WRITING

The modes of writing we will cover: 1. Opinion

2. Informative
3. Narrative
4. Persuasive
We will use the writing process to cover these four modes of writing. Each nine weeks the students
will focus on a mode of writing. At the end of each nine weeks students will complete a published
piece that will count as a language test grade. We will be using rubrics to assess each piece of writing.
READING
1. The testing program for our current reading series consists of units/themes covering vocabulary,
phonics, comprehension, and study skills. Each unit will take about six weeks to cover.
2. We will spend two weeks focusing on one particular comprehension skill. Students will complete a
quiz every other Friday that covers skills taught throughout the two week period. The quiz will
consist of fresh reads. It will not cover an individual story, but focus more on application of skills
we have worked on throughout the weeks.
3. In addition to covering skills and vocabulary words from a story as a whole group, we will also
break into small book groups during some of our reading time. I feel it is important for students
to read in small groups that more closely match their independent reading levels. They also love
the fact that they are now capable of reading longer chapter books!
4. I will read aloud to the children as much as I possibly can. It is one of my favorite parts of the
day. If you would ever like to come read to the children, please just let me know!
5. Students will also have an independent reading time.
6. A reading log will be sent home daily. This Reading Log is used to reinforce daily reading at home.
The children are expected to read AT LEAST 20 minutes each night.
7. Please remember it is so important for your child to read aloud as much as possible in order to
help their fluency.
8. Students will also continue to be assessed for fluency
progress, as they were in previous grades. Three
formal DIBELS assessments will be administered
during the school year to evaluate fluency. The
end-of-year DIBELS benchmark goal for third
grade is 110 words per minute.
Grading Scale: 50%-class work/quizzes 50%-tests