My role as a classroom teacher is to provide a safe and positive learning environment. Third grade is an exciting year of transition for the learner. It is a time to strengthen basic concepts and take these concepts a step further. By providing a positive learning environment, students can become more confident, both socially and academically, thus enabling them to take academic risks. Classroom discipline is handled in a respectful and positive manner. Positive self-esteem and respect are promoted in the classroom. Cooperation is a yearlong theme in third grade. Students work in cooperative groups throughout the year. Each child is unique, and my goal is to enhance each child’s strengths and improve areas that are weak. I use a variety of teaching strategies to meet the different learning styles of my students.      In third grade the students use a basal reader text and will read various classroom novels. By using novels, I hope to motivate students to have a lifelong love of reading.       Writing is integrated throughout the curriculum. Grammar and spelling concepts are not only addressed in textbooks, but also in the children’s writings. The students will write about experiences that are pertinent to them through daily journal entries.    Math is taught as a hands-on curriculum. Manipulatives are used to reinforce concepts that are taught, such as multiplication and division. The math program shows students how math is relevant to them.    Social Studies units presented in third grade focus on communities and include geography, Native Americans, the early settlers, immigration, and strengths of our country today. Many enrichment activities are provided in the social studies program.      I believe children learn by doing. Science is best understood when students participate in experiments and activities. The textbook supplies the students with background information, and hands-on activities are provided to reinforce concepts that are presented. Students are introduced to life science, earth science, and physical science.    Parental involvement is key to a child’s success in school. Parents are always welcome in the classroom. To ensure that parents know what is happening in the classroom, letters are sent home regularly or events are posted in our newsletter, The Informer. I look forward to an exciting and rewarding year working with both students and parents.     Reading-                  California Treasures, McGraw-Hill              Phonics-                   California Treasures, McGraw-Hill Handwriting-            California Treasures, McGraw-Hill Spelling-                   California Treasures, McGraw-Hill                                   Learning Spelling and Word Skills, Rebecca Sitton Mathematics-           Primary Mathematics, Grade 3                                   Singapore Math, Marshall Cavendish Education. Science-                    California Science, Macmillan/McGraw-Hill. Social Studies-         California Vistas, Macmillan/McGraw-Hill. Classical Music Program-                   Brummitt-Taylor Music Listening Program Physical Education-                Sports, Play and Active Recreation for Kids,                                      Paul Rosengard. Spanish-                    Sing ‘N’ Speak Spanish, Sing ‘N’ Speak Spansh, Inc.. Spiritual Development-           Seasons of the Spirit