Curriculum

LANGUAGE ARTS

We have been working to integrate our reading and writing instruction.

  • Guided Reading
    • Mini lessons are presented on reading comprehension skills using various read alouds.
    • Students work with different texts to generalize these skills.
    • Finally, students work in small groups for guided reading, strategy groups, reading centers, and conferences. These provide students with authentic, independent reading and writing activities so that specific needs can be met.
    • Students will work on vocabulary, spelling, grammar, writing skills, current events, and exploration of scientific concepts all within our language arts instruction.

Reader's Response on Google Classroom: 3rd graders are expected to demonstrate their thinking as readers. Skills and strategies will be modeled, and then students complete entries assigned to the class electronically. Students can access Google Classroom from anywhere with internet access by logging into their gmail accounts.

  • Writer's Workshop
    • Whole Group Mini-Lesson: Teacher gives instruction and models writing
    • Individual Writing & Conferencing: Teacher can confer with students to focus on their needs and move them along as writers
    • Share: We will come back together as a group to share our work and end the workshop

*Students will keep writer's notebooks where they will practice skills.

*Genre pieces will be completed each marking period to conclude each writing unit.

*Grammar teaching points will be presented authentically during writing instruction and skills will be infused into writing pieces.

  • SPELLING
    • Students will complete sorts to determine spelling patterns they need to work with.
    • Students will be given differentiated spelling lists weekly. Different spelling activities, assignments, and games will be available, each holding a different value on a point system.
    • Students will be required to complete a certain (differentiated) number of points for the week in order to practice their spelling pattern.
    • Students can choose which activities to complete at the spelling center and at home if necessary to finish the point requirement by Friday.

MATH

We teach content through problem solving, reasoning, communication, connections, representations, and technology.

This is our third year working with the BRIDGES mathematics and number corner program to blend instruction, investigation, and exploration.

Main topics of study will be:

            • Unit 1: Addition & Subtraction Patterns
            • Unit 2: Introduction to Multiplication
            • Unit 3: Multi-Digit Addition and Subtraction
            • Unit 4: Measurement and Fractions
            • Unit 5: Multiplication, Division, and Area
            • Unit 6: Geometry
            • Unit 7: Extending Multiplication & Fractions
            • Unit 8: Bridge Design and Construction: Data Collection & Analysis


SOCIAL STUDIES: Marking periods 1 & 3

We will use a combination of different resources to learn about the beginning of our nation:

        • Maps and Economics
        • Native Americans
        • Colonial America
        • Government
        • New Jersey


SCIENCE: Marking Period 2 & 4

The curriculum focuses on enhancing students' curiosity to make sense of the world around them. This curriculum will be integrated with language arts, as students will learn to experiment, research, and present information. We aim to provide a stimulating environment where students can observe and explore!

Units of Study:

          • Weather
          • Forces & Interactions
          • Traits, Animals, Adaptations, Ecosystems