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Third Grade
Language ArtsA variety of reading material such as chapter books, Time for Kids Magazine , non-fiction books and passages, and poetry are used for reading instruction. Additionally, read alouds, writing assignments and book shares introduce the students to diverse literary genre. The reading curriculum primarily focuses on learning and implementing comprehension strategies to read, think, discuss and write at both an literal and inferential level. The spelling program begins with a weekly lesson from the SRA spelling book 4 during which all the spelling rules and definitions for the week are taught, sorted and reviewed. Sight words, irregular words and challenge words are all included. Homework assignments include exercises that use these words, and a final test is given at the end of each week. The Wordly Wise program is used for vocabulary development. Emphasis is placed on incorporating new words into daily activities.
The writing workshop program allows students to use and benefit from the writing process. Students use the writing process to create fiction and non-fiction stories. Each student is responsible to plan, write, revise, edit and publish. The goal is for these processes to become independent and automatic. Mini-lessons focusing on grammar, punctuation, sentence and paragraph structure are incorporated during the workshop to enhance basic skills essential for improved writing. Back to Top Computer Lessons taught are integrated into all aspects of the curriculum. The software program Logo is used as an introductory programming language which emphasizes both logic and geometry skills. Classes are related to geometry math lessons, focusing on shapes, angles and polygons. Students are also introduced to Microsoft PowerPoint, by creating a slide related to their social studies research topic. Word processing is practiced by using a tutorial program called Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing. Through a series of interactive lessons, practices, quizzes, and games, Mavis Beacon teaches proper hand positioning, and emphasizes learning to use the correct fingers for each key on the keyboard. The program constantly assesses and records individual progress, so that each child's experience is tailored to meet his or her needs. Back to Top MathematicsNumerous manipulatives are used in addition to the Mc-Graw Hill Mathematics curriculum (grade 3 and 4) to develop proficiencies in terms of skills. Topics covered include: place value up to the millions, rounding numbers and estimating, an intense study of multiplication and division, extensive problem solving, learning how to apply certain strategies when thinking through a problem, time, money, geometry, measurement, fractions and decimals. Emphasis is also placed on memorization of math facts, and explaining thinking both orally and through writing. Back to Top Science In the fall the students investigate sound. They make their own simple instruments, then they explore the various ways in which pitch and the shape of the actual instrument can effect tone quality and volume. A unit on oceanography follows. The focus of this unit includes physical features of the ocean floor, the food chain, and the adaptations of living organisms to their aquatic environment. In lab, students investigate floating and sinking and various activities connected with the oceans. They also learn the value of record keeping, and the importance of referring to previous data. Finally, the last unit of the year is a study of acid rain and its effects on the environment. Back to Top Social StudiesThe year long global study includes a focus on specific countries around the world celebrating different cultures and societies. Through a variety of films, books, artifacts, music and art students are taught to appreciate the cultural diversity and understand the differences in respect to their own lives. One country is focused on during the spring semester and a school-wide fair, led by the third grade, allows the entire student body to learn about and celebrate a different country. Countries studied: Japan, Ghana, Pakistan, Mexico, Egypt.
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Library Grade three library begins with an extensive study of Aesop’s fables. The next area of study is folk tales, with a concentration on American folk tales, to prevent losing touch with prominent cultural folk heroes like John Henry and Paul Bunyan. These tales are then related to tall tales from other cultures around the world. Finally, stories like Davy Crockett are reviewed, in an effort to evaluate tall tales grounded in historical fact and to identify how legends are created. "Readers Theater," where students get a script of a book and perform for the class, is a popular manner of engaging in these stories. Back to Top Open Circle Twice a week students and teachers come together as a community to discuss social challenges that are age appropriate. Open circle provides a safe environment which allows students to progressively develop a set of skills and vocabulary to help solve problems, and in turn develop social competency. Back to Top Languages Our students begin the study of Spanish at the earliest grade level, Junior Kindergarten. Third grade Spanish students primarily will learn to talk about themselves and their immediate world. Themes will be tied to social studies, science, art and music where appropriate. Themes to include the following: - Introduction to Spanish
- Numbers, colors, shapes
- Days, seasons, weather
- All about me: faces and body
- My family
- My house
- Clothing
- Feelings
- My community
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