In third grade, we follow the trade routes known as the Silk Road from China through the Middle East and on to Europe. 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.