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3rd Grade

Reading

In 3rd grade, we will focus on developing fluency in reading, most importantly the transition from “learning to read” to “reading to learn.” We utilize our Reading Response Journals in class and at home. These journals allow students to report back on their reading and answer: a summary, ask a question, make an inference, make a prediction, and or make a connection. Later, students are asked about characters, setting, and themes. This will be helpful as they will be responsible for turning in book reports on the books they choose to read at home. Reading should be done every night, for at least 30 minutes. Reading Stations are part of the weekly routine, twice a week. Stations include,

Teacher Time: Reading Class novel (“The One and Only Ivan,” “Immigrants,” “Fish in a Tree,” and others)

Vocabulary: Students will work on making words, or spelling

At your Seat: Freckle time, an adaptive software that allows students to read at-level text and answer questions related to

Current News: Students read current Scholastic news and as a group answer the questions after reading one or two of the articles.

Language Arts

We do lots of writing in third grade. There will be lots of new vocabulary, especially in the area of science and social studies. Our goal is to encourage risk taking and independence in writing. Students will conduct short research projects and learn how to type along the way.

Paragraph of the week - students brainstorm on said topic, turn these ideas into sentences and then write a paragraph or two. Students then peer edit for grammar, proper spelling and neat writing. Finally, students write their final draft and move on to publishing.

Monthly, themed writing - Engage in Typing Club and begin to type on a Google document and slides to present their research findings

Handwriting cursive is also taught through poetry

Mathematics

By the end of third grade, students will understand multiplication and the meaning of factors. They will be able to use division as an unknown factor problem. Students will comprehend place value and problem solving with units of measure. Students will be able to use multiplication and interpret Area. Students will also understand fractions as numbers on the number line as well as collecting and displaying data. Through Eureka Math Students will go over a total of 6 modules that cover the following:

  • Expressions and Equations
  • Algebra and Modeling
  • Number and Geometry, Measurement
  • Functions
  • Numbers and Quantity and Modeling
  • Fractions
  • Ratios and Proportions

*Students also engage in Math Centers that usually are broken down to these four centers:

  • Math Facts - students engage in math fact activities(multiplication flash cards, math fact rolls, etc.)
  • At your Desk - students work on Chromebooks and engage in Mathletics or Freckle Math
  • Teacher Time - Students go through Application Problems based on Eureka Lesson of the day.
  • Hands On - Students engage in Jenga Math, or another group math activity for the center.

Science

Mystery Science is aligned to the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). Each Mystery is aligned to a topic, performance expectations, science and engineering practices, disciplinary core ideas, and crosscutting concepts.

  • Unit 1 focuses on traits of organisms.
  • Unit 2 builds on Unit 1 to focus on relationships between organism traits and survival in a habitat.
  • Unit 3 extends this study to focus on how the climate affects organisms over long periods of time.
  • Unit 4 shifts focus to the physical sciences, with a study of forces and motion.

Religion

Students use the consumable textbook “Christ Our Life” where they are able to read bible passages and relate them to their life. As well as create art based on the readings. Students also engage in whole classroom discussion about the daily readings, and pray together.

Students are prepared for liturgy and on occasion lead the liturgy as they participate once or twice a month during school days, and or Sunday Family Mass.

  • 3.1 Every student is offered timely and regular opportunities to learn about and experience the nature and importance of prayer, the Eucharist, and liturgy.
  • 3.2 Every student is offered timely, regular, and age appropriate opportunities to reflect on their life experiences and faith through retreats and other spiritual experiences.
  • 3.3 Every student participates in Christian service programs to promote the lived reality of action in the service of social justice.
  • 3.4 Every student experiences role models of faith and service for social justice among the administrators, faculty and staff.

Social Studies~Ciencias Sociales

  • How does the geography of California compare to that of other states?
  • In what ways does the organization of the United States support the citizenry?
  • How can a good citizen support a democratic government?
  • What influences have impacted on the emerging American culture?
  • How can human empathy and understanding be enhanced by the study of diverse cultures?
  • What can be done to address challenges in human understanding?
  • In what ways has immigration affected life in the United States?