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| Grade 3 Curriculum
Third grade is an exciting year filled with new challenges and growth for each individual student. Each day begins with a morning meeting (greeting, sharing, a group activity, and a morning message), which gives all students a strong sense of community and belonging.
In third grade each student continues to develop intellectually, spiritually, socially, and emotionally in an environment that is built on Catholic values. In Reading class, the students are not only learning to read, they are learning to read for information. Once a student begins reading for information, this skill stretches into all academic areas. In third grade, the students work in a variety of reading groups. From a whole classroom approach to a small and evolving group approach, the students are constantly challenging themselves in new learning environments.
In English class, the students learn new skills when writing, illustrating, and “publishing” their own books. Students become passionate about the written word at a young age and harness skills that they will use for years to come.
Math class focuses on problem solving. Our overall aim is to become critical thinkers as we master the fundamental math concepts and progress to high-order thinking.
Science class seems to be a favorite of all students as we explore different facets of our universe – from the human body to natural resources to outer space. The curriculum is enriched with uncountable hands-on experiences, such as experiencing the outdoor classroom, finding bones in an owl pellet, and purifying water. Each day holds something exciting for the scientific minds in the third grade classroom.
Social Studies is an important piece of the curriculum as it increases each student’s level of global awareness. We focus on the community as central to each individual’s understanding of the world. An exciting highlight in our Social Studies class is the Wax Museum. Each student picks a favorite historical figure, reads a bibliography, and writes a one minute presentation on that person’s life. All students present their memorized speech to family and friends in our costumed play.
Religion class stresses our call to faith. We focus on scripture, cultural customs, and the lives of saints and people of faith. The special highlight is the All Saints Day Play in October. Each student gets the opportunity to study and understand the life of one saint and present his/her findings.
The Learning Center is a great introduction to long-range subjects. The Center’s theme changes monthly. Some examples are: Birthdays, Pizza, Fairy Tales, and Candy. Each student is expected to complete three long-range projects within the month. The projects emphasize reading, writing, and math skills in a creative way.
Technology is an integral part of third grade with whole group computer classes in the lab and laptop computers in the classroom. In the classroom the Smartboard has become key in all areas of instruction (Daily Oral Language, Reading, Math, Health, Science, Religion, Social Studies, and Current Events) which allows for interactive learning and the world to be at their fingertips. The third grade environment allows every child to develop to his/her greatest potential, as they become life long learners.
Special highlights of third grade include:
Religion: All Saints Day Play in OctoberSocial Studies/Language Arts: Wax Museum
Reading: Book Buddies
Science/Religion: Interdisciplinary projects with Upper School classes
Science: Outdoor Classroom exploration
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