Grade 3

Religion:
Religion is taught daily and is integrated into every aspect of our school day. Students come to know experientially all we believe as Roman Catholics. Daily prayers reinforce the values being taught formally. Children are encouraged to pray to Mary and the Saints. Students learn about Jesus’ Mission, parts of the Mass, Marks of the Church, and the sacraments of Reconciliation and the Eucharist. Students learn social and conflict resolution skills through our Character education and anti-bullying programs.

Language Arts:
The third grade literacy curriculum consists of a combined strategy of subject areas, building upon earlier learning and further development in areas of reading, writing, grammar, and communication. Phonics skill lessons are taught from the reading series to enhance decoding skills. Students are taught reading strategies to make deeper meaning out of their readings. Writing is modeled for students. Daily writing allows opportunity for practicing new skills. Students are engaged in all steps of the writing process, including brainstorming, drafting, revising, editing, illustrating, and publishing. They edit and revise writing pieces based on ideas, organization, word choice, and sentence fluency. Grammar is taught throughout the reading series and is applied in daily work. Spelling compliments each story because it is derived from the anthology and phonics skills. Third grade students learn cursive writing from the D’Nealian method. We emphasize neat cursive writing as an effective communication tool. Writing, reading, and communication skills are used throughout the curriculum.

Mathematics:
Children experience math concepts through math games, manipulatives, trade books, and writing activities. The students learn both computation and problem solving with a strong emphasis on addition/subtraction and multiplication/division facts. Writing and math skills are connected to problem solving in preparation for math assessments.

Social Studies:
Students begin the third grade year with a review of geography using different kinds of maps. They learn how to read and draw maps, and apply the information to a unit on communities. Students learn about city, state, and country communities. Next, we complete a unit on Native American Cultures and write about them. Students compare and contrast their homes, travel, food, artwork, and traditions. Students create and present villages assigned in cooperative learning groups and share their knowledge with others. They learn about peacemakers, both famous and lesser known.

Science:
The curriculum is divided into four units of study: life science, physical science, earth science, and the human body. We believe students learn best by discovering scientific investigation through hands-on experiences. Our students work on environmental awareness activities and good nutrition habits.