<p>Incoming Third Grade Gators,</p><p>The Third Grade Teachers would like to say, “Hello, we are looking forward to having you in our classes next school year!” Plus, we would like to suggest a few activities for the summertime. Third grade math focuses on multiplication and division; however, in order for students to be successful in these two areas, students must have mastery in addition and subtraction facts. To assess those skills, the students will be given a one minute mixed addition and subtraction fact test (on Wednesday, the second day of school). Studying these facts over the summer, as well as learning some multiplication facts, will give you a head start in the academic year to come. </p><p>Mom and Dad – An excellent time for studying these facts is right before bedtime. Research shows that retention of rote skills is best learned right before bed. So, please build in 10 – 15 minutes into your bedtime routine for this activity. </p><p>Another item that would be a great help would be starting your child on their typing skills, a third grade standard. Several free programs are available, for example: http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/typing/ or http://primarygamesarena.com/Dance-Mat-Typing2012 . In addition, we would like to offer the “Reading Rocks!” summer program. This summer spend time reading ten new books and provide some type of proof that you have read these books. Bring you evidence with you August 11th (the first day of school) and receive a special reward from your new third grade teacher. </p><p>Mom & Dad – An easy way to prove that your child has read the books is bookadventure.com. Go to the website and find a book with a computer based quiz. Check out the books from the local library, take the test, print your score, and then turn these in to your third grade teacher on the first day of day. If you do not have access to the internet, just create a reading log with a couple of sentences about each book. Either of these choices, or a combination, will be fine. </p><p>A helpful website to help understand Common Core Standards is learnzillion.com. We have and will continue to fully implementing these standards this year. Additionally, we will be introducing the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)for third grade. </p><p>Thank you for your support and have a great summer! See you in August at the Gator Round-up!</p><p>Your Third Grade Team Over 3rd Grade Suggested Materials List </p><p>Below is a list of supplies for 3rd grade regardless of who your child’s teacher will be. Please refrain from taking liberties with supplies and numbers of them due to limited desk space. (No pencil boxes, please.) If your child’s teacher wants anything specific, they will let you know when school starts.</p><p>☺ 0.7 lead mechanical pencils w/lead or 4 sharpened pencils ☺ Erasers (1 pink pearl) ☺ Permanent glue sticks – not purple or blue (2) ☺ Color pencils – 12 count twistable, please. (Our sharpeners get jammed from colored pencils.) ☺ Fine-tip whiteboard marker (3 black) ☺ A pair of child size scissors ☺ Two laminated or vinyl folders with pockets – please write student’s name on front ☺ A two-subject spiral notebook with at least 100 pages ☺ Crayons – 24 count</p><p>Label all supplies with your child’s complete name.</p><p>While at any supply store, please sign up for their donation program. The proceeds will go to Gallardo at the end of the year. </p><p>Be sure to write your Thank you for your support name on your coats, - Your Third Grade Team back pack, water bottle, and lunch box!</p><p>Over</p>