Note to Parents

Parents,

This is the time of year where we raise the level of expectations for our students to get them ready for the STAAR. In class we are encouraging students to read questions and answers carefully and check for reasonableness. We also encourage students to be attentive and participate during lessons.

We are teaching students to slow down on tests and be reflective. We ask students to reflect by going back and rereading to make sure they understand what the question asks. We also encourage them to go back and check their work when they are finished.

Students are learning the importance of showing their work and proving their answers. These are all good test taking practices that we are expecting of all our students. It is a good idea to practice these behaviors at home on their homework.

Reasonableness is a difficult concept for our third graders. Asking why and how questions at home will help them develop the critical thinking skills they need to be rational. For example, bake a cake from scratch and discuss why it is important to measure or go on a nature walk and discuss how the plants make their food.

Be creative and explore the possibilities of why and how in everyday life! If they do these things I know they will be successful! We know that the rigor of the work can seem overwhelming, but we are working hard to prepare students for success.

Thank you for your continued support!