Frequently Asked Questions: This page contains answers to common questions
from parents.
- What is the best way to contact you?
- How do you teach reading?
- How do you teach math?
- How do you teach spelling?
- How do you teach writing?
- How are computers utilized?
- What is intervention time?
- What about grades?
- How will student behavior be documented?
- How much homework can I expect?
- What is STAAR?
- What are the new STATE food regulations?
- What are TEKS?
- When is the STAAR test?
- Where can I find more information about TEKS & STAAR?
What is the best way to contact you?
The best way to contact me is by email. If email isn't available,
sending a message in your child's homework folder will also work.
My email address is gail_harding@roundrockisd.org. My classroom
phone number is 464-4231, however it stays on 'cover' mode most
of the time. Feel free to leave a message. If you need to get
a message to your child during the school day, please call the
office at 464-4200. They will contact me.
How do you teach reading?
I follow the Aligned Round Rock (ISD) Curriculum (ARRC). I use a
variety of texts and groupings. I have a balanced reading
classroom incorporating: read-aloud, shared reading, guided
reading, and independant reading. Sometimes students read teacher-
selected books, and other times they self-select.
How do you teach math?
I follow the Aligned Round Rock (ISD) Curriculum (ARRC). Some
math instruction is based on the results of pretests. I use math
textbooks as well as other resources. Teacher-, parent-, and
comercial-made games as well as many 'hands-on' manipulatives are
used during math instruction. I also focus on problem-
solving skills such as brainstorming different strategies to
solve the same problem and communicating the problem-
solving process to others. Practicing math facts at home
is important. Whether you use flash cards, dice games, card
games, board games, or computer programs, daily practice will
produce results! Automatic recall of basic math facts will help
facilitate more complicated concepts to come. Try to use many
learning styles - see, say, write, bounce, clap. Click on
the 'links by subject' page of this website for links covering
most 3rd grade math topics (and a lot of other good stuff).
How do you teach spelling?
I follow the Aligned Round Rock (ISD) Curriculum (ARRC). Students
learn spelling principles and effective techniques for studying
and connecting words. I incorporate a systematic approach to
spelling.
How do you teach writing?
I follow the Aligned Round Rock (ISD) Curriculum (ARRC). I
integrate writing into all subjects. During Writing Workshop, all
students engage in writng experiences that focus on meaning, and
understand that reading and writing are for communication. The
components of our balanced writing program are: 1.) 'write
to'/modeling writing; 2.) shared writing; 3.) guided writing; and
4.) independent writing.
How are computers utilized?
I follow the Aligned Round Rock (ISD) Curriculum (ARRC). We use
computers for technology education, research, drill and practice,
writing, and skills practice. I try to integrate technology
across the curriculum. We have access to mobile laptop computers, and we go to the computer lab once per week.
What is intervention time?
Each day this time is set aside so teachers can help small
groups of students. During intervention time students may work
on remediation skills or enrichment activities to deepen understanding.
What about grades?
Numerical grades are given in third grade. Grades are taken from
daily work, tests, projects, and class participation. Homework is
graded on a random basis - sometimes just for completion, and
other times for a grade.
A=90-100
B=80-89
C=75-79
D=70-74
F=below 70
How will student behavior be documented?
Each student is responsible for his/her own behavior. Their
behavior is recorded daily on the calendar in their Daily folder.
I hope that you review this with your child daily and empliment a
reward system at home. 'Fantastic' behavior could be reinforced
with praise, a new book, frozen yogurt treat, etc. Each child's
clothespin begins on the "Fantastic" (green) part of the behavior
chart each day. If they end the day without a pin move, they can
expect: verbal praise, a ticket (which can later be cashed in for
rewards, satisfaction of a job well done, and Pioneer PRIDE). If
they choose to break a rule, their consequence is redirection and
a verbal warning. If they continue, their pin is moved to
the "Warning" (yellow) section of the behavior chart and no
ticket is given. Repeated negative choices will result in a pin
move to the "Miss Recess" (orange) section and students will
miss recess time to reflect on their behavior. If they continue
to make negative choices, another pin move to the "Note Home" (red)
portion of the behavior chart will result in missing recess and
students will wrie a note and/or call home. Please know that if a
serious offense occurs, I declare 'teacher discretion,'
we skip these steps, and you will be notified. We have school-
wide behavior expectations posted in hallways, restrooms, and
cafeteria. For good behavior in these areas, students may
earn "Golden Tickets" which entitle them to be in a monthly
drawing for 'school-wide' prizes. The winners in these drawings
are recognized on the PSPN (Pond Springs Pioneer Network) news.
How much homework can I expect?
Homework packets will come home each Thusday and will be due the
following Thursday. Homework is a review or enrichment
activity to support concepts taught at school. Occasionally class
work will need to be brought home for completion.
Spelling homework is a menu of activities from which to choose.
Practicing basic addition, subtraction, and multiplication facts
for a short period each night are also important to prepare your
child for higher level concepts.
Reading from a chapter book for at least 20 minutes is an 'every
night' (5 nights per week) homework assignment. Reading times are
to be recorded on student's Reading Log. I ask that you review this packet of work and verify the title of
the text read with your signature/initials.
Homework should not take more than an 40 minutes per night,
including daily reading, flash card practice, and packet assignment. If your child does not understand the homework please
try to help them, and if this is not successful, send me an email
or note in the homework folder. This will help you monitor their
understanding of different concepts taught.
What is STAAR?
STAAR is an acronym that stands for State of Texas Assessment of
Academic Readiness.
STAAR will focus on “clearer, fewer, and deeper”.
1. Provide a more clearly articulated assessment program
2. Focus on fewer skills
3. Address skills in a deeper manner
As with the TAKS test, third-graders will be tested in reading
and math.
What are the new STATE food regulations?
Class parties can only take place on the three district
designated days. These parties cannot take the place of lunch
and cannot occur between 10:30 AM - 1:00 PM. State regulation
must be followed. A school principal can choose to make the rules
more restrictive, not less.
What are TEKS?
TEKS is an acronym standing for Texas Essential Knowledge and
Skills. TEKS identify what Texas students should be able to do in
each grade level. The TEKS are what is tested on the state
assesment (STAAR).
When is the STAAR test?
STAAR Math - April 24, 2012
STAAR Reading - April 25, 2012
Where can I find more information about TEKS & STAAR?
You can find detailed information about the TEKS & STAAR under
Learning Standards at http://www.tea.state.tx.us.