Curriculum is what is taught. It is taught through words (oral or written), books, examples or my example, computer software (a couple of hours a week for my class) or a classmate, songs or games, trips or visitors, projects or research and many more
methods. Much of it is taught with the help of technology such as the smart board or computers. Here is an explanation of the subjects taught in third grade and a list of when they are taught.
Third Grade Plans for Each Nine Weeks
These are only general guidelines and many skills and topics are taught all year. The placement here indicates the quarter of expected mastery.
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First |
Second |
Third |
Fourth |
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Themes |
Character
Manners |
Family
Holidays |
Goal Setting
Planning |
Character traits |
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Math |
Numeration
Place Value
Add/Subtract
Multiplication |
Multiplication
Division
Patterns
Word Problems |
Problem Solving
Geometry
Fractions
Decimals
Measurement |
Word Problems Measurement
Data
Graphing
Review |
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Spelling |
Word families and content vocabulary words are used throughout the year. |
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Social Studies
Citizenship |
Community
Folktales |
Heroes
Community- local
Families |
Geography
Community- state |
Economics
Community- our region |
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Science |
Space- sun, moon and stars |
Bones and Skeleton |
Plants and soil |
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Reading |
Decoding
Fluency
Main Idea
Fantasy
Summary
Plot
Folktakes |
Vocabulary
Predictions
Directions
Questioning
Connection
Fantasy
Legends |
Comprehension
Point of View
Sequence
Conflict
Cause/Effect
Reader's Theater |
Author's Purpose
Fact/Opinion
Inferences
Conclusions |
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Writing |
Conventions
Parts of speech
Sentences |
Paragraphs
Topic sentences
Drafts |
Story planning
Parts of story
Conflict/ resolution |
Final products
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Information Skills and Technology |
Copyright/FairUse
Safe use
Vocabulary
Google tools
Wiki/blog |
Word processing
Email
Communication
Spreadsheets
Research |
Multimedia
Information tech
Social media
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Concepts/terms
Presentations and products |
MATH
Math is a fun subject in third grade. I teach as a whole class, review through small group, partner and independent activities and projects. The biggest part of third grade math, and the biggest change, is that we base all math on problem solving- word problems. I have found that in life no one asks me "What is $30 minus 3 times 5?" They say "I need three tickets at $5, but I want to buy some popcorn and candy so how much change will I get for my $30?" Third grade math is all about word problems and the End of Grade Test is all about real life math.
On math HW students need to underline the numbers they use and circle the question they need to answer and show all work. In class, students will need to explain how they got the answer as we grade the homework. This is a very important skill and no "answer only" homework will be accepted! Homework is always a review of the skills taught or real life activities.
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READING
We have reading as part of our language arts block all afternoon. The overwhelming majority of this time is spent reading non fiction. We read in a large group, in small groups and independently. The best way to be a better reader OR writer is to read, so we read. We have mini-lessons in class nearly every day and practice skills needed to be better readers. By using computer programs, students will increase their reading speed and comprehension. We will write, draw, discuss and more to increase understanding. Students produce a variety of products to demonstrate learning.
In addition, we practice answering questions similar to what is found on the End of Grade test. One unique feature in our room is a personalized bookmark that helps students know what level they are allowed to read in AR and reminds them of what they should be doing as they read either in a group or independently.
In addition, students are to read 30 minutes a day at home and write a summary on the planner section for that day. Parent interest in the book, and discussion about the book, will improve comprehension.
North Carolina Language Arts Curriculum
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WRITING
Third grade writing this year will be connected to content (math, science, social studies, etc.). All writing, for all subjects, must be written in correct form, following grammar and punctuation rules. It is very important to use COPS (Capitals, Organization with one idea well developed with details in each paragraph, Punctuation and Spelling that is as correct as possible.)
SPELLING
Each morning we have Words Their Way. Students go to a room appropriate for their ability and work in small groups. This program uses words from our content area or spelling families, in order to help students learn both the vocabulary of third grade and the basic rules of spelling. Learning the rules will help students become better spellers AND better readers. Spelling counts on the writing test and all class work.
Social studies and science are taught after lunch and with language arts. They involve a lot of hands-on activities and reading in the content area. The SS theme is citizenship and communities. Science covers plants and soil, moon and stars and the skeletal system of the human body.
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Swain West Elementary Mrs. Peoples Third Grade Supply List
large box of tissues
pencils- 10 or more
3 marble bound composition book
zippered pencil pouch. Please do not send a box, we do not have room!
3 ring binder less than 2 inch, please, due to space issues. Get the kind with a clear pocket in the front, please!
2 packages wide ruled notebook paper OPTIONAL ITEMS WE CAN USE:
personal head phones- in a ziplock bag glue sticks
colored pencils and/or markers scissors
flat, plastic clipboard hand sanitizer
highlighters pull out disinfectant wipes
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