About

Third Grade is an pivotal elementary grade-level, where a scholar's academic journey becomes even more important. It is at this grade, scholars are expected to be more focused on their studies since several state-wide tests are taken. These standardized tests are given to evaluate scholars' proficiency at the grade-level and to expands the foundational knowledge learned in the previous years to ensure that each scholar will become successful in his/her transition from third grade onwards. 

Some curricula used at 3rd Grade are:

ELA Curriculum

• Reading Horizon: This is one of the ELA curriculum used to build scholars' proficiency in phonemic awareness, phonics, reading, spelling, dictation and other foundational skills needed to become fluent readers.

• Arts & Letters: This is another district-wide ELA curriculum that provides support for proficiency in reading comprehension, writing and other skills that expand scholars ability in literacy.

Math Curriculum

• eVision Math: Provides comprehensive 3rd Grade math instructions through the use of hands-on SMART experiences for scholars based on the concepts they are expected to learn, and will be tested on.

Science 

InspireScience: This science program use at 3rd Grade at Halifax County Schools provides real-world experiences to scholars which allows them to  explore their curiosity meaningfully, and become critical thinkers. In the state of North Carolina the 3rd Grade science curriculum consists of the following strands; 

1. Matter and its Interactions: PS.3.1 Understand the structure and properties of matter before and after they undergo a change. 

2. Motion and Stability- Forces and Interactions: PS.3.2 Understand motion and factors that affect motion. 

3. Energy: PS.3.3 Understand how energy can be transferred from one object to another. 

4. From Molecules to Organisms- Structures and Processes: LS.3.1 Understand human body systems and how they are essential for life: protection, movement, and support & LS.3.2 Understand how plant structures aid in survival.  

5. Ecosystems - Interactions, Energy, and Dynamics: LS.3.3 Understand how environmental factors aid in the survival of plants. 

6. Earth’s Place in the Universe: ESS.3.1 Remember the major components and patterns observed in the earth/moon/sun system. 

7. Earth’s Systems: ESS.3.2 Understand the structures of the Earth’s surface using models. 

Social- Studies

The Inspire Social-Studies program is a district-wide curriculum used at 3rd Grade. It provides learning experiences tailored to the NCDPI curriculum for this subject which consists of the following strands; 

1. Behavioral Sciences: 3.B.1 Understand how values and beliefs of individuals and groups influence communities. 

2. Civics and Government: 3.C&G.1 Understand the structure and function of state and local government. 

3. Economics: 3.E.1 Understand how economic decisions and resources affect the local economy.

4. Geography: 3.G.1 Understand how geography impacts the development of regions and communities. 

5. History: 3.H.1 Understand how various people and historical events have shaped local communities.

Here are some important resources use in 3rd Grade:

• https://ncdpi.instructure.com/courses/12806/pages/k-12-unpacking-documents 

• 12-Powerful Academic Words PDF