3rd Grade

 

The third grade year is full of adventures! We have adventures in history when we go back in time to learn about life for the early settlers during Pioneer Day and by visiting the Little Red School House. We have adventures in our community by touring Publix to learn how food is distributed and by visiting the Palm Beach County History Museum to learn about the history of our county. The adventures continue in science as students conduct their very own experiment for a science fair and as we explore Florida’s natural coastal habitat at the Gumbo Limbo Nature Center. Nature finds its way into the classroom when we observe earthworms in our very own compost pile. Finally, students track the weather daily by taking readings from our outdoor thermometer and rain gauge. Third grade truly is an adventure in learning!

• Reading- Students improve reading comprehension by reading Little House on the Prairie, Charlotte’s Web, and a variety of story excerpts.
  
  
• Math- Students master multiplication and division facts, are introduced to fractions, and study measurement, graphs, and geometry.
  
  
• English- Students learn about nouns, verbs, adverbs, adjectives, and pronouns and practice various types of writing such as a personal narrative, a research paper, and a persuasive paper.
  
  
• Science- Students cover life science, physical science, and earth science. They learn about the scientific method and apply it by conducting their own science experiment and by presenting the results.
  
  
• Social Studies- Students explore their world by studying communities, our government, geography, and other countries.
  
  
• Handwriting- Students become proficient in cursive writing.
  
  
• Computer- Students visit the computer lab at least once a week and practice their typing skills using Mavis Beacon, drill in math facts using Batter Up, and use a program to strengthen their writing skills.
  
  
• Sacred Studies: Overarching theme is a love of God, self, and others.  Students:
  • Learn Jesus’ summary of the Law and that God is Love.
  • Learn that prayer is talking and listening to God.
  • Explore various Bible stories.
  • Participate in Peace Education with a review of “I-Care Rules”
  • Practice service to others.
    
    
• Spanish- Strategies for developing listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills are included in each lesson.  Vocabulary development, grammar, and articulation are also targeted through our Rosetta Stone program.



• Art- Students are exposed to famous works and styles of art to develop an art vocabulary, while also honing their skills and techniques with a variety of art materials. Creativity and self-expression are encouraged.



• Music- In 3rd grade music class, the emphasis is on 2-part choral singing, vocal warm-ups for pitch matching, proper performance etiquette, music theory lessons which incorporates the skill of reading notes, sight singing exercises, music appreciation, music games, scale writing, basic music writing in different key signatures, choreographed singing to Broadway songs, and teaching the skill of reading rhythms.



• Library- During the scheduled library period each week, students learn listening and participation skills while enjoying the story.  Vocabulary and comprehension are explained. The arrangement of fiction and non-fiction is taught.  Library etiquette is a basic requirement.   Computers are available for searching the catalog and for Accelerated Reader testing.



• PE- Physical Education will teach the age-appropriate fundamentals of several sports; how to properly catch and throw a ball and how to hit a ball off of a Tee in T-ball; how to catch and run with an irregular shaped ball in flag football; how to dribble and shoot a basketball; how to manipulate and shoot a ball using the feet in soccer; how to control and shoot a puck with a stick in hockey; how to hit a ball off of a tee and control a put in golf; how to hit and return a ball in tennis; how to field and throw a ball in lacrosse; and proper running technique in track. 

Sports taught throughout the year:

• Volleyball
• Flag Football
• Soccer
• Basketball
• Hockey
• Golf
• Lacrosse
• T-ball
• Tennis