Third Grade
Subjects of Study
Reading
Text: Open Court Reading (SRA/McGraw Hill)
The reading curriculum will be a combination of the literature textbook and three selected novels; The Courage of Sarah Noble, Mr. Popper's Penguins, and Charlotte's Web. As with the textbook stories, these novels will be used to strengthen reading and comprehension skills. Comprehension strategies taught include: making connections, questioning, predicting, drawing inferences, determining importance and synthesizing. These comprehension skills help deepen the understanding of the literature pieces as well as challenge the reader to think about the text as they read. Students will also be exposed to a variety of genres including, fiction, non-fiction, classic literature and poetry.
Spelling/Phonics
Text: Spelling Workout (Modern Curriculum Press)
Each spelling unit will consist of 20 words. In order to help the students succeed in learning these words, they have been provided with a list of various spelling activities. Each week they must choose a different activity to complete using their spelling list. Every Monday, spelling words will be introduced and students will practice the spelling rule. Throughout the week, students will participate in activities that will reinforce the spelling rule. On Fridays students will take a spelling test and also be given two dictation sentences. These dictation sentences will include words not given on the weekly spelling list, but will incorporate words that follow the spelling rule for the week.
Writing
Text: Voyages in English (Loyola Press) and Structure and Style (The Institute for Excellence in Writing) The focus in English class will be on grammar, speaking and listening skills and writing. The writing process will be taught as a 5 step process which includes pre-writing, drafting, proofreading, revising and publishing. The students will use the writing process to compose various types of writing pieces including narrative writing, creative writing, descriptive writing and report writing. In addition to the writing process, students will be introduced to the writing program from the Institute for Excellence in Writing. This writing program will teach the students both structure and style and will focus on how to create outlines and how to make their writing more descriptive and polished.
Math
Text: Progress in Mathematics (Sadlier-Oxford)
The Progress in Mathematics textbook contains standards-based content and builds a foundation for mathematical development with each lesson. The daily lessons are conducted by the teacher and the practice sets are completed by the students to ensure they have grasped the lesson's objectives. Math lessons are reinforced nightly through homework that corresponds with the daily lesson. Math topics that will be covered this year include: place value, addition and subtraction with regrouping, multiplication and division concepts and facts, statistics and probability, measurement and time, geometry, multiplying and dividing by one digit, fractions and decimals and problem solving. Problem solving and reasoning skills are integrated into each unit of study. Math timed tests of basic facts will also be given on a regular basis to build speed and accuracy.
Science
Text: Science Discovery Works (Houghton Mifflin)
With the Discovery Works series, students will be given opportunities to practice the scientific methods of observing, measuring, predicting, comparing and classifying. Hands-on investigations will also be included in the science curriculum in order to illustrate concepts taught in class. Topics covered during the year will include the scientific inquiry and reasoning, the scientific method, life science (habitats), space, the geosphere, and physical science (force, motion, light and sound).
History/Geography
Text: Core Knowledge of History and Geography (Pearson Learning)
History units will include lessons that will allow the students to understand changes that have taken place over time, to understand the perspective of people in the past, and to develop research skills by acquiring, organizing and communicating historical information. Topics covered include the study of Ancient Rome, the Vikings, Native Americans, Early Explorers, the 13 Colonies, the Civil War and Westward Expansion.
Religion
Text: The Treasure of my Catholic Faith (Circle Press Scholastic)
The third grade curriculum opens with stories from the Old Testament beginning with the story of Creation and leads up to the life of Christ. Students will then continue to study the New Testament, focusing on the works and teachings of Christ's ministry on Earth. Students will also recognize that Old Testament stories and Jesus' parables in the New Testament teach us about God's love for us. The curriculum will also incorporate growth in virtue through the school wide virtue program, the recognition and celebration of special Feast Days, and the learning of prayers. In addition, students will have the opportunity to participate in weekly Mass as well as in the Sacraments of the Eucharist and Reconciliation.
Schedule
8:45-9:00- Morning Routine Students enter the classroom quietly and unpack their school bag. Students place their snacks in the snack basket and put their supplies away. Students place their nightly homework on their desks and begin their morning assignment. Teacher checks homework and takes roll.
9:00-10:30-Language Arts (Reading and Writing)
10:30-10:45-Morning Recess
10:45-11:15-Phonics/Spelling/Grammar
11:15-12:00- Spanish on Tuesday and Friday with Miss Carbajal, History on Monday and Wednesday, Geography on Thursday
12:00-1:00-Lunch/Recess
1:00-1:45- Math
1:45-3:10- “Specials” and other core subjects (these schedules alternate from day to day)
Monday: 1:45-2:30-Science 2:30-3:10-Religion
Tuesday: 1:45-2:30-Boys P.E./Girls Music 2:30-3:10-Girls P.E./Boys Music
Wednesday: (2:30 Dismissal) 1:45-2:25-Religion
Thursday: 1:45-2:30-Science 2:30-3:10-Religion
Friday: 1:45-2:30-Boys P.E./Girls Art 2:30-3:10-Girls P.E./Boys Art
3:10-3:15-Reflection/Dismissal “Reflection” consists of a short, teacher-led prayer thanking God for the gifts He has given to us that day, followed by the Our Father. Students then transition to the cafeteria for pickup.
Extended Care
Before School Care is available from 7:30am and After School Care is available until 6:00pm. Detailed information and arrangements for enrollment can be obtained in the office.
Lunch
Students may bring their own lunch, or take advantage of Impromptu Catering, our daily hot lunch provider.
Homework
Homework is designed to be an extension of the learning experience that the children have during the instructional day. Each Monday, students will be given a weekly writing assignment that will be due on Friday. The purpose for this is to allow students enough time to do their very best work and follow the steps of the writing process. Students have reviewed these steps in class, which consist of prewriting, drafting, revising, proofreading and publishing. Students are required to turn in both their first draft and neatly written final copy on Friday. Assignments given between Tuesday and Thursday, will be due the following day. Students will also receive weekly spelling words on Monday. Each week students are required to complete one spelling activity in their spelling journals. The list of spelling activities can be found in the front cover of the students' spelling journals. Students may choose from one of the five activities. The spelling activity should be completed in their journal and is due each Friday. Students should complete each activity once before repeating the same activity.
Third grade is a transitional year where students are expected to assume an active role of responsibility for their learning. Each student has received an agenda book where they will be required to write down their homework for the day. Each day, with the exception of Friday, students will write down their assignments and take home the appropriate materials. We ask that parents sign their child's agenda each night. This assures that your child is completing the necessary homework each night. Homework is done on a nightly basis. This will help students develop good study habits, time management skills, and pride in their work. Homework should take about 30-45 minutes.