Language Arts

Language Arts is made up of reading, writing, listening and speaking.  Developing interests and skills in these areas is at the core of the class curriculum. Instruction and practice of skills are initiated then applied and honed through creative reading and writing activities.

Reading: Expanding on newly acquired reading skills is a primary objective in third grade. Emphasis is placed on selecting appropriate books, developing efficient decoding strategies, fluency, comprehension and most importantly, developing life long reading interests. Our multi-faceted program includes guided reading sessions, selected reading groups, unit literature, content reading for research and pleasure reading. We have DEAR (Drop Everything and Read) sessions consistently throughout our weekly schedule. We encourage each child to read at home for at least twenty minutes and to complete reading sheets. A classroom library is available for children to check out books.

Writing: The writing process of brainstorming, story mapping, rough draft, editing, final draft and publishing is taught. A variety of writing techniques are taught through the use of writing journals, letter writing, publishing books, response writing to literature and research writing. On occasion parents will be asked to help with the editing process when we are publishing pieces.

Spelling and Grammar: We build upon the spelling program used in second grade. We use both spelling conventions and frequent word lists as part of our weekly program. A pretest takes place on Monday with a test on misspelled words on Friday. Spelling will also be emphasized during editing. Grammar and punctuation conventions will be introduced during mini lessons and reinforced during editing sessions.

Handwriting: Third graders will be introduced to italic cursive handwriting through the use of Getty and Dubay’s Italic Handwriting Series. Weekly practice will be carried out in class throughout the year.

Social Studies

Our central thematic focus is a study of Oregon using the topic of water and Oregon river habitats. We will concentrate on water as a source of life, Oregon geography and wetlands habitats, characteristics fo water,  and the importance of water in the history of Oregon. The study will integrate social studies concepts with language arts, science, math and creative arts. See the accompanying social studies curriculum map for details. Children engage in a number of research and creative projects and read appropriate historical fiction selections.

Technology

In Third Grade we begin the process of teaching keyboarding. Through lessons by classroom teachers, children will learn correct finger placement and are expected and encouraged to use what they learn throughout the year. We will use the program All the Right Type. Soon the program will be available for purchase through Catlin Gabel. Other technology skills including publishing, Internet use and multi-media programs will be introduced.

Math

In third grade children begin to use the mathematics curriculum Investigations. This program is used in Grades 3-5. The program is divided into a number of units that engage students in the exploration of mathematical ideas. 

Investigations in Number, Data, and Space is a K-5 mathematics curriculum developed by TERC under a grant from the National Science Foundation. Its major goals are:

• to offer students meaningful, real world mathematical problems
• to emphasize depth in mathematical thinking rather than superficial exposure to a series of fragmented topics
• to substantially expand the pool of mathematically literate students

The Investigations curriculum offers in-depth experiences in number, data, geometry, and the mathematics of change. The following aspects of the curriculum ensure that all students are included in significant mathematical learning by:

• Spending time exploring problems in depth
• Finding more than one solution to many problems
• Developing their own strategies and approaches, based on their knowledge and understanding of mathematical relationships
• Choosing from a variety of concrete materials and appropriate technology, including calculators, as a natural part of their everyday mathematical work
• Expressing their mathematical thinking through drawing, writing, and talking
• Recognize and use number patterns, relationships and logical thinking skills to make predictions to solve, and to check problems
• Recognize patterns and relationships

Each grade level is organized into units that involve students in the exploration of major mathematical ideas, and may revolve around two or three related areas-for example, addition and subtraction or geometry and fractions. 

Skill areas

Supplemental Program

First Steps in Mathematics, Department of Education & Training of Western Australia, 2007

Social Studies and Science Curriculum Map

 Third Grade Responsibilities

Upon entering third grade more responsibilities are assumed by the children. They will be asked to take care of all their own supplies, clothing and lunch ordering. They are asked to take home notes and return papers from home. Weekly homework packets need to be taken home on Monday and completed and returned by Friday morning. You can help keep your child organized by establishing routines like emptying backpack upon arriving home, putting homework folder in a safe place and providing a comfortable study space free of distractions.

Homework

The purpose of homework in third grade is to provide for the four R’s: Review concepts taught in class, Record or Research new information, learn Responsibility and Report to families on what your child is learning.

Homework is given out as a packet each Monday. Generally it will have a reading sheet, a math sheet, and a spelling sheet. We may also include a grammar or social studies sheet from time to time. We want all third graders to read at least 20 minutes a night. We encourage children to work some each night. In this way time at homework should not take any longer than 30 minutes a night. On occasion your child may have a short-term project in lieu of the regular assignments. Homework not completed by Friday can be made up over the weekend and is due Monday. Establishing a consistent homework routine will greatly help your child develop conscientious study habits.