Elementary
Grade 3
Theme in third grade is, literally and figuratively, an adventure.
In third grade, we follow the voyage of Marco Polo from Venice to Istanbul, and on to China. En route, we discover that trading is about not only the exchange of goods, but also the exchange of knowledge, belief systems and cultures.
Language Arts
The third grade reading program is literature-based, and instills in students a love and appreciation of literature. Students move beyond the literal meaning of the text to the inferential and respond independently and personally to the literature. For writing, we use the Lucy Caulkin’s “Writer’s Workshop” format. Focusing on the writing process, students draft, revise, edit, and proofread their stories. They learn to develop topics, understand story structure, and write fluently. Students write from personal experience to create original, imaginative stories, and also write journal entries, letters, poetry, and a short research report.
Mathematics
Through the math program, students learn to perceive mathematical relationships, including those in computational and non-computational situations, and move from concrete to abstract problem solving. Third graders build their knowledge of numeration, computation, logical reasoning and relationships, measurement, and geometry through real-world scenarios and hands-on problem solving. Students use manipulatives and math materials in activities that are both playful and engaging.
Click here to view the entire Grade 3 Curriculum, which includes a comprehensive overview of Science, Technology, World Language, the Arts, and Athletics, as well as information on Language Arts and Mathematics.
Examples of thematic projects that happen throughout the year:
Students prepare for their Marco Polo voyage by creating passports and engaging in a simulated flight to Venice, Italy. From then on, it is one adventure after another! As we “travel," we engage in experiential activities that relate to the region where we are, such as building a Venetian palazzo, creating bold Carnival masks and making our own delicious homemade raviolis in Venice; conducting research, creating authentic tile designs, and exploring Middle Eastern carpet making in Instanbul; and learning calligraphy, creating delicate scrolls and participating in traditional dance in China. It is a joyful curriculum that celebrates risk-taking and being open to other perspectives.
Search
Affiliations
Charles River School is a PreKindergarten through Grade 8 independent school that honors the pursuit of academic excellence and the joy of childhood. We nurture each child by igniting curiosity, encouraging creativity, and cultivating intellectual engagement. Our graduates know themselves, understand others, and shape the future of our diverse world with confidence and compassion.