iTeach 3rd Grade
Teaching is HARD! Let me help by providing you informational resources so you can focus on being the best teacher that you can be.
About Me
My name is Charity. I am a teacher, a mother, and a self-published author. I live in Pittsburgh, PA. I have been teaching for almost 17 years. Prior to teaching, I was a behaviorist for 5 years. I have a bachelor's degree in psychology, a master's degree in child psychology, and a master's degree in elementary education.
Understanding Learning Challenges in the Classroom
Attention Deficient Disorder
Oppositional defiant disorder
What is ADHD?
ADHD stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.
This is the student that seems to have a difficult time focusing on the task at hand for a long period of time, easily distracted, constantly fidgety, disorganized, doesn't complete assignments on time, consistently talks out in class, impulsive, and easily forgetful on what was directed.
I suggest looking at Dr. Daniel Amen's work on ADHD.
What is Down Syndrome?
Down syndrome is a genetic condition where a person is born with an extra copy of chromosome 21.
A student with Down Syndrome will most likely have short term or working memory difficulties. They have a difficulties with understanding and processing information.
Videos
- Everyone Counts: My Friend Isabelle - 4 minutes (probably better for K-2)
- Just Like You - 3 minutes (good for all)
- Just Like You (full version) - 13 minutes (really good - might better for Grades 3-5, but very impactful)
- Down syndrome 101 - 5 minutes (a little more fact based, but very informative)
- What is Down Syndrome? - about 5 minutes - moves a bit quick (might be better for Grades 3-5)
Print Resources
- NDSS-Fact-Sheet-Language-Guide-2021
- Down Syndrome (for Kids) — Print Version - Nemours KidsHealth
- NDSS-GENERAL-BROCHURE
- NDSS-Myths-and-Truths-2015
- Today-I-am-dreaming-about...- NDSS
- VO-Down-Syndrome-Facts-and-Language-Guidelines
What is ODD?
ODD stands for Oppositional Defiant Disorder.
This is the student that seems to be defiant and displays disobedient behavior to authority figures.
What is IED?
IED stands for Intermittent Explosive Disorder.
This is the student that shows repeated, sudden episodes of impulsive, aggressive, violent behavior or angry verbal outbursts.
What are Learning Disabilities?
This is when a student has difficulty in one or more areas of learning, even when overall intelligence or motivation is not affected.
What is ESL?
ESL stands for English Second Language.
This is when the student has limited or no English due to their
family speaking another native language.
Effective Classroom Management
Over the years, you will figure out what management system works best for you and your class. I have several different systems in place since each class can be so different.
Token
Economy
Structure &
Routines
Guardian
Communication
what is a Token Economy?
A token economy is a system in which the learner earns "tokens" by exhibiting a targeted behavior.
The three main goals for using a token economy are; a behavior or behaviors that we wish to reinforce; tokens earned for engaging in those behaviors; and exchanging tokens for a choice of reinforcing rewards.
Tokens can be but not limited to tickets, stickers, made up money, check marks, etc.
Below are the token economies that have worked in my classroom:
Tickets
You can purchase a roll of raffle tickets from Amazon.
When students show that they are really working hard and doing their job, I will give them a ticket. On the back, they write their name and then they place it into a clear container, I use an old pretzel rod container. I draw a ticket every other Friday. The winner gets to choose from a list of class rewards for the following week.
***I do not empty out the container. All of the tickets earned stay in for the duration of the year.***
Compliment Bubble Gum Machine
I use a "bubble gum machine" for hallway behavior. I also use it for if the special's teacher gives a compliment. I have a blank bubble gum machine that I created out of poster paper. I then placed stick on Velcro stickers on it. I purchased multi colored plastic circles and placed the other side of the Velcro sticker to it. If the ENTIRE class earns a compliment from another adult, they earn a "bubble gum" on the machine. When the machine is filled, the students earn an extra recess.
ClassDOjo
I do not always use ClassDojo, but if I feel that I have more students need an extra incentive, I will. This is a free online classroom management platform. Families can see their child's real-time behavior with a click of a button. I don't like to activate the family view since I don't want families and students to dwell on points taken away.
I like to use the positive and needs work points for their sounds. When I add a point, the students hear a bright ding sound.
They don't know who received the positive point, but this makes the whole class perk up and focus on the work at hand. If a student isn't doing their job or loses too much focus, I will click on needs work. This makes a very low short sound.
Once again, nobody knows who received the feedback, but everyone tends to correct what they are doing for the positive. If you have studied Psychology, this is similar to Pavlov's Theory.
Structure & Routine
I find that children and adults thrive on structure and routine. If a student knows what is expected throughout the day, then there is less room for unwanted behaviors. It takes a few weeks of repetitive training before the students go through the motions fully on there own as an entire class.
Daily Schedule
After announcements, I go over our daily schedule. This is also posted on the board so the students know the sequence of the day.
Transitions
Chimes
When it is time to clean up and get ready for the next subject, I ring my chimes. Whenever the students hear the chimes, they immediately begin putting away their materials.
Countdown Timer
Since I have a Smartboard, I like to have a visual countdown timer posted. This way, the students can visually see how much time they have on their work. When it counts down to zero, I have an applause sound set.
Gain Class Attention
Hand Gestures
During the first few days of school, I teach students to keep an eye out for certain hand gestures. If they see these, they are to model it and become silent. We also practice doing this a few times as a class.
#1
I will raise my arm in the air and hold up my index finger quietly. Students will begin to do the same until everyone in the room is holding up their arm.
3, 2, 1,... 0
Similar to above, I will hold up 3 fingers and count down on them silently until I'm making a zero with my hand. When I reach zero, everyone should be silent while holding up their hands in the shape of a zero.
Good Ole' Silence
Sometimes, I will stand in front of the class silent. However, while doing so, I will periodically look at my watch. This indicates me taking recess time away. You will find students catching on and telling others to stop. If that doesn't work, then I will say, "One minute off recess..." The most I had a class lose is three minutes of recess.
I Say... You Say...
Choral sayings are also a great way for your class to quiet down when needed. Here are some I use...
Teacher: "Class, class"
Students echo: "Yes, yes"
Teacher: "Classity, classity"
Students echo: "Yessity, yessity"
Teacher: "One, two, eyes on me"
Students echo: "One, two, eyes on you"
Clap pity Clap
Another way to get the class' attention and quiet down is using a certain clap pattern. The students will hear the clap and then echo the clap pattern.
Lights Off
Do not flicker your classroom lights for attention. This could potentially trigger a seizure. Instead, turn the lights off and when all of the students turn to you quietly, give them their directive with the lights off. Turn the lights back on as a signal for them to begin doing what was asked.
A Chime
I have one chime that I use to gain the class's attention. This is different from the chimes used for transitions. I ring this once and by the time the chime is finished, the class should be waiting for your directives. Amazon
Restroom Breaks
During class, I allow students use the restroom. However, I only allow two students out at a time. I place two lights with stick on magnets on my door frame. One light has the letter 'G' and the other the letter 'B'. If a boy goes to the restroom, they will click the light with the letter 'B'. When they return, they will click the button again in order to turn it off. This visually helps me know that someone is at the restroom. They students also have to ask permission to go in case there's an emergency.
Directions on Board
It's hard for students to remember everything that is expected from verbal instructions. Therefore, I found it very productive to post slides on what the students should be doing. The directions also include on what to do when assignments are completed. If a student forgets what to do, they simply look up and read the directions.
Verbal Positive Behavior
Positive reinforcement goes a long way and you will find a huge success in your classroom when using it appropriately. Instead of concentrating on unwanted behavior, focus on a student exhibiting wanted behavior. For example, "I like how Susie put away all of her materials and is ready for Math." Then, I would repeat that sentence with each person in the classroom until I have all of the students ready. Students seem to love positive recognition, so use it to your advantage.
Learning Communities
After the first week of school I have a good sense of who can or cannot sit next to each other. This is when I break my class up into groups of four. Sometimes I end up with groups of five if I have an odd number of students. The groups change every quarter. In each group, the students decide what job they are going to take on. I try to not have the students take on the same job twice a year. In the groups of five, two people will have the same job. After the students decide on what they want to do or who is best for each job, they will create a name plate and place it on the corner of their desks. The jobs that I have in my classroom are as follows.
Paper Passer: This person will be given all the papers for their group and they are responsible for passing them out.
Material Collector: This person is responsible for gathering all of the papers from their group members and getting any materials needed for class projects.
Reporter: When having group discussions, this person will report what their group discussed.
Manager: This person is responsible in making sure that everyone is doing what they are supposed to be doing. Also, if a group member is absent, they need to cover that job too.
Guardian Communication
Communications with families is key to classroom management. When students are aware that the teacher and their guardians are in constant communication, they tend to produce more in the classroom for the positive academically and behaviorally. Below are a couple of ways that I stay in communication with families.
Weekly Newsletters
Every Friday, I send out a weekly newsletter. This gives the families a snapshot of what the students learned that week and what they are projected to learn the following week.
Talking Points
This is a texting platform for information that you want families to receive ASAP on their phones. Families have the capability to choose from many different languages. They will recieve your messages in the language they choose.
Check-In Slips
Sometimes a student needs a little more in order to stay on task. This is when I create check-in slips for that student. I focus on a goal that I hope for the student to achieve. We discuss whether they met that particular goal before lunch and before dismissal. Then, I send home the check-in slip for families to see.
My Book
The story, JJ’s Playtime: Sharing Friends, was inspired after having a Parent/Teacher conference with my son's, JJ, preschool teacher. She informed me that JJ tends to become upset when his friend doesn’t want to play with him. I told her that I would look for some books on the subject, so they could help us navigate what JJ could do the next time this happens. To no avail, I could not find any. Therefore, I created this story in hope of helping others.
JJ’s Playtime: Sharing Friends, is a story about a little boy who becomes upset after his friend Billy wants to play with someone else. Through the aid of his teacher, JJ learns that it is just important to share friends, as it is to share toys.
Click an icon to purchase
Back To School Night
It's almost that time of year again... In my district, we have "Back to School Night" prior the student start day. During this time, we meet our future students and their families. Below, are some of the things I do in order for this time to run as smooth as possible.
I set up my classroom in a horseshoe shape. I do not assign seats at this time. However, I prompt the students to "test" each desk out that hasn't been claimed, until they find one that best fits them. After, they find their desk they will look for their desk tag on the back table. Then, they will claim that desk by placing the name tag on the front. Next, they will test out their chairs to see if they need a lower or higher one. If they need to switch chairs, I will either find one from an unclaimed desk or write on a post it what type of chair is needed and place it on their desk.
On the table in front of my room, I direct families to pick up a folder. Inside are important papers such as; my policies, a getting to know your child worksheet, an Encore, specials, schedule, and a birthday celebration form. This way, they are not overwhelmed with other papers that will be going home from admin during the first week of school.
This is the policy letter that I send home at the beginning of the year... If a grown-up ever questions something, I always refer back to it.
What to Teach the First Week Back to School
Getting back into the groove of teaching can be daunting. At times, I would feel like I forgot to teach after my summer break. Make the first week back of lessons simple for you and the students. This week is not only overwhelming for teachers, but for the students and their families too. Relationship building, setting ground rules and clear expectations, and walking through transitions is the utmost important during the first few days. Also, the first week also may consist of Bus Evacuation drills and Welcome back assemblies. Below is a sneak peek at what my first week of lessons look like in a self-contained third grade classroom.
Monday:
🍎First, I like to greet my students at the door and I will greet them using their names. My district has the student names paired with their last year’s photo to make it easy to identify who is who.
I will have a Welcome back activity on their desk to keep them occupied. This is typically a coloring page, a cryptogram, or a word search.
🍎After announcements, I will go over the Daily Schedule and calendar with the students and explain how that will work every morning. Then, I will pose the question, “How was your summer?” “Would anyone like to share what they did?” I allow as much time as needed for every student to share at least one thing they did during summer.
🍎ELA:
- During this time, I love to read aloud the book, First Day Jitters by Julie Danneberg. This also allows for dialogue about being nervous coming back the first day of school.
- Next, I will ask the class why we are in school and most students will answer to learn. I like to show a visual on learning, so I take a sponge and some dyed water that is in a bowl and place the sponge into the water. I explain that their brain soaks up learning like a sponge. (After the sponge dries in a few days, I take it and post it on the front bulletin board for the entire year)
- We will then label our “Take Home” folders. I hand out two sticky labels and have the students place one on the bottom of each side inside the folder. They will then label the labels, “Keep at Home” and “Bring Back”.
- When the students finish with their folders, I pass back a blank sheet of paper. They are going to play, “Two Facts and One False”. I prompt the students to write two factual sentences about themselves and one that is not true, false. The students will come up to the front and read their sentences. The class has to decide which one is not true. They absolutely love this game.
- Lastly, we will finish up the ELA block with an “All About Me” activity. The students will color and decorate the banner. I will hang it on my wall when they are complete. This may take a couple of days for students to finish.
🍎Social Studies:
- During this time, we will revisit the question on why we are in school. I hand out a post-it to every student and they answer the question on it. Afterwards, they place the post-it on the chart paper. Then, we discuss all of the answers together.
- Next, I do the same thing but with the question, “What should an important classroom rule be?”.
🍎Math:
- I like to look for Back to School fun math worksheets for the students to work on during this period.
***Throughout the day, I will show how I use the chimes between transitions, different signals to show it’s time to be quiet, and teach them one class attention phrase.***
Class attention phrase: “Cinnamon spice… and everything nice.”
Tuesday:
🍎ELA:
- Read aloud the book, Your Fantastic Elastic Brain by JoAnn Deak Ph.D. and Sarah Ackerley.
- Next, we discuss the difference between a growth and a fixed mindset.
-The students will work on a couple of activities and write their goals for the year.
🍎Social Studies:
- We practice where to go in case of a fire drill.
- We will then watch The Magic School Bus: Sees Stars since we will begin Astronomy in a couple of days.
🍎Math:
- I will pass back the workbooks and give some time for the students to flip through them and discuss what they are excited to learn about.
- Read aloud Math Curse by Jon Scieszka and Lane Smith and discuss how they feel about math.
- Last, I will show them the math anchor charts that they may use all year that I uploaded to Schoology.
Wednesday:
🍎ELA:
- Read aloud, My Mouth is A Volcano! by Julia Cook.
- Next, we will discuss voice levels and when to use them. We will also practice using them.
-This is a great time when we practice getting to a voice level 0 when the students see me using different signals or using the
class attention phrase.
- I will then pose the following questions, “What types of reading materials are there?”, “What did you read over summer?”
- We will discuss how to choose the books that best fit them using the iPick method.
🍎Social Studies:
- We practice ALiCE for safety in our district. We will go over the procedures as a class and I will answer any concerns or questions students have. I like to give the scenario of a bear or a deer accidently getting in our building instead of a human at this time.
🍎Math:
- We will begin our first math lesson for the year.
Thursday:
🍎ELA:
- I will pass back the Fundation’s tile boards to the students to keep in their desk.
- Next, I will show the students how to log into Epic!
-The students will explore Epic! and read books of their choice.
- The students will write a letter to their future end of third grade self.
- As a fun activity, the students will work on a worksheet asking questions about how well they know their teacher.
🍎Social Studies:
- Read aloud, Lunchroom Lizard by Daniel Kirk.
- Discuss device safety
🍎Math:
- Second math lesson.
- Pass back composition books. The students will use these to write down strategies and vocabulary terms throughout the year.
Friday:
🍎ELA:
- Read about Labor Day
- Review characters in a story structure using an interactive story.
- The students will share their All About Me banners.
🍎Social Studies:
- I will pass back our Astronomy packet and we will learn about our sun.
🍎Math:
- Third math lesson.
- Students will write the place value strategy for adding and breaking apart in their composition books.
Tips:
- Remember to use lots of positive reinforcement with the students this week.
- Practice transitions, how to walk in the hallway, and voice levels throughout the week.
- I also like to suck on throat lozenges throughout the first week since I’m not used to talking so much.
