphs to
represent data set in up to 4 categories.
Use put together, take apart, and
comparing strategies to solve
problems on a bar graph.
-Draw a scaled picture graph and a
scaled bar graph to represent a data
set with several categories.
-Solve 1 and 2 step problems using
information in graphs.
Patterns
2nd grade
3rd grade
Identify arithmetic patterns and
explain them using the operations
Solve 2 step word problems using the
4 operations. Represent these
problems using equations where a
letter stands for the unknown value.
Multiplication & Division
2nd grade
3rd grade
Determine if groups of objects are
odd or even by counting by 2s.
Use addition to find total number of
objects in arrays up to 5 by 5.
Use multiplication and division to
solve word problems within 100
Determine unknowns in multiplication
and/or division number sentences
Apply properties of operations as
strategies to multiply and divide
Fluently multiply and divide within 100
Interpret products of whole numbers
Interpret whole number quotients
What’s different in science
and social studies?



Science:
2nd grade topics of
study: animal life cycle,
weather, sound,
changes in properties.
3rd grade topics of study:
motion and factors that
effect motion, properties
of matter, how energy
can be transferred,
earth, moon, and sun,
skeletal, muscular, and
skin systems, how plants
survive in their
environments.



Social Studies:
2nd grade topics: citizenship,
how people relate to
government, how people are
alike and different, changes
in community over time,
geography, economics,
technology, physical
environment.
3rd grade topics: how history
of local and regional
communities are influenced,
earth’s patterns, regions
affect activity in economy,
entrepreneurship, local
government, citizens in their
community, diverse cultures
in communities.
Typical Day








2 ½ hours of literacy (this includes writing,
workshop, novel studies, Imagine It)
1 ½ hours of math
45 minutes of science or social studies
25 minute lunch
25 minute recess
45 minute specials
15 minute announcements
15 minute organizational period (packing up)
Grading Scale









We use the CMS grading scale in 3rd grade
A – 93-100
B – 85-92
C – 77-84
D – 70-76
F – anything 69 and below
**Please note:
In 2nd grade a 3 is equivalent to an 80-100. In 3rd grade
that is anywhere from a C to an A.
In 2nd grade a 2 is equivalent to a 60-80. In 3rd grade
that is anywhere from an F to a C.
Questions parents had…






Q: How many students can we expect in a 3rd grade class?
A: 3rd grade classrooms, like K-2, are capped at 24 students. This year
the average class size is 22 students.
Q: How frequently do the students change class and/or teacher?
A: This school year the third grade team did not switch classes. This
meant that all students stayed in their homeroom class all day and the
teacher differentiated the material within their own classroom. This may
change next year once we get to know our students and their needs.
Q: What are the expectations of a 3rd grade student?
A: Students are expected to come to school everyday ready to learn.
They are responsible for getting their homework copied into their
agenda each day, getting their parents to view their agendas each
night, and getting their homework to school everyday and on time. In
class students are expected to follow the school and class rules.
Students will be required to work collaboratively with classmates to
complete assignments including some in-class projects. Students are
asked to be more independent in 3rd grade by getting their assignments
done when asked, being responsible to ask questions when needed,
taking home information to their parents weekly, and for taking initiative
in their own learning.




Q: What can we expect as far as homework?
A: Each night you can expect to see homework for your child.
While each teacher may assign different specific assignments, all
students will on average 1 hour of homework each night. Every
student is asked to read 30 minutes each night. All students will also
have a math and a spelling/word assignment. Some teachers send
home Time for Kids comprehension assignments and also writing
assignments. Beginning after the winter break you can expect
extra math and reading assignments (due weekly) that will begin to
review and prepare your child for the End-of-Grade tests. All
teachers explain in great detail to the students what is expected to
be turned in and when.
Q: What kind of testing is done throughout the year?
A: There are several tests that students will take throughout 3rd
grade. During the current school year, students took 3 reading and
math formatives, and 2 science and social studies formatives.
These tests are given by CMS and are used to help teachers plan
and direct instruction. These scores do not count for a grade on
the report card and are not indicators as to how a child will
perform on the End-of-Grade (EOG) tests. Students will also take
the EOGs in May. There are 3 days of testing. 1 day is reading
comprehension and 2 days are math. These tests are given by the
state of North Carolina. They also do not count as a grade,
although they can play a role in placement for the following year.
These tests are given to see what the students have learned during
the year. Students also take common assessments throughout the
year, created by the third grade team, as well as individual teacher
made tests. These assessment will count as a grade toward your
child’s quarterly average.




Q: What are the greatest challenges that parents/students face in 3rd
grade?
A: The biggest challenge for both students and parents is getting use
to the pacing of 3rd grade. There is a lot of material that must be
covered during the year and we can move quickly. Concepts are
taught for a specified amount of time (according to CMS pacing
guides) and then only reviewed as the year goes on. Another big
challenge for parents and students is the grading system. If a child has
made all 3s in 2nd grade it is hard to see Bs or Cs on the report card.
However, the teachers in 3rd grade input grades into NC Wise know as
Parent Assistant that allows parents and students to check their grades
throughout the year. This helps everyone see what the current grades
are and how and where the student may need to focus their
attention. Another challenge is the independence. Students in 3rd
grade are asked to complete a lot of items independently. The
teachers are there supporting the students but also rely on the students
to ask questions when they don’t understand a concept or problem.
Q: How can I help my child be more independent?
A: At home as your child is completing their homework, allow them to
work for several minutes on their own without any help from you as
parents. Once a certain amount of time has passed, check on the
students and ask if they understand what they are doing. Always go
back and check their work to make sure it has been done correctly.
Another way to help is to assist your child in their organizational skills.
The easier it is for your child to find their homework, books, pencils, etc,
the easier it is for them to succeed in class. In our classrooms we stress
the importance of organization and try to work with the students on
staying organized but having it reinforced at home is very important.






Q: How are students placed in classes?
A: At the end of the year 2nd grade teachers make tentative classes for 3rd
grade. Teachers use knowledge of the students in order to guide them
through this process. The classes are made only toward the number of
teachers that will be in the next grade level and not toward a specific
teacher.
Q: What kind of projects do 3rd graders do?
A: This year the students have been involved in several projects. We begin
the year with tradition quilts and “getting to know you” types of projects. In
second quarter each classroom is assigned a habitat and the students are
required to research an animal or plant from that habitat and create a
question/answer booklet. Currently students are working on the biggest
project of the year, the Living Museum. For this students are asked to
research a person, create a report, a 10 fact speech, dress like the person,
and perform in a museum like setting. Throughout the year there are several
other small projects that the students will receive. Most projects have a turn
around time of at least 1 full week (including a weekend).
Q: What field trips do 3rd graders go on?
A: This year the 3rd graders have gone to see a play at Children’s Theater,
visited Discovery Place for a bone and muscle presentation, went to the
James K. Polk House, and will receive a visit from StarLab, a traveling
planetarium. The big field trip for 3rd grade, however, is Old Salem. This is a
full day trip that lasts from 7:30-5. The students travel to Winston-Salem, NC to
visit Old Salem where they get to experience a town from the past. This trip
matches our social studies and literacy units and objectives.






Q: Will the EOGs align with the new Common Core Standards?
A: Not next year. The state is looking into changing the test but it will not
occur for a few years. However, we are well aware of what is tested on
the EOG and will make sure to cover any content that may not be
covered by the Common Core Standards to ensure that your child is ready
for the test.
Q: Will tutoring be offered for the EOGs?
A: Each year we are allotted a small number of tutoring spots for students.
The teacher uses classroom data in order to fill these spots. Several
teachers offer tutoring, for a fee, during the summer and school year if you
are interested.
Q: What kind of activities can a third grade child join?
A: Third grade is very exciting for students because they have the
opportunity to join several different activities. In school students can run for
class representative to serve on student council, they can run for secretary
of student council, and they can be a mail carrier at school. This year after
school activities were limited, as of right now it looks to be the same for
next year. However, Girls on the Run is open to 3rd-5th grade girls and the
new Xcel to Fitness is open to 3rd-5th grade boys. Both these activities take
place after school 2 days a week. The last activity, open to boys and girls
in 3rd-5th grade, is Science Olympiad. This is a spring activity that meets 1
day per week, but requires commitment to competing in the culminating
activity at the end of the session.
What can we do over the
summer to prepare?








Study up on addition and subtraction facts.
Students should know these facts fluently.
Work on subtraction across zeroes (400-123= ).
Work on combinations to 10 and 100.
Work on 10 more and 10 less and 1 more and 1 less
of numbers. (visualize a 100s board and how 19 is
10 less than 29 and falls 1 block above the 19)
Do summer reading programs at the library and/or
bookstore.
Encourage your child to read chapter books.
Talk to your child about what they are reading.
Introduce nonfiction books into your child’s
reading selections.
Websites with extra help

On my website, you will find a page that
offers materials for rising third grade students.
Please visit this location for a copy of tonight’s
presentation along with websites that will help
prepare your child for 3rd grade.

http://lauramisiunas.cmswiki.wikispaces.net/

Questions?
Thank you for coming!
 Please
fill out an evaluation form before
you leave or send it in with your child
tomorrow.
 If you have any additional questions that
you’d like answered please email me at
[email protected]