Literacy

Third grade literacy instruction (reading, writing, and language) is taught using the literacy workshop model.  The literacy workshop starts with a 10-15 minute mini-lesson, followed by independent and small group work.

"I Can" statements for literacy:

Literature

• I can ask and answer questions to demonstrate understanding of a text.

• I can recount stories and determine the lesson using key details from the text.

• I can determine the meaning of words and phrases used in a text.

Informational Text

• I can ask and answer questions to demonstrate understanding of a text.

• I can compare and contrast key details between two texts.

• I can determine the main idea and supporting details of a text.

Language

• I can demonstrate standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking.

• I can demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English capitalization, punctuation, and spelling when writing.

Writing

• I can write opinion pieces using reasons to support.

• I can write informative texts to examine a topic and convey information and ideas clearly.

• I can write a personal narrative or story with descriptive details and a clear sequence of events.

Math

Math instruction in third grade is taught using the Launch-Explore-Summarize method.  Students are presented with a problem to solve, given time to explore ways to solve the problem independently, with a partner or in a small group, then brought back together as a whole group to discuss possible solution ideas.

"I Can" statements for math:

Operations and Algebraic Thinking

• I can represent and solve problems involving multiplication and division.

• I can understand properties of multiplication and the relationship between multiplication and division.

• I can multiply and divide within 100.

• I can solve problems involving the four operations, and identify and explain patterns in multi-digit arithmetic.

Numbers and Base Ten

• I can understand place value and how to add/subtract/multiply fluently.

Numbers and Operations - Fractions

• I can demonstrate an understanding of fractions as part of a whole.

Measurement and Data

• I can solve problems involving measurement and estimation of intervals of time, liquid volume, and masses of objects.

• I can understand concepts of area and relate to multiplication and to addition.

Geometry

• I can name shapes in different categories based on their attributes.

Science

"I Can..." Statements

• I can demonstrate an understanding that animals and habitats change over time.

• I can demonstrate an understanding that plants reproduce and pass on traits through pollination and fruiting.

• I can demonstrates an understanding of how to predict weather based on the clouds, wind, location on Earth, and other weather clues.

• I can understand that force is created by invisible pushes and pulls.

Social Studies

"I Can..." Statements

• • • • • I can demonstrate an understanding of what causes people to move from one place to another and the effects of settling in a new place.

        • I can demonstrate an understanding of how oppression forces people to move to a new place and the effects of settling in a new place.

        • I can demonstrate an understanding of what factors, forces, or reasons caused people to move from one geographic area to another and how that has affected how we live.