Third Grade

In third grade, children will be required to build upon their independent work, study and organizational skills by following written and oral directions. Projects may be assigned and unit tests will be given in most subject areas. Review for these tests as well as reinforcement of daily work may be assigned as homework.

Third graders will continue in a formal reading program. Reading texts and reading groups are assigned according to the ability and needs of the students. Literature units based on trade book novels are developed. Most important among the skills developed during 3rd grade are word meaning, decoding, comprehension and oral reading.

The English Language Arts Program includes language skills, process writing, spelling, grammar and basic sentence/paragraph structure. Formal ELA lessons enhances a child's ability to think and write critically on topics. Weekly tests on assigned spelling words are given and extra practice and review at home is encouraged. The transition from manuscript to cursive writing is completed in 3rd grade.

The 3rd grade Mathematics program is Everyday Math. This program introduces children to number sense, algebra, measurement, geometry, data analysis and probability. Higher order and critical thinking skills are developed through the use of everyday problems and situations while building and maintaining basic skills. The curriculum is spiraled and exceeds NYS standards.

The Social Studies program centers on the ways that people of various regions meet their basic needs. Environmental concerns are explored. The students will use maps and globes and geographical terms to understand social studies concepts and standards.

The Science program exposes students to buoyancy, butterflies/moths, rocks/minerals and body systems. The science program utilizes hands on activities to reinforce concepts and standards.

Parents will need to provide a quiet place in the home for their children to complete assignments, review mathematics facts, study and read. The use of the agenda to check assignments is one such tool to monitor a child's progress. Parental support and assistance will enhance success in 3rd grade.