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CURRICULUM - 3rd GRADE
   
Language Arts
In third grade language arts we integrate reading
comprehension, fluency, vocabulary, grammar, written
composition, and spelling lessons into each story that we
read. The students will be reading a new story on a
weekly basis. Along with each new story, the students
will learn new skills and review/apply previously learned
skills in the areas mentioned above. Third grade
students are required to keep an individual reading log to
record the books that they read during independent reading
times at home and at school. They are also required to
participate in our school's Reading Counts program to help
them improve their independent reading comprehension skills
and their fluency.
Some specific skills that are covered in third grade
include, but are not limited to:
1. identifying
the main idea and supporting details
2. analyzing
cause and effect
3. making
inferences/drawing conclusions
4. identifying
onomatopoeia and personification
5. summarizing
and retelling stories
6. using
appropriate punctuation, capitalization, and
grammar in writing assignments
7. punctuating
dialogue
8. writing
research reports, narratives, and
descriptive essays
9. developing
presentation skills and improving
listening skills
Spelling Notes
Spelling word lists are composed of 15 "regular" spelling
words and 5 challenge words. The lists are introduced
and sent home on Mondays. Spelling tests will be given
on Fridays. Students are expected to apply their
spelling skills in all other areas of the curriculum.
Vocabulary Notes
Vocabulary word lists are introduced through an in class
activity and practice each Monday. The list of words
along with their definitions will be sent home for practice
on Mondays. The test on using each vocabulary word in
the correct sentence will be on Thursdays.
Handwriting Notes
Third-graders use the D'Nealian cursive handwriting model.
The students have learned the cursive lower-case letters in
second grade and will therefore be required to use cursive
on all assignments in third-grade. They will begin the
year by reviewing the lower-case letters and will progress
into learning the upper-case cursive letters.
Math
Students are encourage to develop and understanding of math
concepts through the use of manipulatives, activities, and
worksheets. Problem-solving becomes an integral part
of the third grade math program.
Major topic emphasis will include:
1. addition and
subtraction of 5-digit numbers with
regrouping
2. understanding
place value through hundred
thousands
3. understanding
multiplication and division
4. memorizing
multiplication and division facts
5. multiplying
and dividing 2 and 3 digit numbers
6. measurement
using metric and customary
systems
7. collecting and
analyzing data; creating and
reading graphs and charts
8. counting money
and making change
9. telling time
to the minute; elapsed time
10. fractions and
decimals
11. estimating
12. geometry
13. patterns
14. algebra
Daily practice of basic facts is encouraged. Students
will be given weekly timed tests - addition and subtraction
until Christmas; multiplication third quarter and division
fourth quarter.
Math homework is given Monday through Thursday.
Science
The scientific skills of observation, measuring, and
classification serve as focal points for the third grade.
Students learn to read and interpret simple tables and
graphs; conduct safe investigations in which they collect
and analyze data, and communicate the results.
Third-graders explore the properties and composition of
rocks and soils and the interactions of of forces and
motion. They also compare the life cycles of animals,
and the classifications of animals according to their
characteristics, descriptions of their habitats, and
adaptations to their environments. Students examine
results of technology and explore careers in science, as
well as scientific contributions from a diversity of
cultures.
Social Studies
The local community serves as the focal point for third
grade as students begin to understand how their community
has changed over time. Students compare the
information gathered about their own community to that of
communities in other places. They also learn how
communities are governed and how the local economy is
organized.
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