3RD GRADE PROGRAM OF STUDY
2023-24 School Year
LANGUAGE ARTS
Our literacy program enables students to become independent, flexible and resilient readers and writers. Children read a range of literature representing our diverse world through specific genres. They develop strong decoding, self-monitoring skills, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. Our students understand that a text’s meaning is derived through an interchange between the reader and the text. Instruction is scaffolded so that students gradually learn to read increased text complexity. Writing is taught as an explicit skill and with ample time for independent practice using mentor text to guide them. Students create authentic pieces of writing intended for specific audiences and learn how to generate writing ideas across topics and genres. Grammar is explicitly taught and is integrated in authentic writing experiences.
Exit Outcomes
Reading
Reads independently and comprehends books that are on or above grade level with fluency
Demonstrates use of word solving strategies, self monitoring, and self correction when meaning is lost
Decodes multisyllabic words and new vocabulary using knowledge of suffix, prefix, inflected endings, and word chunks
Uses reading skills such as analyzing, inferring, critiquing, and summarizing age appropriate text
Thinks, writes, and discusses within the text, beyond the text, and about text through reflection and interpretation
Reads and explores diverse genres, topics, and characters through novel studies, independent reading, and trade books.
Uses spelling patterns to encode and recognize grade-level words
Writing and Grammar
Creates, revises, and publishes in multiple writing genres, using proper grammar and mechanics skills
Produces multi-paragraph essay using new vocabulary and organization of content
Researches information on a topic of interest to create a writing project
Presents writing pieces to an audience
Experiences that Support Learning
Small group instruction with flexible grouping
Monthly genre-specific book reports
Daily 5 instructional model used to foster independence, partner work, and small group instruction
Hands-on, multi-sensory approach to phonics and spelling
Interdisciplinary novel studies
Interactive read alouds that promote collaborative discussions
Systematic benchmark assessments
Research Projects: Holidays Around the World, Egypt
Leadership opportunities: Reading Buddies
Service Learning opportunities: reading visit to the Humane Society
The math curriculum is conceptual, challenging, uses a spiral approach, and is grounded in best practices. We also strive to make it fun! Children practice math concepts through intentional games and problem solving tasks. Students learn how to reason, think quantitatively, and communicate using models, numbers and words; form mathematical arguments and choose appropriate tools to explore and make meaning; persevere in solving problems; attend to efficiency and accuracy in solutions; and demonstrate computational fluency Math instruction is differentiated to support a range of learners, with grade-level benchmarks that are based on formative assessments.
Exit Outcomes
Operations & Algebraic Thinking
Develops quick recall of basic addition and subtraction facts and uses addition and subtraction facts of whole numbers (up to two digits) to create and solve word problems
Develops an understanding of multiplication as repeated addition
Fluently multiplies within 132 from memory
Adds and subtracts 2 and 3-digit numbers with regrouping
Begins to understand the inverse relationship of multiplication and division
Applies appropriate operation when solving multi-step word problems
Number and Operation in Base Ten
Identifies fractions of a whole, fractions of a set, and equivalent fractions
Understands place value up to the millions place
Represents and compares numbers using number sentences up to 1000
Measurement & Data
Tells time to the nearest minute and calculates elapsed time
Measures with metric units
Geometry
Calculates perimeter and area of regular and irregular polygons
Experiences that Support Learning
Number talks- problem solving conversations to articulate math strategies
Differentiated small group instruction
Technology that supports individualization
Hands on, multi sensory approach to learning
Intentionally utilize games to develop math concepts and skills
MATH
LIBRARY
In Third Grade, students will explore different genres such as historical fiction, sports fiction, mysteries, animal fiction, biographies, and award-winning novels They will select monthly book report titles from our diverse collection. Students will be introduced to age-appropriate online library databases and resources to develop the research skills needed to find and evaluate information. They will continue to use the Alexandria online library catalog to find books by employing keyword, author, title, and subject searches, a skill that will transfer to any other library they use in the future. Students will extend their use of the Dewey Decimal System to locate nonfiction materials by call number and author. They will continue to read books for pleasure, personalized to their interests, all year long from our collection of 24,000 items Third graders will take three STAR Reading assessments and as many AR quizzes as they wish
Exit Outcomes
Discover and explore a variety of literary characters representing our diverse world through multiple genres such as historical fiction, sports fiction, mysteries, biographies, animal fiction, and award-winning novels
Support independent, curious, and flexible readers who are discovering favorite authors and series
Expand understanding of the importance of Formative Five traits
Deepen skills in utilizing the Alexandria Online Catalog to find any book of interest by author, title, subject and keyword searches
Develop usage of the Dewey Decimal System of library classification to find any nonfiction book by call numbe
Expand skills in conducting online and print resource research to find and evaluate information on subjects of interest
Building a basic expertise in how to critically analyze multiple age-appropriate and libraryvetted online resources such as World Book Student
Experiences that Support Learning
Interactive read alouds each week on engaging subjects
Sharing books from diverse authors and illustrators to support awareness of others’ cultures, experiences, and contributions to the world at large
Monthly focus on a specific Formative Five trait (empathy, self-control, integrity, embracing diversity, and grit)
Collaborative class discussions related to the weekly book reading
Weekly hands-on opportunities to explore the sections of the library from which Third Grade readers select books
Librarian and student collaboration on selecting books to check out to read in the classroom and at home, with an emphasis on reading for joy and engagement. Partnering with students to develop enthusiasm for favorite authors, series, and themes of personal interest to each student
SPANISH
When children are exposed to other languages at a young age they will be more likely to be interested in learning it as they grow older, also it helps expand their world and become more aware about other cultures and diversity. Students will begin with greetings, all about me, time, weather, and clothing. We will then progress to daily routines, Hispanic Leaders, parts of the body, Navidad, pets, household objects and chores, family descriptions, food, and meal of the day. Spanish class will also incorporate seasonal vocabulary, geography, art, music, customs, and food from Hispanic cultures
Exit Outcomes
Engages in conversations asks questions, expresses feelings, and exchanges opinions using Spanish vocabulary
Relates the information studied in other subjects to Spanish
Understands Hispanic culture and traditions
Explores technology as a learning tool for the acquisition of Spanish
Experiences that Support Learning
Collaborative discussions
Shared Reading
Interactive Read-Alouds
Modeling
Comparing and contrasting
Retelling
Predicting
Guided conversations
Letter-sound correspondence
MUSIC
In third grade, students experience music through speech, singing, movement, and playing instruments. They will develop their vocal, instrumental, and music reading skills through a variety of songs, pieces, and games. Third graders will continue to learn how to use their musical knowledge to improvise and compose melodic and rhythmic phrases. Through folk dances from around the world, students will continue to develop a sense of beat and rhythm. Over the course of the year, students will listen to a variety of music and work to develop keen listening skills.
Exit Outcomes
Composes pieces with a melody and an accompaniment
Performs uneven dances steps to go along with folk dances
Improvises pentatonic patterns on pitched percussion instruments
Sings partner songs
Performs accompaniment patterns with three chords
Performs, composes, and improves with sixteenth notes
Experiences that Support Learning
Listening to/singing/playing a variety of music
Engaging in creative movement, rhythmic movement, and folk dances
Playing instruments: rhythm sticks, hand drums, xylophones, etc
Reading music notation
Following nonverbal cues from a conductor
Listening critically for elements of music
Performing in front of an audience
ILAB
The third grade curriculum cycles through a 2-year program of study in conjunction with fourth grade. The first rotation includes Sound, Simple Machines, and the Human Body. During the first trimester, students will investigate sounds all around them. They will build original instruments based on their knowledge of how vibrations create sound waves. Next, these young engineers will learn about the six different simple machines and build models to represent each one. In the spring, students will explore the structural system of the human body and dissect owl pellets
The second year rotation focuses on Water, Electricity and Magnetism, and Structures of Life. Young scientists begin the year by studying water and investigating its properties, surface tension, temperature, and the water cycle. In the winter, the focus will turn towards electricity where students will have the opportunity to create electrical circuits and investigate robotics. The spring is filled with investigations involving life cycles and the classification of different living organisms.
Exit Outcomes
Uses and understands the scientific method
Illustrates and labels a scientific diagram
Uses vocabulary to identify and explain concepts
Can explain how cycles change both living and nonliving things
Identifies the properties of objects and matter and how those properties change when acted upon
Conducts independent research on scientific concepts and shares findings
Experiences that Support Learning
Uses standard units to measure
Hands-on, multi sensory approach which includes experiments, construction, and artsbased projects
Creates models to illustrate scientific concepts
Designs and engineers prototypes Incorporates technology to support learning
Keeps an organized lab notebook to record data and observations
Works collaboratively with a lab partner and in small groups
ART
Art in Third Grade is once a week for an hour and focuses on particular periods in art history, specific artists, and art from other cultures in correlation with the classroom social studies units of Australia, Africa and South America. The art elements of line, shape, texture, design, form and color are reviewed and reinforced. Projects include painting, collage, clay, printmaking, sculpture using recyclables and more. Our goal is to help each student build confidence in their art abilities, learn creative thinking skills, and view art as a form of communication. Our expectation of children is that they do their best and that they respect the materials in the art room and each other. Student artwork is continually displayed outside the art room. 3D projects and Holiday projects go home as they are finished; the rest of the artwork goes home at the end of the year
ART
Exit Outcomes
Distinguishes between negative and positive space as a design element
Creates skin tones with different mediums
Learns about various movements in art history such as Impressionism, Pop Art, expressionism
Is exposed to native american art, and mexican art
Is exposed to Aboriginal Art
Is exposed to African Art and cross cultural connections
Can Identify specific artists
Can use glaze on ceramic
Can create a mobile
Can create a faux batik using a resist method
Explores symbolism in other cultures
Continues to be exposed to new artists and styles
Becomes aware of the proportions of a body
Creates a faux Linoleum block print and learns to use cutting tools and how to get a successful print
Learns some craft skills like knotting and sewing
Learn to draw from observation and to use references
Experiences that Support Learning
Examples and discussion about artwork showing different styles and periods
Inclusion in all projects the students freedom to create individualized expression and content within the boundaries of the objectives of an assignment
Examples and discussion about artwork from different countries and cultures
Modeling/demonstration of technique and correct usage of various materials, including but not limited to clay, printmaking supplies, watercolor and tempera paint, low temperature glue gun, recyclables etc
Demonstration/instruction on making a mandala (symmetrical design)
Modeling/demonstration of how to identify and pick out shapes to draw objects
Demonstration of cloth resist method
Modeling/demonstration drawing of a face
Hands on art making experience in every class
Praise and use of examples of artwork of classmates
Use of examples of artifacts (for ex. Masks from all over the world)
One on one dialogue and help as needed with students to determine their goals in art and how best to achieve them
Availability of a variety of materials and visual references