Third Grade Curriculum

(In a nut shell....)

Reading:

In third grade reading, the focus of instruction is on fluency and comprehension.  The Reading Workshop Model structures the reading block.  This model includes guided reading groups, independent reading activities, and literature discussion groups, or "Book Talks".  These are a third grade favorite as they simulate Book Clubs that many adults are in!  We delve into fictional works, including fantasy stories, poems, and adventure tales.  We also become non-fiction experts as we read feature articles, narratives, essays, and more!  Six reading themes are explored:  Off to Adventure, Celebrating Traditions, Incredible Stories, Animal Habitats, Voyagers, and Smart Solutions.  In June, the third graders leave with a mental toolbox, chock full of comprehension strategies they can use to deepen their understandings whenever they pick up a book!     

Writing:

Writing is an exciting component of third grade!  The four main genres we write in are expository (non-fiction), persuasive, creative/expressive, and literary analysis.  The Writing Workshop model begins with a minilesson targeting a specific skill (ex. controlling idea, prepositions, etc.).  Skills generally fall into three categories:  Organization, Mechanics, and Author's Craft.  Following the minilesson, the students "have-a-go" practicing the skill.  Next is independent writing, where the students write uninterrupted for 30-40 minutes while Mrs. McClintic conferences with students one-on-one.  Conferences are individualized as each child works with Mrs. McClintic on whatever skill is most important for him or her.  Finally, writing closes each day with a sharing session to celebrate the new learning!  Over the course of the year, third graders write poems, friendly letters, persuasive essays, feature articles, memoirs, and much, much more! 

Math:

Math Trailblazers continues to be the primary resource for mathematics instruction in third grade.  This curriculum fosters an explorative approach to math, and students learn not only the nuts and bolts of how to solve problems, but they also develop deep understandings of math processes.  Third graders will continue to build their skills in numeration, operations, algebra, geometry, measurement, probability, and data analysis.  Multiple strategies for solving the same problem are encouraged, and students work on developing their aptitude in explaining their thinking processes both in writing and verbally.  Whether working independently, with partners, or in a small group with Mrs. McClintic, math instruction is differentiated so that every student is learning what he or she is ready for.  The math block is a fun, "hands-on time" for all!

Social Studies:

Eight and nine year olds become anthropologists as they study cultures around the world!  We start by learning what culture is as we explore all that our town of Irondequoit has to offer.  We then travel around the globe, as we study the Mayan of Mexico, the Masai of Kenya and Tanzania, the Japanese, and finally the cultural center of Toronto, Canada.  We write letters, work in discussion groups, study maps, and much more as we explore communities around the world!

Science:

The highlights of our science curriculum are the third grade life cycles units.  We study the life cycles of butterflies and toads, and we raise these creatures right in our classroom!  The young scientists learn the importance of observation as they chart, record and sketch the metamorphosis of these animals before their eyes.  Science certainly "comes to life" for us in third grade! 

For more information about the third grade curriculum, please come to Parent Orientation Night this fall!