Welcome to Ms. Natale's  Classroom!

Contact Information
Ms. Natale
Rachelle Natale
Email: rnatale@rivier.edu

Classroom Rules and Expectations

Third grade is a year full of fun, creativity, and learning. In order to provide your child and other students with an exceptional educational experience, we expect them to follow some common rules…

Classroom Expectations

1. Be respectful and treat others the way you want to be treated

2. Follow directions

3. Be prepared for class each day

4. Raise your hand to ask a question or to share an idea

5. When someone else is speaking make sure you are listening

6. Ask to leave the room if you need to go to the bathroom, nurse, or get a drink

7. Always try your best! 

 CLASSROOM REWARDS/CONSEQUENCES

If a student chooses not to follow the expectations:

1^st- a verbal reminder

2^nd- a final warning

3^rd- miss 5 minutes of recess

4^th – miss 10 minutes of recess and a note goes home to be signed by parents and returned the next day

Further consequences will be discussed on an individual basis. 

Students will be rewarded for good behaviors and good deeds. Our classroom has a marble jar.  Whenever a student is recognized for good behavior, doing a good deed, or going above and beyond, they will place a marble in the jar. Once the jar is full, the class will earn a special reward!

The Role of Technology in Teaching and Learning

The Role of Technology

         Howard Gardner’s Theory of Multiple Intelligences is a powerful tool in the learning process. Technology gives educators the ability to address the needs of different types of learners. With new technology tools we are able to provide transformative learning experiences by teaching in new ways that could not be done with the traditional method of pencil and paper. As educators, we are able to reference content in a variety of ways for all different learning styles. In many cases, technology allows for immediate assessment, and the teacher can see which concepts are mastered and which concepts need more review. 

          In addition to teaching, technology immensely benefits the quality of learning for students. The use of iPads, computers, smart boards, etc. provides accessibility as well as unlimited information. Students have the opportunity to do new things that they could not do in the past. Many of the technology tools are easy to use, can be set for the appropriate age levels, and are easy to navigate. Along with accessibility, technology allows for dependent learners and collaboration. With technology being available  it allows students to work smarter and not harder. They are able to quickly find the information and then there is more time to analyze the information as well as to understand the information and determine why it is useful/important. Many forms of technology allow for collaboration because students can share work with each other and give feedback. 

 

     For further information on the role of technology and learning visit this link to a YouTube video where Lance Rougeux discusses how technology provides transformative learning      

   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q-iAA9yngtI

Interent Safety

Internet Safety

Technology has significantly changed the way that children interact with the world. As technology becomes more at our fingertips, it is important that children understand Internet safety and guidelines for when using technology. Children have access to many different tools, instant information, and people from all over the world. Although the Internet can be a powerful tool for enhancing educational experiences, it also has several risks. In the classroom students will have the experience of working with iPads and computers. As a class we will be discussing the rules and guidelines for working on the computer and using the internet.Before any child is allowed use a technology device, they must understand Internet safety and sign a pledge that they will use the computers responsibly. Furthermore, discuss and review the safety tips with your child. 

Current Events

       Current Events!

   This year students will work towards understanding what is happening in our community, country, and world.  Students will read Scholastic Magazine articles, articles online, and newspapers relating to current events. The students and I will be going through the directions in class so they know what is expected of them. Directions for the assignment, a schedule of presentations, and a grading rubric will be discussed and handed out to go into their Social Studies binder. I will email you the week before your child’s post is due.

Once a month students will have the responsibility of reading a current event article and posting to our classroom blog.When posting about your article you should include:

v The Title, Author, and Date

v A summary about your article

v One thing that you learned

v What you wonder about/still want to know

v Any questions about something you did not understand while reading the article

If it is not your week to post about an article, you must comment on one of the entries. Your comment may be that you agree/disagree, a question, an additional thought. 

This website is great for helping your child understand how to write a summary and what types of questions they should be asking themselves as they read and after they read. 

https://www.teachervision.com/reading-comprehension/resource/55349.html

Reading comprehension and writing is a process. Throughout the year we will master our reading and writing skills. At the end of the year, students will put all of their skills together and give an oral  presentation on a current event article. More details will be provided later in the year.