3rd Grade

Third graders read many types of texts - literary, informational, and practical. They use a variety of reading strategies to construct meaning from text. They read silently for extended periods of time for pleasure and for information. Third graders learn to write a variety of poetry and prose and can support their ideas with references to their reading. They will use rewriting activities, revise their writing for meaning, and edit for grammar.

* Use phonics knowledge (e.g., initial and final consonants, consonant blends, digraphs, long and short vowels, rhyming words) to decode words when reading text 

* Use structural analysis (e.g., knowledge of syllables, prefixes, suffixes, root words) to decode words when reading text 

* Use syllabication generalizations to divide words correctly 

* Recognize compound words 

* Use synonyms, antonyms, and homonyms 

* Use word knowledge and context clues to discover

meaning of unfamiliar words 

* Compare simple analogy statements / relationship of paired words 

* Understand commonly used idioms and multiple

meanings of words 

* Develop understanding of new words related to literary genre and other content reading

* Read narrative informational text as a primary learning strategy 

* Preview selections by using titles, headings, pictures, photographs, highlighted words and captions to think about information prior to reading 

* Define and distinguish between the topic, the main idea, and details 

* Identify correct sequence and summarize a short selection 

* Answer recall questions regarding specific detail 

* Interpret author's meaning through figurative language, distinguishing between fact and fiction, identifying character traits and feelings, inferring cause and effect, drawing conclusions 

* Connect personal experiences and prior knowledge with the text

* Recognize and discuss various kinds of literature 

* Identify and analyze major story elements (plot, setting, story, and characters) 

* Show evidence of using comprehension strategies (e.g., prediction, sequencing, summarizing, problem/conflict, solution, and character analysis) 

* Participate in a variety of oral reading experiences 

* Recognize rhythm patterns in poetry

* Use the five step process: pre-writing, drafting, revising, editing, publishing 

* Identify the topic sentence in a passage 

* Write a paragraph which includes a topic sentence, at least four supporting sentences, and a concluding sentence 

* Write a friendly letter using correct punctuation and format 

* Write a creative story which includes introduction, problem, and solution 

* Edit and revise written work with adult and peer input 

* Capitalize and punctuate properly 

* Identify parts of speech (nouns, pronouns, verbs, adjectives and adverbs) 

* Show agreement between subject and predicate 

* Differentiate between plurals and possessives 

* Identify complete sentences from fragments and run-ons 

* Share and discuss writing with peers and adults 

* Demonstrate mastery of manuscript writing (printing) and learn to use cursive writing 

* Increase spelling proficiency by learning basic phonics and spelling rules 

* Alphabetize to the third letter 

* Use a dictionary and learn to use guide words 

* Use reference materials including encyclopedias, maps, and atlases 

* Use a library system to access books and materials 

* Publish a story or report using word processing

* Give oral presentations

MATHEMATICS

Our math program is designed to teach basic skills, and to foster the development of logical thinking skills and problem solving skills.

* Add, subtract 4 digit numbers with regrouping 

* Know multiplication facts to 10 

* Multiply three place numbers by one number (342 x 3) 

* Perform simple division problems 

* Understand vocabulary related division 

* Read, write and count, order and compare place value to 10,000. Estimate and round to 1000 

* Understand the relationship of the four basic mathematical

processes 

* Recognize fractions, add and subtract fractions with common denominators 

* Add and subtract simple decimals

* Estimate and find area and perimeter. 

* Understand simple unit conversions ( eg. minutes - hours, centimeters - meters) 

* Know and use units of measurement in metric system 

* Use standard measurement 

* Tell time to the minute 

* Know geometric terms: symmetry, size, angle, congruent, location 

* Identify, name, describe: polygons, quadrilaterals, triangles, and circles 

* Be familiar with Celsius and Fahrenheit thermometers 

* Identify and count bills and coins. Make change and read money

* Fill in missing numbers and operation signs in addition and subtraction, multiplication, and division 

* Identify greater than and less than, equal to, and use appropriately 

* Understand and express relationships between number facts and their families 

* Be able to recognize, describe, and continue numeric and linear patterns

* Classify, record, and summarize results of probability experience 

* Collect, display, and analyze data on a bar graph 

* Be able to interpret data on a bar, line, pie graph and Venn diagram

* Use mental math to do problems quickly without paper or pencil 

* Be able to evaluate the reasonableness of an answer 

* Communicate mathematical thinking orally and in writing by using pictures, symbols, words, and numbers 

* Apply math skills to word problems

SOCIAL STUDIES

Geography:

* Oceans, Rivers, Forests, Plains, Mountains, and Deserts 

* How geography affects plants, animals, and people who live in these regions

Native Americans:

* Kwakiuti 

* Cheyenne 

* Navajo

* Plymouth 

* Life in the Eastern Forest 

* The Wilderness Road 

* Passages to the West 

* An Early Prairie Town 

* Life in a Mining Community

SCIENCE

Our goal in the science program is to develop ecologically aware students who have an appreciation and enjoyment of science through:

* Knowledge of the scientific process 

* Integration of science with other curricular areas 

* Common scientific vocabulary 

* Common core of knowledge 

* Hands on approach to scientific discovery 

* Application of science and technology 

* Knowledge and respect for hazardous materials

* Heat 

* Light 

* Sound

* Geology 

* Erosion 

* Metamorphic 

* Igneous 

* Sedimentary 

* Aggregates 

* Mineral 

* Core 

* Mantle 

* Crust 

* Weathering

* Ecosystems 

* Adaptations

MUSIC AND ART

Music and art are year round activities that are included in all grade level programs. Sing-alongs, creating one's own songs and music appreciation are stressed. Art is conducted by the classroom teacher and offers a variety of art and crafts, not only in the formal art class, but as an enrichment to the daily curriculum.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

Students participate weekly in a formal P.E. class and at other times through the week with the classroom teacher. Our program is a balanced one designed to promote muscle development, coordination, and balance. The program includes:

* Basic motor skills 

* Game skills 

* Rhythm and dance 

* Individual and team sport skills 

* Sportsmanship

ADDITIONAL PROGRAMS

Your child will have an opportunity to participate in several special programs, including:

* Computer education, lab or classroom 

* Library 

* Art Docents