Hello all. I'm moving from 6th grade math to 3rd grade self-contained and although I'm really excited about the change I'm starting to get a little anxious. What are some things I must have? And do? Thanks!
I am wondering the same thing. I'm moving from 6th grade Language Arts to 3rd grade self-contained. Any information would be very helpful!!
I will be starting my second year in third grade. I moved from first to third so it was a big shock to see how independent and capable they were. I've worked in sixth (para/interpreter) and although it's been years I think that third grades are like sixth graders in their independence and pretty much their maturity ( lol) but the biggest difference is that third graders love you! They are still sweet and innocent and for the most part really love school. They have the reading and math thing under control or so they think, now they get to expand and improve! They love feeling like big kids..learning cursive, using notebooks and binders, learning more science content. Next year for sure I'm going to focus on organization- putting papers inside of folders and not just shoved in the desk!
I agree. It is my second.year in third grade and last year organization was a big thing.I am hoping this year runs more smoothly though. I had a middle of the year maternity leave.
my 6th graders definitely were not sweet and innocent LOL! This is what I know for sure I need...daily 5 stuff, word wall, class library. On the organization...this is not my strong point, so any suggestions on this too would be appreciated
This might sound stupid but I'm new to it too! What words do you put on your Word Wall? Our 1st and 2nd grade class uses one with the basic words. What do you put on yours? Spelling words? Vocab words?
I felt the same way and asked around, just as another posted said you can use a variety math vocab., spelling etc. I'm thinking of using a different background color for the different subjects. Not sure yet...I always start off with good intentions but some how run out of time.
I like the different color idea! I just hope I make enough "color" paper to place on the wall for each vocab area. Hmmm, something to think about!
I like to have content area word charts as opposed to one big wall. I find the kids tend to use them more frequently. You'll love 3rd.
Welcome to the best grade level!!! You are going to LOVE third grade! I don't know if there is anything specific you will need but here are some ideas... make sure you have a very balanced classroom library with a wide range of reading levels (I know every grade level has this but be prepared to have extremely low and extremely high), a cursive chart (if your district teaches cursive in 3rd grade), look into state testing (many states begin state testing in 3rd grade - you will want to know what they look like, when they will be, how to best prepare your students - in my state 3rd grade is the first time they ever see the state test and so it takes some planning and time to go over what it actually looks like), and I LOVE Time for Kids, I am sure Scholastic News is good too - many of my students don't know how to read nonfiction texts, Time for Kids is a great resource for helping with this! And if you haven't... visit Beth Newingham's third grade website! She is amazing!
