3rd Grade

Art

Third-grade children are given a variety of media to explore. Art history is incorporated into the curriculum by artist, period, and method studies. Third-grade children use line, shape, color, and texture to realistically render an image. Children work on perspective by experimenting with figure/ground perspective as well as overlapping shapes for perspective.

Language Arts

The goal of the third-grade language arts curriculum is to develop the foundation of competence in the use of the English language.  Through the experiences of reading, writing, listening, and speaking, the goal is to develop literate and fluent readers and writers.  The units of study are built around a skills-intensive curriculum based in the areas of literature, grammar, spelling, and vocabulary.  Through their experiences of reading, listening, writing, and speaking, students increase their level of success in becoming literate and fluent readers and writers with more advanced grammar skills and intellectual vocabularies.  Reading activities include but are not restricted to whole group, shared- and guided-reading groups, individual reading, vocabulary development, making predictions, retelling stories, using clues in context, drawing conclusions, fiction/non-fiction, poetry, and experience with different genres of literature to expand their pleasure reading.

Mathematics

Our program is designed to equip students with sound concept development, critical thinking, and efficient problem-solving skills. Concepts are presented in a clear and sequential way to facilitate understanding and confidence. As new topics are introduced, learners consolidate new information with focused practice, while spiral progression allows students to build upon material taught in earlier grades. Concepts covered include: rounding and estimation, adding and subtracting whole numbers through six-digit multiplication and division, data collection and analysis, probability, geometry, fractions, time and money, area, perimeter, volume, and measurement of length, weight, and capacity in both metric and standard units. Students’ research and problem-solving skills are active throughout the year, utilizing model drawing and other strategies to demonstrate a clear understanding as they work through single- and multi-step word problems.

Music

Third-graders in music learn sophisticated rhythm patterns, as well as how to read notes on a treble clef staff. They increase understanding of hand signals used for singing and increase knowledge of pitches in the scale. They learn instrument families and how to identify their sounds, and increase their vocal repertoire with songs that are more complex, and include more diverse cultures. They also begin to apply their music knowledge to playing some basic instruments, and begin to read music for their instrument.

Physical Education

The focus of third-grade physical education is to enhance the student’s physical and social growth by emphasizing skill-building and teamwork. Each child’s development is encouraged through a broad range of specialized activities that are challenging and fun. Students continue to practice putting multiple skill sequences together to perform more accurately in games and activities. Fitness concepts are taught and practiced targeting cardio-respiratory, muscular endurance, and strength through a weekly running program and station workout.

Science

Students in third grade are provided with opportunities to learn and grow through scientific observation, exploration, and inquiry-based learning. Throughout the many activities, discussions and experiements, we foster curiosity, inventiveness, persistence, and enthusiasm as children learn by doing and reflecting. 

Social Studies

The social studies curriculum is project-based and promotes increased awareness of self, the community and our place in the world. Recognizing that community begins in the classroom, children actively learn the meaning of respect, honesty, cooperation, responsibility, and empathy. Social Studies is taught through project-based learning. 

Spanish

The third-grade Spanish program continues to reinforce strong oral skills while making a transition to a more varied curriculum. A formation of solid listening and speaking skills are maintained as attention to reading, writing, and cultures is increased. Students progress in their ability to follow directions and respond to commands in Spanish. They are comfortable using common phrases in Spanish to ask and answer questions. Students are introduced to simple grammar rules in association with known words and phrases.

Technology

By third grade, students will be able to easily use and navigate a computer, applications, websites, and search engines. In addition, they should be comfortable with the skills from previous studies including file management skills, keyboarding, and word processing. This affords the opportunity for a higher level of study and application of technology. Students are required to have a personal laptop compter, headphones, mouse and charging cable. Students will also take an active part in using STEM materials for basic coding and engineering design.