THIRD GRADE

Welcome to third grade. I hope you are ready to begin the wonderful, final year of primary grades.  My name is Diane Shugrue.  This is my 14th year of teaching.  I am looking forward to working with you and your family, so that we all have a terrific year.  We are in for an exciting learning adventure. There are so many things to explore this year. Third grade is a year of transition from the development of skills to the development of independence.  It is a time for students to begin to assume responsibility for their education and become life-long learners.

I hope you are looking forward to each and every day, working and learning hard in every way! It will be so much fun, too! You will need to pay attention, think about your learning, and most importantly...ask lots of questions! That's how to do your best!

Wonderful Writing!

Writing is a powerful and exciting way to express thoughts and feelings. This year we will be developing our writing skills using 6 Traits Writing Program. Students gain an enthusiasm for writing because of a feeling of success. Third graders are frequently amazed at their finished products when they learn to apply the writing "tricks and secrets" being taught everyday.

Along with narrative and expository writing, we will dabble with poetry. This is usually a low risk writing experience that allows reluctant writers to have a rewarding encounter with paper and pencil. Many of our writings will be accompanied by fun and exciting art projects used as illustrations.

Nightly Reading is Critical for Academic Success

How does one become a better student? It's easy! Nightly reading is a wonderful lifelong habit and has been shown by many different educational studies to be a major factor in a student's academic success. Reading provides opportunities for vocabulary growth and continued learning. Ideally, reading should be enjoyable and hassle free but even if your child is not a willing participant it is important to set aside at least 15-20 minutes a night for reading time.

Additionally, I encourage parents to read aloud to their children. This is a wonderful chance to spend some quality time together and it also provides a positive reading role model. The time you invest now will pay off ten fold in your child's future.

Well, I can’t wait to get started!

                                                                       Mrs. Shugrue