Language Arts
We do not use a seprate textbook for language arts. Grammar skills are correlated with each story in the MacMillan Florida Treasures reading textbook.
Writing
Learning the writing process will be the main focus of Language Arts this year. Your child will write friendly letters and poems as well as narrative and expository papers. We will do a lot of writing in class to develop these skills.
Each student will keep their writing assignments in a binder at school, so you may not see many writing assignments come home. You are welcome to come look at your child's writing folder at any time.
Students are expected to be able to write an essay, either a narrative story or expository (informational), of at least 5 paragraphs using appropriate grammar, punctuation, and spelling. Third grade students participate in the county-wide writing test in February. For this writing assessment, students will have 40 minutes to write an essay to a written prompt. My goal is to have every student score at least a 3 on the district Writing Scale.
I am using an organizing method called "Four Square Writing" that is very simple and easy to understand.
Grammar
Grammar skills are taught as part of the writing process. Grammar skills are also integrated into each Reading unit.
There will be one grammar skill presented each week. That skill will be tested on Friday.
Grades
Language Arts grades will be taken from worksheet assignments, board work, unit tests, and writing assignments.
