Grade 3 - Mrs. Patricia Paglierani
Third grade is similar to a mountain climbing expedition. The children are dropped off at the base of the mountain by their loving parents or grandparents. Students arrive with new backpacks, rulers, pencils, etc. More importantly, the well prepared hiker is equipped with self-discipline, prior knowledge, maturity, and motivation. Other climbers are not as sure footed and may need to be pushed up the crest by their parents. The individual members of the team are tied to the same rope. If bickering and fighting occur, the class loses precious time and the climb is more difficult if not treacherous. When a group learns to work as a team and support one another, the journey is pleasant and enjoyable. Naturally, individuals have strengths and weaknesses.
As the facilitator on this journey the participants set the pace. Some years the climbers go running ahead eager for the next vista or challenge. Leaders emerge and light up the paths. Other tours plod along with a steady if not labored momentum. Some years the teacher feels she/he is pulling each child along with brute strength and endurance. The climb may be all uphill for some and others may find the trip well within their power. We do stop along the way to appreciate the treasures God has provided. When the team reaches the summit they should be ready for the next mountain and better prepared as students and human beings. They won't remember every rock or narrow pass but hopefully they will acquire the skills to succeed.
Summer Literacy Activities
Summer is a time for many enjoyable activities. Yet learning and reading are yearlong endeavors that lead to academic success in every grade.
In order to prepare students for a productive year in third grade, you and your child will be asked to complete three of the reading activities listed below.
In some cases, your signature is verification that the activity has been completed. Other activities require materials to be collected/created and brought in.
Please view the list carefully as many reading options exist.
Enjoy!
Use your library card to check a book out of your town library. It must be a chapter book. Read this book and create a BOOK BAG. Using a paper lunch bag, fill it with five significant items that are related to the book. Be able to explains the items and how they are connected to the book.
Visit a local newstand or store that sells newspapers. List the names of the newspapers that are sold and the price charged for each. HOw many of those papers have you heard of before? Which are new titles to you.
Read any children's book to a sibling or younger child.
Read any book to a parent, grandparent, or older relative.
See a live play. In the souvenir program, circle the name of your favorite character. List five adjectives to describe this character. Do this right on the program and bring the program in to school in September.
Design a bookmark on your favorite book. Make it colorful and be sure that the name of the book and author are clearly written.
Visit a bookstore. Record the names of five books you would like to buy and their prices. What would the total cost of the books be? Where could you get these books for free?
Host a storytime for two or more younger children. Read them a book, play a related game or activity and serve light refreshments. You may wish to take a picture of you with the children and the book you read.
Read any poem by Shel Silverstein, Bruce Lansky, or Jack Prelutsky. Write down the name of the poem, the book it came from and create an original illustration to go with the poem.
Locate a cookbook or cookbooks. Look through and view at least 25 different recipies. Read the ingredients to be sure there is nothing you are allergic to! Write down the names of three recipies you would like to be served. One should be a breakfast item, the next a lunch item and the third a dinner item. Write the name of the cookbook you took the recipies from.
Homework Is For the Birds
In September when the students arrive to the third grade nest they are like newly hatched birds. They are completely dependent on the teacher and parents for sustenance. Most of these fine-feathered creatures are overwhelmed with their new life. Each bird is given a stock of books, workbooks, etc. on how to fly and survive in the world independently. Bit by bit we feed them directions. We shelter them under our wings from predators such as laziness, lack of confidence, immaturity, etc. They take comfort from other birds in the nest.
Together the parents and teacher try to give them flying lessons. We write assignments on the board, explain in detail what to do, hold them afloat, and encourage. Naturally, each bird is unique. The more daring may strike out on their own early. Some birds come and go, not sure of their abilities and want you to do it for them. Others have to be pushed out of the nest! In the end we hope the birds will soar and be independent thinkers, ready to take on new challenges.
September
Featured Author - Tomie De Paola
Project - Read a book by De Paola and create a diorama depicting favorite part
Featured Artist - Winslow Homer
October
Project - Read a biography or autobiography (may dress up in character to read report)
November
Science Project - Read a book and research an animal, create a poster board to be displayed at the Science Fair
Featured Artist - Mary Cassatt
December
Project - Research and make a family tree
Featured Artist - Norman Rockwell
January
Project - Read a science fiction book and create a diorama illustrating favorite part
Featured Artist - Vincent Van Gogh
February
Black History Month - Read books about contributions of African Americans
Project - Write a friendly letter and Valentine greeting to be mailed
March
Celebrate Dr. Suess' birthday with a guest reader
Project for Science Fair - topic chosen by student
Featured Artist - John Singer Sargent
April
Walking Field Trips - Police Station, Library, Post Office, Fire Station
Read a mystery book and create a coffee can including characters on popsicle sticks
May
Field Trip to Little Red School House in Holbrook, sponsored by the Holbrook Historical Society
Field Trip to Holbrook Cooperative Bank
Grandparents Day
Featured Artist: Georgia O'Keefe
June
Field Trip to Plimoth Plantation
Pet Day
Guest Speakers
Representatives form the Japanese Consulate, German Consulate, the American Lung Association, Mass. Electric, Dr. Perry from Meridian Dental, Adrienne Connolly to teach origami
Meet the Teacher
Mrs. Paglierani was born and raised in the "City of Champions". She attended St. Edward School, Cardinal Spellman High School, and Regis College. Her prior teaching experience includes a few years in second grade (Ellis Brett) and seventh grade (St. Agatha School). Mrs. Paglierani resides in Scituate with her husband of thirty-six years. She enjoys excercising, reading, traveling, and playing with her three grandchildren.
Wish List
Various Magic School Bus DVDs
Various Books