Elementary School Curriculum: Third Grade
Fine Arts
The third grade classes are introduced to the elements of art and principles
of design. They use the language of art to communicate ideas, moods and
concepts that are unique and personal. Media exploration continues and
new skills are introduced.
- Drawing Techniques - Community settings, people in action
- Painting - introduction to watercolor painting
- Dioramas - Art and Science projects on the Solar System
- Oil Pastels - Floral scenes
- Ethnic Art - cultural diversity
Language Arts
Third graders read a variety of books and develop an appreciation for
written language. They are encouraged to read orally and silently and
to respond to comprehension questions on three levels: literal, interpretive,
and critical. Other areas of focus include phonics and grammar. Children
this age learn to write in cursive. Our curriculum in language arts is
guided by both the Houghton Mifflin Reading and English series. The focus
areas in our reading program are: comprehension, developing vocabulary
skills from each reading selection, including using dictionary skills
and word analysis, and providing language arts and enrichment activities
through creative writing or special projects. We use the resources of
our school library and computer lab to enhance the language arts curriculum.
Third graders learn to:
- Read, understand, interpret, and evaluate age-appropriate fiction and non-fiction
- Develop independent reading skills
- Organize thoughts and information for writing and revising written work
- Correctly use spelling, grammar, capitalization, and punctuation
- Listen and speak effectively in formal and informal settings
- Continue to develop vocabulary and fluency in reading, including reinforcement of phonetic skills
- Develop dictionary skills
- Develop proficiency with cursive handwriting skills
Math
In grade three, students acquire a better understanding of place value
and develop proficiency with addition, subtraction, multiplication, and
division of whole numbers. We use the Scott Foresman-Addison Wesley text
at the fourth grade level. Students hone their skills in estimation, measurement,
collection of data, charting graphs, and exploring geometry through time
and space. Third graders also develop an understanding of fractions, and
use patterns to help solve problems. They represent number relationships
and conduct probability experiments. Students sharpen their skills by
using math software programs in the computer lab. One math period each
week is set aside to reinforce math concepts and skills by playing computational
games. Third graders learn to:
- Calculate and solve problems involving addition, subtraction, multiplication, division and fractions.
- Select appropriate symbols, properties, and solve simple algebraic equations.
- Demonstrate an understanding of plane and solid geometric figures to show relationships and solve problems.
- Understand fraction concepts; add and subtract fractions and mixed numbers
- Conduct simple probability experiments by determining the number of possible outcomes and make simple predictions
- Make decisions about how to approach problems and use strategies, skills and concepts to find solutions
Music
Third graders are challenged to realize their greatest potential by discovering
that music is a part of their heritage and has a place in their past and
present. Activities such as singing, playing instruments, listening to
different compositions, dancing, studying the symphony orchestra and learning
about the lives of different composers, enrich their lives in a significant
way. We guide the students in the comprehension of musical form, style
and expression and such understanding results in deeper musical enjoyment
and more complete participation. Our performances during the year help
the students find greater satisfaction in expressing their feelings and
ideas through music.
- Lives of Composers
- Further study of Instruments of the Symphony Orchestra
- Our musical heritage
- Sharps, flats & naturals
- Conducting patterns of 2, 3, 4
Physical Education
The major emphasis of this course is to increase skills acquisition and
development. Students will participate in lead up games, team sports and
develop a basic understanding of game rules and strategies.
- Rhythms
- Dance
- Basic movement skills
- Physical fitness
- Games
- Stunts and tumbling
- Outdoor education
Science
Third graders delve into topics in three different fields of scientific
study: Life Science, Earth Science, and Physical Science. An additional
area of study is devoted to investigations and experimentation, using
proper scientific procedures. We use Houghton Mifflin's Discovery Works,
which adheres to national science standards, as the curriculum for our
third grade science program, and try to provide as many hands-on experiences
as possible. Students learn how living things interact with their environment
and with each other to adapt to different ecosystems. They develop questions
and perform investigations and experiments. Using the resources of our
school library and computer lab, third graders learn to write research
reports in science. They visit the observatory and Museum of Science and
Industry to enhance their study of the solar system, and have an on-campus
visit from Wildlife on Wheels and visit the Los Angeles Zoo to supplement
and reinforce their studies of animals. In third grade science, students:
- Discover that animals have predictable life cycles, in which offspring are produced that will develop into adults similar to their parents.
- Explore life cycles of plants to discover the differences between the life cycles of flowering and cone-bearing plants, and learn about ways that plants change.
- Study the solar system and investigate, compare and contrast the characteristics and properties of the sun, moon and planets
- Gather information for research papers on the solar system and animal reports using the resources of our school library and computer lab.
Social Studies
In grade three, students develop an understanding of different kinds of
communities by focusing on the geography, history, government and economy
of our country and other countries around the world. Silver Burdett Ginn's
Comparing Communities is used as a textbook. Students discover the differences
between a rural and an urban community and learn about the earth's resources
and how they are used in urban and rural areas. Students develop map skills
and use models in locating places of the world. On a culminating trip
to the Los Angeles harbor, students learn the importance of the shipping
industry with respect to the transportation of goods. In social studies,
third graders:
- Describe the physical and human geography of the United States and other countries
- Use maps, tables, graphs, photographs, and charts to organize information about people, places, and environments in a spatial context.
- Learn natural resources of different rural and urban communities around the world.
- Understand laws in our daily lives and the basic structure of the U. S. government.
- Demonstrate basic economic reasoning skills and an understanding of the economy of the Los Angeles area
- Develop an understanding of various cultures
- Utilize the library for cultural presentations, literature, and research skills
Spanish
Conversation and written work in Spanish begin at this grade level. Third
graders review the basic vocabulary taught in second grade and learn how
to write, read and speak the language. Posters or projects with relia
are constructed by this age group.
- Writing sentences
- Conversation
- Oral and written tests
