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Language Arts Creative writing continues to be important during Third Grade. The SRA Reading Laboratory supplements this program and computers enhance creative writing, research, reports and comprehension skills. Focus is placed on reading for comprehension and specific skills like main idea, drawing conclusions, drawing inferences and using the story context. Emphasis is placed on sentence structure, grammar, and parts of speech, with students writing progressively longer paragraphs and reports. In addition, six novels are read in class during the year. The texts used for Language Arts are:
Mathematics In Grade Three we introduce estimation, multiplication and division, and broaden addition and subtraction concepts. We strive to expand the understanding of place value, measurement, geometry and fractions. Students are assisted with problem solving strategies, mental math and critical thinking. Calculators, computers and manipulatives are used to stimulate students in a variety of ways. The texts used for Math are:
Social Studies In alternating years, third graders study communities, states and regions. We explore the interdependence of communities, how money is used to produce goods and services, and the effect of machines and tools on how people live. United States and World geography and other cultures are studied. The effect of climate, availability of natural resources, and the care of our environment are also explored. The following year, the class studies historic Alexandria as a modern day community. The students also learn about Native American cultures in North America and Mexico. The social studies curriculum is enhanced with field trips, research reports and special projects. The texts used for Social Studies are:
Science Students move toward more complex observations and explorations. In alternating years, they study the world of plants, food chains and webs, animal survival, measuring matter, all types of energy, machines, the sense organs, and food and nutrition. The following year, the focus becomes earth science and health, as they study rocks, minerals, oceans, weather as well as the solar system, electricity and magnetism. Field trips are integrated into the curriculum. Reports, research, experiments, and special projects are all part of the science unit. Delta Educational Products Full Option Science (FOSS) mobile units focus upon Magnetism and Electricity, the Physics of Sound, and Ideas and Inventions. Our weather station is incorporated into the science curriculum. The texts used for Science are:
Additional Academic Subjects Third Grade students also receive instruction in Spanish, music/performing arts, computer/technology, religion, library, studio art, and physical education with special curriculum teachers. These subjects are detailed later in this publication.
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