MATH

Students are assessed in math and broken into groups that best meet their learning needs. The math curriculum is designed to encourage higher-level thinking strategies and give students a meaningful way to use arithmetic skills. Students learn to communicate and think mathematically through problem-solving activities. They learn to use math in real-life situations and to look at the different ways to solve a math problem. In other words, the focus is on the process, rather than only obtaining a solution.

Students work at their own level and their own pace. The math curriculum used is third grade is published by The Critical Thinking Company: Math Reasoning D, Math Detective, and What Would You Do? Book 1. They also study fractions, graph reading, patterns, symmetry, geometry and problem solving. By the end of third grade, students should be fluent in addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division facts.
 

SCIENCE

In third grade, students focus on the scientific method:  question, hypothesis, experiment, data collection, and conclusion. Emphasis is placed on asking questions and testing to draw conclusions.  Topic areas include matter, atoms, elements, energy, and electricity. We study the properties of matter, including density, viscosity, mass, and phases of matter. We study atomic parts and build atom models. We learn about different ways that energy can be produced; wind, water, solar, fossil fuels and nuclear resources. Students are taught how to prepare and present a science fair project.

READING

Students study different genres of literature, such as science fiction, historical fiction, tall tales, biographies, mysteries, myths, and poetry. They learn to identify the characteristics of the different genres through discussion and written responses. Students are encouraged to identify the types of books they enjoy, to explain and articulate their responses to books, and to understand and evaluate their personal connection to literature. They practice reading comprehension using the reciprocal method, in which they must be able to question, summarize, clarify, and make predictions in their reading. Students also practice fluency through reading aloud. We encourage students to practice reading orally and silently at home every night.

WRITING

Focus is on the writing process (brainstorming, writing, sharing, revising, editing, and publishing) and writing genres.  Students are involved in different writing projects that may include writing fiction, letters, poetry, biography, myths, and news articles. Each child keeps a journal. In their journals students may write stories, poems, letters, thoughts, feelings, ideas, etc. The emphasis is on self-expression, creativity, and freedom of choice.

In Grammar we focus on the parts of speech, punctuation, and paragraph building. The mechanics are reinforced in their grammar and language workbooks as well as in their final copies of writing projects. Handwriting and cursive are practiced using Evan Moor contemporary cursive workbooks.  Various activities are used to help develop manual dexterity and fine motor skills.

PUBLIC SPEAKING

Students give oral presentations in several subject areas. Speaking skills are reinforced in group discussions, problem solving, and responding to questions. Students learn to speak clearly at an appropriate volume and are taught to focus on their topic. By learning to organize their thoughts they develop confidence in their ability to speak in front of a group. Students also participate in a poetry café and 2-3 drama production to help develop their public speaking skills.

HISTORY & GEOGRAPHY

Students study California history and geography. Topics include early civilizations, natives of California, Spanish Missions, Mexican California, westward expansion, the gold rush, pioneer life, and statehood.  Integrated into these topics are historical fiction, geography, map skills, writing, and creative projects. We take field trips that support our studies including a visit to a California Mission, Museum of Art and History. Hands on projects include drawing life-size natives, building a mission as a class out of clay and making a state book.

FOREIGN LANGUAGES

Spanish vocabulary and grammar are introduced and then reinforced through conversation, games, and music. Students are encouraged to read books in Spanish. The curriculum focuses on time, numbers, days, months, seasons, and weather.

All students have weekly classes in art, drama, music and physical education.

Third Grade Weekly Class Schedule