Mr. B Fourchalk
Grade 3 Division 11
Dear Parent(s) of Division11,
Welcome to a new school year! The purpose of this outline is to provide a brief overview of the IBO-PYP Program, and the prescribed learning outcomes of the BC Provincial Curriculum for Grade 3.
Students in the Primary grades (K-3) reach levels of physical, intellectual, emotional, and social development at different times. Therefore, the curriculum for these years is designed to:
* support the development of children aesthetically, socially, emotionally,
intellectually, and physically
* foster the development of imagination
* develop traits and attitudes that contribute to career awareness and development,
such as taking pride in one’s work, working effectively with others, and understanding
the relationship of work to everyday life
* encourage children to share, co-operate, develop friendships, and appreciate their
own and others’ abilities and cultural identity and heritage
Students in the IB PYP program specifically learn through a variety of teaching strategies, with guided inquiry being the most prevalent. This pedagogical approach engages students actively in their own learning, stimulates their natural curiosity and essentially promotes the enjoyment of life-long learning. This program is a concept-based rather than a content-based curriculum model. Furthermore, it provides an educational framework which complements and supports our provincial standards and prescribed learning outcomes. The learning outcomes for the following subject areas may be addressed through the Units of Inquiry that will be taught this year.
Here is a general overview of the curriculum specified for Grade 3:
MATHEMATICS
In grade 3, students will continue to build upon skills acquired in previous grades. The program encompasses the following:
Number concepts for whole numbers 0 to 10,000 (reading and writing numbers in a variety of ways)
· estimation
· skip counting by 2, 5, 10, 25, 100 and 1000
· recognizing even and odd numbers
· rounding numbers to the nearest 10 or 100
· demonstrate place value for numbers 0 to 1000
· understanding common fractions to tenths
Number operations (understanding and developing proficiency with calculations)
· demonstrating and describing the processes of addition and subtraction of whole numbers to 1000 with or without regrouping
· exploring and demonstrating the processes of multiplication and division up to 50
· recalling addition and subtraction facts to 18 and multiplication facts to 25
Patterns and Relations (developing a sense of relationships and patterns)
· investigating, establishing, and communicating rules for numerical and non-numerical patterns, and using these rules to
make predictions
Shape, Space and Measurement (using numbers to describe quantities)
· reading and writing the date (days, months, year) including abbreviations
· reading and writing the time to the nearest minute
· temperature
· estimating, counting, and using coins and bills to $100 and reading and writing both forms of money notation
· measuring, estimating and comparing, using standard and non-standard units of measure (mass, volume, length, time)
· describing, classifying, constructing and relating three-dimensional objects and two-dimensional shapes
Statistics and Probability (developing a statistical sense)
· using simple experiments to explain probability
· collecting data and displaying results in more than one way
ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS
Reading, writing, listening, and speaking are central to English Arts. Activities that will encourage the development of these skills include: novel study, journal, letter writing, co-operative critical thinking, spelling grammar, guided reading, silent reading, buddy reading, shared reading, reading strategies, creative writing, writers’ workshop, and presenting. These and other activities will allow students to develop an awareness of the nature and purposes of language and literacy.
Reading
In Grade Three, students apply their reading skills to interpret and respond to an increasing variety of children’s literature including: fairy and folk tales, non-fiction, fiction, simple novels picture books with a high proportion of text, plays, and poems. Children are exposed to various texts and books based on the balanced literacy approach to reading. They will be given opportunities to read independently, with a partner, in groups, with the teacher and at home. It is anticipated that students will use various strategies and approaches to reading, read with comprehension and accuracy and exhibit interest and enjoyment in reading.
Speaking
Grade Three students continue to develop a good command of the English language and are
expected to express themselves and present their learning orally in different ways.
Writing
Students will be given many opportunities to enhance their written communication skills through a variety of activities. They will use the five stages of the writing process (from pre-writing to publication) throughout the year. They will develop a writing portfolio, which will assist in monitoring their progress. Students will also be taught cursive writing.
Listening
Students will be expected to listen carefully to directions, follow rules and routines, and remain on task while participating in activities. They will be encouraged to demonstrate active listening skills, and to pose clarifying questions to facilitate understanding. Furthermore, students will always be encouraged to express personal opinions and points of view regarding any topics of discussion.
SCIENCE
Topics will include the following:
Life Science
· Plants in the environment
Earth and Space Science
· Stars and Planets
Physical Science
· Materials and structures
SOCIAL STUDIES
The Social Studies curriculum represents a broad spectrum of subject matter encompassing
several topic areas: Society and Culture, Politics and Law, Economy, Technology, and the
Environment. This year our primary focus will be on BC communities and heritage. Students
will also investigate their roles, rights and responsibilities within the community. In addition,
students will learn about the role and function of local governments.
HEALTH & CAREER
Throughout the primary years, emphasis in this area of the curriculum is placed upon safety and health skills, goal setting, decision-making, communication, and developing an understanding of one’s own strengths and interests.
Agendas are a key part of this curricular area in that they facilitate the development of
organizational skills and personal responsibility. The agenda also serves as a continuous means of communication between home and school. Therefore, it is very important that agendas are taken home on a daily basis, and returned the following day.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Division 11 will have two 35-minute sessions in the gym per week. One will be Tuesday morning from 9:25 to 10:00 . The other will be on Thursday morning from 9:25 to 10:00 . Activities will include team games, co-operative games, movement education, gymnastics, and some activities linked to our Units of Inquiry. Additional physical activities will be added (outside on the playground) weather permitting. Gym strip is not required in grade 3, but it is recommended for personal comfort. However, shoes that are suitable for running are required for P.E. (for safety reasons).
FRENCH
Students will receive direct instruction in French one session per week. Ms. Karen Todd will teach our class every Friday morning (9:25 to 10:00) for 35 minutes.
MUSIC
Ms. Elizabeth Macfarlane will teach Music on Wednesday mornings (8:50-9:35). A portion of this time will include some dance and drama.
ART
Various visual art activities including drawing, painting, collage, clay work, etc. will be explored this year.
LIBRARY
Division 11 will visit the Library from 2:00-2:30 on Tuesday afternoons. The librarian Mrs. Tyla Doyle will assist them for the purposes of book selection, sign-out, and the sharing of books. It is requested that students return their books to the library in a timely manner.
SPELLING
Classroom Spelling activities are an extension of Language Arts. The content will include vocabulary taken directly from all curriculum areas, as well as promoting the language of the IBO-PYP Program. A pre-test will occur on Mondays, activities based on those list words will continue throughout the week, and a post-test will be given on Fridays. The number of words that appear on each weekly list will begin at twenty, and increase over time to a maximum of approximately 30.
ADDITIONAL ITEMS OF INTEREST
In Grade Three there will not be a concrete homework policy. However, it should be anticipated that some work will be sent home for the purposes of study and/or completion. Furthermore, a reasonable amount of time spent on homework SHOULD NOT EXCEED a maximum of 30 minutes per night. If books and/or materials are taken home, please ensure they are returned for use the next school day.
EXPECTATIONS FOR BEHAVIOR
In any grade at Capilano School, students are required to behave in accordance with the Capilano “ROCKS” Code of Conduct. “ROCKS” is simply an acronym for the words Respect, Open-Minded, Cooperative, Kind, and Safe. Student behavior should always be guided by these simple words.
COMMUNICATION
It is imperative to me as a teacher to have well-established lines of communication between school and home. I would like all parents to understand that if issues occur, they can be expedited quickly and efficiently, through open lines of communication. I also believe that students should view contact between home and school as a positive thing, as this fosters the notion that parents and teachers are working together toward a common goal. That goal is a rewarding Grade 3 experience. Please feel free to contact me any time via Email ([email protected]), Telephone (604) 903-3370, in Person, or using the student agenda. I respectfully request that parents do not drop in or require meetings before school, or before 3:15 pm. It is difficult to speak privately in the classroom while students are in the building.
Thank you for taking the time to peruse this material. I look forward to a very successful school year!
Mr. Brian Fourchalk
Grade 3 Teacher
Capilano Elementary School
Grade 3 Division 11
Dear Parent(s) of Division11,
Welcome to a new school year! The purpose of this outline is to provide a brief overview of the IBO-PYP Program, and the prescribed learning outcomes of the BC Provincial Curriculum for Grade 3.
Students in the Primary grades (K-3) reach levels of physical, intellectual, emotional, and social development at different times. Therefore, the curriculum for these years is designed to:
* support the development of children aesthetically, socially, emotionally,
intellectually, and physically
* foster the development of imagination
* develop traits and attitudes that contribute to career awareness and development,
such as taking pride in one’s work, working effectively with others, and understanding
the relationship of work to everyday life
* encourage children to share, co-operate, develop friendships, and appreciate their
own and others’ abilities and cultural identity and heritage
Students in the IB PYP program specifically learn through a variety of teaching strategies, with guided inquiry being the most prevalent. This pedagogical approach engages students actively in their own learning, stimulates their natural curiosity and essentially promotes the enjoyment of life-long learning. This program is a concept-based rather than a content-based curriculum model. Furthermore, it provides an educational framework which complements and supports our provincial standards and prescribed learning outcomes. The learning outcomes for the following subject areas may be addressed through the Units of Inquiry that will be taught this year.
Here is a general overview of the curriculum specified for Grade 3:
MATHEMATICS
In grade 3, students will continue to build upon skills acquired in previous grades. The program encompasses the following:
Number concepts for whole numbers 0 to 10,000 (reading and writing numbers in a variety of ways)
· estimation
· skip counting by 2, 5, 10, 25, 100 and 1000
· recognizing even and odd numbers
· rounding numbers to the nearest 10 or 100
· demonstrate place value for numbers 0 to 1000
· understanding common fractions to tenths
Number operations (understanding and developing proficiency with calculations)
· demonstrating and describing the processes of addition and subtraction of whole numbers to 1000 with or without regrouping
· exploring and demonstrating the processes of multiplication and division up to 50
· recalling addition and subtraction facts to 18 and multiplication facts to 25
Patterns and Relations (developing a sense of relationships and patterns)
· investigating, establishing, and communicating rules for numerical and non-numerical patterns, and using these rules to
make predictions
Shape, Space and Measurement (using numbers to describe quantities)
· reading and writing the date (days, months, year) including abbreviations
· reading and writing the time to the nearest minute
· temperature
· estimating, counting, and using coins and bills to $100 and reading and writing both forms of money notation
· measuring, estimating and comparing, using standard and non-standard units of measure (mass, volume, length, time)
· describing, classifying, constructing and relating three-dimensional objects and two-dimensional shapes
Statistics and Probability (developing a statistical sense)
· using simple experiments to explain probability
· collecting data and displaying results in more than one way
ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS
Reading, writing, listening, and speaking are central to English Arts. Activities that will encourage the development of these skills include: novel study, journal, letter writing, co-operative critical thinking, spelling grammar, guided reading, silent reading, buddy reading, shared reading, reading strategies, creative writing, writers’ workshop, and presenting. These and other activities will allow students to develop an awareness of the nature and purposes of language and literacy.
Reading
In Grade Three, students apply their reading skills to interpret and respond to an increasing variety of children’s literature including: fairy and folk tales, non-fiction, fiction, simple novels picture books with a high proportion of text, plays, and poems. Children are exposed to various texts and books based on the balanced literacy approach to reading. They will be given opportunities to read independently, with a partner, in groups, with the teacher and at home. It is anticipated that students will use various strategies and approaches to reading, read with comprehension and accuracy and exhibit interest and enjoyment in reading.
Speaking
Grade Three students continue to develop a good command of the English language and are
expected to express themselves and present their learning orally in different ways.
Writing
Students will be given many opportunities to enhance their written communication skills through a variety of activities. They will use the five stages of the writing process (from pre-writing to publication) throughout the year. They will develop a writing portfolio, which will assist in monitoring their progress. Students will also be taught cursive writing.
Listening
Students will be expected to listen carefully to directions, follow rules and routines, and remain on task while participating in activities. They will be encouraged to demonstrate active listening skills, and to pose clarifying questions to facilitate understanding. Furthermore, students will always be encouraged to express personal opinions and points of view regarding any topics of discussion.
SCIENCE
Topics will include the following:
Life Science
· Plants in the environment
Earth and Space Science
· Stars and Planets
Physical Science
· Materials and structures
SOCIAL STUDIES
The Social Studies curriculum represents a broad spectrum of subject matter encompassing
several topic areas: Society and Culture, Politics and Law, Economy, Technology, and the
Environment. This year our primary focus will be on BC communities and heritage. Students
will also investigate their roles, rights and responsibilities within the community. In addition,
students will learn about the role and function of local governments.
HEALTH & CAREER
Throughout the primary years, emphasis in this area of the curriculum is placed upon safety and health skills, goal setting, decision-making, communication, and developing an understanding of one’s own strengths and interests.
Agendas are a key part of this curricular area in that they facilitate the development of
organizational skills and personal responsibility. The agenda also serves as a continuous means of communication between home and school. Therefore, it is very important that agendas are taken home on a daily basis, and returned the following day.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Division 11 will have two 35-minute sessions in the gym per week. One will be Tuesday morning from 9:25 to 10:00 . The other will be on Thursday morning from 9:25 to 10:00 . Activities will include team games, co-operative games, movement education, gymnastics, and some activities linked to our Units of Inquiry. Additional physical activities will be added (outside on the playground) weather permitting. Gym strip is not required in grade 3, but it is recommended for personal comfort. However, shoes that are suitable for running are required for P.E. (for safety reasons).
FRENCH
Students will receive direct instruction in French one session per week. Ms. Karen Todd will teach our class every Friday morning (9:25 to 10:00) for 35 minutes.
MUSIC
Ms. Elizabeth Macfarlane will teach Music on Wednesday mornings (8:50-9:35). A portion of this time will include some dance and drama.
ART
Various visual art activities including drawing, painting, collage, clay work, etc. will be explored this year.
LIBRARY
Division 11 will visit the Library from 2:00-2:30 on Tuesday afternoons. The librarian Mrs. Tyla Doyle will assist them for the purposes of book selection, sign-out, and the sharing of books. It is requested that students return their books to the library in a timely manner.
SPELLING
Classroom Spelling activities are an extension of Language Arts. The content will include vocabulary taken directly from all curriculum areas, as well as promoting the language of the IBO-PYP Program. A pre-test will occur on Mondays, activities based on those list words will continue throughout the week, and a post-test will be given on Fridays. The number of words that appear on each weekly list will begin at twenty, and increase over time to a maximum of approximately 30.
ADDITIONAL ITEMS OF INTEREST
In Grade Three there will not be a concrete homework policy. However, it should be anticipated that some work will be sent home for the purposes of study and/or completion. Furthermore, a reasonable amount of time spent on homework SHOULD NOT EXCEED a maximum of 30 minutes per night. If books and/or materials are taken home, please ensure they are returned for use the next school day.
EXPECTATIONS FOR BEHAVIOR
In any grade at Capilano School, students are required to behave in accordance with the Capilano “ROCKS” Code of Conduct. “ROCKS” is simply an acronym for the words Respect, Open-Minded, Cooperative, Kind, and Safe. Student behavior should always be guided by these simple words.
COMMUNICATION
It is imperative to me as a teacher to have well-established lines of communication between school and home. I would like all parents to understand that if issues occur, they can be expedited quickly and efficiently, through open lines of communication. I also believe that students should view contact between home and school as a positive thing, as this fosters the notion that parents and teachers are working together toward a common goal. That goal is a rewarding Grade 3 experience. Please feel free to contact me any time via Email ([email protected]), Telephone (604) 903-3370, in Person, or using the student agenda. I respectfully request that parents do not drop in or require meetings before school, or before 3:15 pm. It is difficult to speak privately in the classroom while students are in the building.
Thank you for taking the time to peruse this material. I look forward to a very successful school year!
Mr. Brian Fourchalk
Grade 3 Teacher
Capilano Elementary School