Curriculum Overview
Language Arts
Language arts in the third grade includes reading, writing, grammar, spelling, vocabulary and handwriting. Students are
making the transition from "learning to read" to "reading to learn." We utilize the latest in instructional thinking and best
practices to help all students become proficient reads and writers by identifying individual reading levels through one-on-one formative and summative assessments. Students learn to become more independent readers and learn to read across a variety of genres. Writing also becomes more independent and students have opportunities to try different types of writing as they learn how to effectively express themselves through written language.
Math
In the third grade we continue the transition from the concrete, to the pictorial, to the abstract representation of mathematics. Students continue to use manipulatives when needed, especially during the introduction of new concepts but are moving toward regular pictorial and then abstract representations of concepts. The focus is on the four basic operations, along with basic geometry, fractions, and measurement. Students engage in problem-solving and are required to justify their thinking and answers using pictures and/or concrete models. Students often works in pairs and small groups to enhance their opportunities for thinking about problems. Conceptual understanding of mathematical concepts is emphasized as well as memorization of basic math facts that support higher level mathematical thinking and problem-solving.
Enrichment
We have many students who consistently demonstrate abilities beyond the third grade skills and offer enrichment in all subject areas based on individual needs. Grouping within the classroom in math and use of guided reading levels in language arts gives us the ability to enrich their learning in small groups as well. This might look like a small group literature circle reading and discussing an above-grade level book or students receiving math enrichment projects that encourage them to deepen their thinking and develop their independent learning skills. Students can also complete independent research projects on topics of their choosing.
Language Arts
Language arts in the third grade includes reading, writing, grammar, spelling, vocabulary and handwriting. Students are
making the transition from "learning to read" to "reading to learn." We utilize the latest in instructional thinking and best
practices to help all students become proficient reads and writers by identifying individual reading levels through one-on-one formative and summative assessments. Students learn to become more independent readers and learn to read across a variety of genres. Writing also becomes more independent and students have opportunities to try different types of writing as they learn how to effectively express themselves through written language.
Math
In the third grade we continue the transition from the concrete, to the pictorial, to the abstract representation of mathematics. Students continue to use manipulatives when needed, especially during the introduction of new concepts but are moving toward regular pictorial and then abstract representations of concepts. The focus is on the four basic operations, along with basic geometry, fractions, and measurement. Students engage in problem-solving and are required to justify their thinking and answers using pictures and/or concrete models. Students often works in pairs and small groups to enhance their opportunities for thinking about problems. Conceptual understanding of mathematical concepts is emphasized as well as memorization of basic math facts that support higher level mathematical thinking and problem-solving.
Enrichment
We have many students who consistently demonstrate abilities beyond the third grade skills and offer enrichment in all subject areas based on individual needs. Grouping within the classroom in math and use of guided reading levels in language arts gives us the ability to enrich their learning in small groups as well. This might look like a small group literature circle reading and discussing an above-grade level book or students receiving math enrichment projects that encourage them to deepen their thinking and develop their independent learning skills. Students can also complete independent research projects on topics of their choosing.