3rd Grade

Welcome to Third Grade!

Third grade is an exciting year in which we see students transition from the primary to the intermediate grades. In third grade, we work on making students more independent and better organized. As a result, they are able to work on more long term projects and take greater responsibility for themselves and their work.

Reading

We use a literature-based reading program that includes both fiction and non-fiction texts. The students develop reading skills and strategies while enjoying high interest texts in areas such as fractured fairy tales, disasters, and cultural identity. The students will participate in the "Daily 5" program, a genre study, novel studies, and book reports.

Writing

Writing is integrated throughout the curriculum, but writing instruction takes place during the "Daily 5". Students learn to use the writing process, from prewriting to completing published final copies. The students will explore all types of writing. Special emphasis is placed on the development of ideas from single paragraphs into multi-paragraph stories and essays. Third graders will focus on several grammar topics through out the year to incorporate in their writing abilities.

Spelling

Our spelling curriculum is derived from our spelling workbook. Pretests are given on Mondays with all spelling homework due on Fridays. A post-test is given on Fridays. Students that receive 100% on the pre-test do not have to take the post-test.

Mathematics

Our third graders study an advanced curriculum that leaves them with excellent knowledge of basic computation skills, as well as strong problem solving abilities. Students learn such concepts as division with remainders and multiplication with two digit numbers. Topics such as geometry, algebra, and probability are also covered. I use a variety of teaching techniques during math to meet the needs of my students.

Religion

Our third graders receive a strong religious background. They cover many themes over the course of the year. These themes include Jesus and the creation of the church and their roles in the church community. Students will attend mass weekly and are required to learn several prayers during the year.

Social Studies

The overall theme for our social studies curriculum is communities. Students will participate in many kinesthetic activities relating to communities both past and present, American Indians, government, map and geographical skills, and Famous Americans will all be covered during the year.

Science

The themes for the third grade science program are equally divided between life, earth, and physical science. Our science program is one that engages students in active investigations of scientific theory by providing hands-on activities that promote inquiry, scientific process, and understanding of the world around us.