Grade 3

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.

Examples of thematic projects

• conducting research on and creating authentic tile designs
• creating Chinese scrolls
• building a Venetian palazzo

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.

Examples of literature choices that may be used to support our reading and thematic learning:

• Where the Mountain Meets the Moon
• The Turtle of Oman

Examples of writing skills:

• Compare and contrast; Summary; and Narrative organization
• Organization of ideas into paragraphs

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.

Skills include:

• Multiplying using number lines, equal groups, and arrays 
• Solving attribute and logic problems
• Measuring perimeter and area using standard and non-standard units

Third graders journey from Venice, Italy through the Middle East, India, and on to China, exploring the geography and cultures of these regions. Students learn that trade was not only goods, but also ideas, inventions, customs, beliefs, and the arts. Through research and hands-on activities, students make strong connections between various cultures.

Skills

• Explicit instruction on note taking
• Using graphic organizers to organize information 
• Presenting ideas and information
• Reading and labeling maps, using a key, scale, and compass rose
• Analyzing non-fiction text structures

Our science program enables students to learn about the scientific process through a hands-on program. Students learn how to collaborate, communicate, and develop critical thinking skills through age-appropriate experiments and activities that allow them to work together, discuss and predict, and make connections.

Units may include:

Life Cycle of a Silkworm

• Raising silkworms, measuring growth and development, recording observations with words & sketches
• Compare and contrast Cicada life cycle (incomplete) vs. Silkworm life cycle (complete)
• Analyzing silkworm survival data & how temperature affects survival rate

Wetland Study

• Animals that live in the Wetland – wood frogs, salamanders, snakes
• Indicators of climate change

While the process of learning new tools is inherently valuable (growth mindset, exploration, logic, sequential thinking, curiosity), ultimately we teach technology because of the opportunities it can provide for students to improve themselves and make a positive impact on the world.

In third grade, the focus is on introducing new computer science topics (variables, function calls), basic video editing, voice-over narration, home-row keyboarding, animation, building and programming robotics, graphic design, online safety, and building circuits.

Example projects include:

• building circuits to highlight information on a physical map
• creating animated stories
• narrating architectural videos
• programming Lego Mindstorm robots to respond to sensor input

Third grade art is a sequential program integrating the life of a student and thematic studies with an in-depth study of studio art.  Students complete projects such as Venetian stained-glass windows and Chinese brush gesture paintings to connect to the classroom theme of The Silk Route.

Example projects include:

• Stained glass window collage (use of color and shape in composition)
• Full body self portrait painting (quality of line to capture a pose/stance)
• Geometric and arabesque patterns in rug designs (focus on positive/negative space)

In third grade, students begin to experience the French language and Francophone cultures through food-related vocabulary, songs and cooking. While the majority of experiences are with listening and speaking in the target language, some familiarity with written language and conventions is also introduced.  Lessons continually refer back to travel and the importance of geography and climate on each country’s culture. This allows for relevant connections to the class theme of Marco Polo’s travels.  Students build their knowledge of French and world cultures through food, music, games, art, and simulated conversations. They learn several food-related terms (ingredients, utensils and actions), how to introduce themselves, and discuss their food preferences. 

Example activities include:

• Learning the traditional recipes of French-speaking countries like France, Sénégal, Haiti, and the Canadian Province of Québec to practice language skills and enhance cultural understanding

The Physical Education program is developmental and skill-based. In grade three, children develop their skill levels and learn to work together as a team. They strive toward greater awareness of others and receive an introduction to sports skills.

Example skills and activities include:

• Development of body and spatial awareness
• Focus cooperation, teamwork, and sportsmanship
• obstacle courses, stations, and relays

In third grade, students are encouraged to become more independent in their use of library resources and are given formal instruction on using the online library catalog database. Students are also introduced to the Dewey Decimal System and practice locating both fiction and nonfiction books in the library. During weekly read-alouds, students continue to work on active listening and critical thinking skills as we look at more sophisticated plot lines, character development, and comparative literature.

Example literature Appreciation and Information Literacy Skills include:

• Active listening
• Comprehension Skills: Analysis of plot, characters, storylines
• Demonstrate awareness of literature from various cultures
• Demonstrate awareness of literature from different genres
• Independent use of online computer card catalog

In third grade, students will learn to sing with a full, relaxed tone, and learn to blend with the group while singing rounds. Third graders will study the recorder and glockenspiel, and continue to learn to read and write standard notation and analyze musical forms and structures. Students will compose and notate pieces, learning the basics of what makes a singable melody. The classroom theme provides opportunities for an exploration of music from many cultures. Students are exposed to folk and classical styles of Italy and China through listening and experimentation with movement, traditional instruments, and vocal styles.

Example skills and units include:

• Participation in Eurhythmics exercises, folk dance, rhythm stick games, and expressive movement
• Traditional Chinese dancing with ribbons, fans, and/or chopsticks taught by local Chinese dance instructors
• Learning of rhythmic theory, including quarter, eighth, sixteenth and half note values and rests
• Introduction to reading and writing music notation in treble clef