Third grade is an exciting year full of many new experiences for your child. At Frostwood, third grade marks the transition into an intermediate learning environment. During the year students have homework on a nightly basis. Class work undergoes many visible changes with its style and length. Even though much of the classroom learning takes place within cooperative groups and the workshop approach, students are also required to do paper and pencil tasks in spiral notebooks and loose leaf paper instead of in consumable workbooks. It is the student’s responsibility to stay organized, listen, to do their personal best when completing assignments and turn work in on time. There is an increased level of independence that is formed and encouraged on a daily basis through the use of life skills. These skills are beneficial to each student’s success now and in the years to come.
Curriculum
Language Arts and Reading
Third Grade utilizes the areas of listening, speaking, reading, and writing. The following are certain structures and learning experiences included in language arts and reading.
- Use of “Words Their Way” spelling program
- Guided Reading
- Reader’s /Writer’s Workshop
- Literature Circles
- Genre Novel Studies
Social Studies
Social Studies is taught in units that focus on the impact of the individual on communities…state and nation. The units are:
- Citizenship and Government
- Geography
- Economics
- Story of America
Math
A typical day of math challenges each student through the use of a math workshop approach which engages students in hands on lessons and work stations. The following are the main units of study in math:
- Numbers, operations, and reasonableness
- Patterns, relationships and algebraic reasoning
- Geometry and spatial reasoning
- Measurement
- Probability and statistics
- Mathematical processes and tools
Science
Science is taught in units using a variety of means to meet the needs of students. Learning occurs through inquiry based instruction, hands on lessons, and textbook readings. The main units are:
- Physical Science
- Earth Science
- Life Science
Technology
Technology will focus on gathering information, solving problems, and communication through integration in all core subjects.
- Internet research/treasure hunts
- Power Points
- Digital cameras and
- Microsoft Word
- Keyboarding
Routines and Procedures
- Homework is given Monday through Thursday and written down on a homework schedule
- Required nightly reading of 20 minutes
- Daily math fact practice of 5 minutes
- Homework is checked daily
- Class work and homework must be neat, legible, and on time