Hello
3-Ba Math families!
Welcome to a great new year of
mathematics. Math seems to be one of
those subjects that is embraced with enthusiasm or avoided at all costs, and there seems to be no in-between! However, as I tell the students, whether or
not you like math, math is necessary!
Math is all around us and we use math everyday. My goal this year as your student’s math
teacher is to give your students the tools needed to think and problem solve
using the 8
mathematical practices. The
practices are…
1. Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them.
2. Reason abstractly and quantitatively.
3. Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of
others.
4. Model with mathematics.
5. Use appropriate tools strategically.
6. Attend to precision.
7. Look for and make use of structure.
8. Look for and express regularity in repeated reasoning.
In
third grade math, the Common Core Standards focus on four critical areas
1. Developing understanding of multiplication and division and
strategies for multiplication and division within 100
2. Developing understanding
of fractions, especially unit fractions (fractions with numerator 1)
3. Developing understanding of the structure of rectangular arrays
and area
4. Describing and analyzing two-dimensional shapes.
I work very hard to create a learning
environment that is safe for all learners to take risks in his/her
learning. It’s O.K. to make mistakes
because that is how we learn. I
encourage students to feel comfortable saying “I don’t get it” or “this is hard
for me” How else can I help them?
Instruction -Math class will be a
combination of whole group lessons, small group instruction, math centers, and
exploration through math games and problem solving. Assessments will be given
throughout each unit in the form of worksheets, quizzes, performance tasks and
unit tests.
Homework – Students are
expected to practice math facts daily. There will be additional homework given 2 – 3
times week. The homework will either be
in the form of a worksheet or practice websites. I have learned that students happily spend
time on the computer, doing many math problems, but complain whenever a short worksheet
comes their way! Homework is designed to
enrich the lessons already taught in class, not teach new concepts. The homework itself is not graded, however, completion
is expected and part of his/her participation grade. If a student repeatedly
forgets his/her homework it sends the message that homework is not important
and he/she is not responsible for his/her learning.
Standards- The students are
taught the skills outlined in the Common Core State Math Standards for 3rd
Grade. All the standards are to be
mastered by the end of 3rd Grade. A student will be considered
secure, developing or beginning in a particular standard. These ratings mean…
Secure (+) A student is considered secure in a
standard when he/she can accurately solve problems representative of a
particular standard independently.
Developing (✓) A student is considered developing when he/she knows what the
underlying concept is and can produce a correct answer with adult prompting and
guidance.
Beginning (--) A
student is considered beginning when he/she is just
learning a concept and does not yet have enough background knowledge to
understand how to solve a particular problem.
Grades – graded tests and assignments will have a plus,
check or minus representative of secure, developing or beginning. Students will
still receive a letter grade on their report cards. Grades are determined on
growth and percentage of plus, checks, and minuses. The third grade team uses
the grading scale below.
100-91= A (+)
90-70 = B/C or developing (✓)
69 or below = D/F beginning (--)
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