Reading: Students begin using more specific reading skills and strategies in third grade. The students will begin reading chapter books. Using the Common Core reading program, Journeys by Houghton Mifflin, students’ attention is on text-based comprehension (fiction, non fiction text) as well as decoding, fluency, speaking, grammar and listening skills. The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane, Because of Winn-Dixie, The Tiger Rising, and Mouse and the Motorcycle are well loved third grade class novels. In writing students will now incorporate more complex vocabulary, create strong main ideas and details in opinion writing as well as.
Writing: Third graders focus on writing paragraphs using topic sentences, main ideas, supporting details and conclusions. Using Journeys and the Step Up to Writing program, students build writing proficiency. Students also learn cursive writing in 3rd grade.
Math: The third grade Everyday Math curriculum is fully aligned with Common Core Standards. Third grade students are exposed to and master many common core math concepts including: number and numeration, operations and computation, data and chance, measurement and reference frames, geometry patterns, functions, and algebra. Computation skills are also important. Third graders learn to master their multiplication tables up to the number12 through timed tests.
Technology: We have 1:1 Chromebook ratio in the 3rd grade. Third grade is an exciting year for technology because it is the first year of using Chromebooks instead of iPads. Throughout the year, the students work on improving their typing speed and accuracy, create assignments on google slides, use google classroom to complete assignments, and navigating through our third grade website to access extra resources as well.
Science: Our rigorous science curriculum, Stemscopes, is fully aligned with the Next Generation Science Standards. Third graders attend class in the science lab twice per week exploring objects and motion, electric and magnetic forces, life cycles, social and group behavior, traits, survival, weather and natural hazards. The curriculum combines digital resources, supplemental print, and hands-on STEM experiences that engage every type of learner.
Spanish: Students meet once a week with Señora Williams for introductory Spanish.
Social Studies: In third grade, students study Native American tribes of California. The emphasis is on the local tribes that lived near San Jose, in addition to landforms, economics and government.
Physical Education: The emphasis of P.E. is on body and locomotive movement. Students participate in physical activities twice a week that are enjoyable and challenging. In addition to the curriculum, sportsmanship and teamwork play a significant role in our program.
Art: Students meet weekly with art teacher, Mrs. Horowitz, to create a variety of masterpieces focusing on various art media, art appreciation, and art history.
Music: Students collaborate weekly to learn new songs, sing in harmony and learn vocal techniques.
Religion: Our Catholic faith is integrated throughout the day and is also taught as a core academic subject. Religion classes emphasize family life, social justice, and Christian service. The religion curriculum is supported through the Christ Our Life text by Loyola Press. Students learn God is great and good and that they each have unique gifts to serve others.
Service to Others: Third graders participate in a variety of service projects as a way of learning about Christian values. Every other month, they create projects for the elderly residents of the Corinthian House in Campbell. They also participate in the school food and eyeglass drive during the holidays. In the spring, we hold our annual Penny Challenge. This is a friendly competition run by the Student Council which raises funds for charities.
Social & Emotional Curriculum: Second Step is a program rooted in social-emotional learning (SEL) that helps transform schools into supportive, successful learning environments uniquely equipped to help children thrive.
