3rd Grade Program of Study, 2025-26 School Year

3RD GRADE PROGRAM OF STUDY 2025-26 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

MATH 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 gradelevel benchmarks that are based on formative assessments.

MATH 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

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 Air and Space.

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 more about the atmosphere that surrounds our planet as well as how our planet compares and contrasts to others in our solar system. After spring break, the focus shifts to Lego Robotics and Coding where students will follow schematics to engineer robots to perform specific tasks and apply basic programming.

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. After spring break, the focus shifts to Lego Robotics and Coding where students will follow schematics to engineer robots to perform specific tasks and apply basic programming.

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 Engineers robots to perform simple tasks Designs, plans, and build planned and openended projects

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 Designs and engineers prototypes using Lego Follows schematics accurately Understands and applies basic programming Works as a team to plan, problem solve, troubleshoot, and edit

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. This year, art projects are integrated with some of the English and social studies units students study in the classroom. The art elements of line, shape, form, space, color, value, and texture 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.

As the year progresses, look in the hallway outside of — and across from — the art room to see their wonderful artwork. 3D projects and holiday projects will go home as they are finished; the rest of the artwork will go home at the end of the school year.

ART Exit Outcomes Learns about various movements in art history Further explores radial symmetry Takes a deeper look at art from different cultures Can identify specific artists Explores symbolism and motifs in other cultures Continues to be exposed to new artists and styles Becomes aware of the proportions of a body Learns to draw from observation and to use references Can properly apply glaze on ceramics Continues to work on portraiture Learns to connect art to other content areas Builds on collage and layering skills

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, 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 Modeling/demonstration drawing of a face Hands-on art making experience in every class Praise and use of examples of artwork of classmates 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