Math

     We use the Pearson Investigations Curriculum.  Our students are collaborating, investigating, and problem-solving to build upon their skills and learn new concepts.  In third grade, we study the following concepts:

• Understanding Equal Groups (Investigating Multiplication)

• Multiplication and Division Facts

• Data & Graphing

• Addition and Subtraction Strategies

• Geometry (Perimeter, Area, & Polygons)

• Fractions

• Using Larger Numbers & Multi-Step Problem-Solving

Reading

     Reading workshop instruction typically includes a mini-lesson focused on a specific skill or topic, meetings in reading groups, one-on-one conferences, independent reading, and writing reading responses.  There is a lot of time devoted to reading and learning and practicing how to think deeply about what we read.  We cover the following units:

• Launching Reading Workshop (Introducing Skills & Structure)

• Communities in Realistic Fiction

• Mysteries

• Author Study: Works of Dick King-Smith

• Fairytales & Folktales

Writing

     Third grade writing instruction also follows a workshop model.  Typically, this consists of a whole group lesson focused on a specific skill or strategy, lots of time to write and practice, one-on-one conferences, and sharing work.  In third grade, we work on these writing units:

• Crafting True Stories (Personal Narrative)

• Informational Texts (Nonfiction)

• Changing the World (Persuasive Essays)

• Adapted Fairytales

Other Literacy Work

     As part of the balanced literacy program in third grade, students also work on cursive writing, typing, and phonics.  We study spelling patterns and practice applying them in isolation and through reading and writing work.  Students use Typing.com to learn and practice typing.  

Social Studies

     In third grade, students engage in the study of a variety of topics around the land and history of Massachusetts.  Through a variety of hands-on activities, field trips, and non-fiction literature, students learn more about the state where they live.  We study the following topics:

• What is History? (Introduction to the Study of History)

• Massachusetts Geography

• The Wampanoag

• The Pilgrims

• Colonial Newton and Boston

Science

     Third grade scientists build their observation and critical thinking skills as they investigate a wide variety of topics about the world around them.  We learn about the following units:

• Trees

• States of Matter

• Tents and Towers (Engineering)

• Amphibians