Reading
Third graders are learning to read like detectives! Students are learning to read more closely and find evidence for their answers to comprehension questions. They learn to read a variety of genres. Third graders participate in reading workshop, guided reading groups, comprehension lessons, read-alouds, and independent reading. I love to share my favorite books with the children!
Writing
Third graders write in many forms over the course of the school year. The three main types are narrative writing, opinion writing, and informative writing. Students will participate in writing workshop and will learn many different writing strategies using books from mentor authors like Patricia Polacco and Dav Pilkey. Students will also learn to write in response to given prompts. They will write to explain their thinking in math too. There will be many opportunities to write!
Homework
Homework will be modified at the start of school year. Typically, ELA homework will vary during the school year. Often, the assignments will be to read a short passage and answer comprehension questions. Students should read at least 20 minutes per night.
Units of Study
The following topics will be taught this year (not necessarily in this order):
Meaning/Properties of Multiplication and Division
Addition/Subtraction, Place Value, Time, Measurement
Multiplication and Division
Area Measurement
Fractions
Collecting/Displaying Data and Geometry
Homework
Please have your child review the lesson and problems done in class before beginning the homework assignment. In addition, your child should practice math facts for automatic recall. By the end of third grade, students should know addition, subtraction, multiplication and division facts by heart.
*Please remember to save corrected assignments to review for upcoming tests.
How are the United States and other world communities similar and different? Third grade units/ topics will be: Community, Thinking Like a Historian, Primary Sources, US & Global Government, Important Documents, Structures of Government, Conflict and Compromise, Citizens, Patriotism, National Symbols, Holidays, Memorials and Monuments, Geography: Map Skills, Five themes of Geography, Location, Physical Characteristics, Human Characteristics, Human & Environmental Interaction
Third grade units are in Earth Science, Physical Science, and Life Science. Students will participate in hands-on exploratory labs during each trimester. We will be using the Carolina Science program and curriculum as well as Mystery Science (which the children LOVE!!)
Trimester 1- Forces and Interactions
Trimester 2 - Life in Ecosystems
Trimester 3 - Weather and Climate Patterns
Students will be given a study guide at least 3 nights in advance of upcoming tests. Please help your child to review vocabulary and facts.
Utilizing Lion's Quest as well as a variety of online materials students will focus on building core emotional strength and confidence, and third graders will have the opportunity to grow as citizens alongside their peers.
Students will have the opportunity to be part of learning in a student-driven model where they are able to explore driving questions and seek out their answers with the teacher acting as a facilitator or coach. For example, last year, students created a blueprint for a successful school carnival using what they learned about area and perimeter to help them. We often do these projects as a "Fun Friday" incentive and students find these challenges captivating and get competitive as well!