3rd Grade Curricula

I run everyday, all day, on Google Slides. Students gain a confidence from entering the room and always knowing that the Promethean will "tell" them what we are doing. So the following curricula is worked into units that correspond with other curricula. Please view this presentation to see a sample of our day.

Reading:

3rd Grade is a pivotal year. Up until now, students have been learning how to read. This year we move away from learning how to and into reading to learn. Our district uses a phenomenal program called Reader's Workshop. This program will walk us through the reading standards and comprehension through class read alouds and shared reading. We will also have whole class CORE reading and comprehension. Instead of Guided Reading used in the lower grades, we now will have Strategy Groups. These groups help with specific struggles in like groups.

Accelerated Reader (AR) is a reading program your child will use through middle school. Your student will read in class and at home (30 minutes a day for homework). Then they will take a comprehension test on their class Chromebook. The more higher the reading level, the more points they will receive for correct answers. Each student has a personal trimester goal according to their reading level. This goal is worth 100 points each trimester of their reading grade! Search AR Book Find website for book levels and points possible.

Writing:

Studies are showing that writing is possibly the most important aspect to comprehension. When a student writes, they are activating their understanding at a much deeper level than simply answering questions. This year we will gather information to write 5 paragraph essays. The 3 types of writing are informational, opinion, and narrative.

This is an example of the type of writing your child should complete by the end of the year.

Math:

  • Our district uses a program called Eureka. This works well with Zearn.org. If your child is absent, please email or text Remind to ask which lesson he or she should complete.
  • STMath - Jacks Valley Elementary is the only school in our district that uses this "game" to walk through our standards. We expect students to move through this "game" at 3% a week. Students who keep this goal, are expected to pass the 3rd grade end of the year state assessments. This percentage is also worth 100 points on the math grade each trimester.

Word Study / Spelling:

Douglas County School District currently uses Words Their Way for our word study program. We assess a few times a year and students work at their level, not the specific grade level.

Science:

3rd Grade has 2 units of study:

  • Astronomy
  • Butterfly Life Cycle

Social Studies:

Our theme in 3rd grade is American Symbols. We will use state standards to understand while learning about these amazing national monuments.

Other studies:

  • Art is taught by Mrs. Patmont weekly until mid January.
  • Music is taught by Mrs. Kuehner weekly starting mid January.
  • Physical Education is taught my Mrs. Vane weekly all year.