Welcome to Mrs. Castillo's

Third Grade! 

Classroom News :

 Religion - we will be learning about the Catholic religion from the text Blest Are We.  The focus of 3rd grade is the church and 3rd grade prayers.  The required prayers for 3rd grade are: the Jesus Prayer, Gloria, The Apostles' Creed and the Memorare.

  Writing -we will be learning the writing process as well as the six traits of writing.  The students will keep a weekly journal in their desks.  We will write poetry, short stories, excellent paragraphs, and much more. Our text is Voyages and we use it extensively throughout the year.

 Reading- we will read daily in small and large groups.  Our text is Storytown and it was new last year.  Reading groups will learn specific skills to improve reading speed and comprehension.

 Math- we will be using the Houghton Mifflin text in math groups.  Students will memorize their multiplication tables in fun ways. Math groups are designed to help the student learn in a group at their level. We consider testing, learning styles, and ITBS scores when creating groups.

 Science- our focus this year is measurement, weather,water, and life cycles. We use Foss science kits with hands on experiments.  The scientific method is introduced in third grade.  We hope to follow the Iditirod dogsled race in March to learn about climate as well as connect with our North America focus in social studies.

 Social studies- we will be using a brand new text by Macmillan/McGraw Hill called Communities.  The 3rd graders will be focusing on North America with a focus that  includes Canada and Mexico.

There are many excellent web links listed below.  I will add to the list as the year progresses.

 

 

Educational Links 

Math:

multiplication.com

aplusmath.com

eduplace.com

Seatlle Public Library:                                                                           

spl.org

Science:

sandiegozoo.org

pacificsciencecenter.org                                              

Mt.St.Helen's Volcano Camera                                                

fs.fed.us/gpnf/volcanocams/msh/views/jav

Woodland Park Zoo:

zoo.org                                                                                                                      

Social Studies:

Wing Luke Museum:

wingluke.org

Language Arts:

wordcentral.com

therasaurus.reference.com

Webster's dictionary:

m-w.com/word/index.xml                                                                                                    

Frequently Asked Questions

Q:  What does my child do about homework when they are gone from school for illness or other reasons?

A:  Students should check in with me before class starts and I will instruct them on what they missed when they were gone.  Homework should be completed as soon as possible.

Q:  Can my child wear a coat in class?

A:  No, only uniform sweatshirts or sweaters are allowed in class.  Please follow the uniform guidelines carefully.

Q: What is the best way to reach you?

A:  The quickest way to reach me is by email, lcastillo@stjohnsea.org or a note.

Q: When does hot lunch begin?

A: The first Monday of the school year.

Q: Can my child bring toys or extra things not on the supply list?

A: No, toys are not allowed and extra items will be returned to your home.