A Parent’s Guide to the Third Grade Curriculum

This synopsis can be used by parents to better understand the breadth and depth of the curriculum a student will encounter during third grade.  Although curriculum is unique to each district, the objectives are created in alignment with the core content standards for the state of New Jersey.  The concepts presented enable the students to develop the skills necessary for today and prepare them to succeed in the future.  This brief overview may help you to guide your expectations for your child.

Mathematics 

Mathematics is taught using the standards-based curriculum of Everyday Mathematics.  The instruction is designed to capitalize on students’ interests and maximize student learning.  Students are given a daily opportunity to manipulate various teaching tools to formulate and understand mathematical concepts.  Students arrive at the realization that there are multiple ways to solve a problem. Class discussion and cooperative learning are integral components of the program.  Skills are evaluated daily through oral and written performances.  Written assessments are also administered at the completion of each unit.  

Major Concepts 

• Base 10 system with a strong concentration on Place Value
• Properties for addition and subtraction
• Solve and write  number stories for addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division
• Investigate relationship between addition and subtraction
• Add and subtract up to 4 digit numbers
• Estimation
• 2 and 3 dimensional shapes
• Lines of Symmetry
• Lines, points, and angles
• Customary and metric units of weights, measurements, and volume
• Perimeter and Area
• Money
• Time to the nearest 5 minutes
• Temperature
• Read and write decimals
• Understand Fractions  
• Numerator & denominator
• Identify fractional parts of a whole

Reading and Language Arts 

Students experience reading, writing, listening, and speaking in this Balanced Literacy.  Students will read a variety of materials at varying levels of difficulty. 

Major Objectives 

Reading

• Understand and apply knowledge of phonics and other word recognition strategies
• Apply reading strategies
• Identify various genres
• Vocabulary and Concept Development
• Comprehension and Analysis of Text
• Literary Elements
• Increase fluency
• Support ideas with evidence and examples

Handwriting 

• Write uppercase and lowercase in cursive writing
• Write legibly, using appropriate word and lettering spacing, margins, and indentations

Speaking 

• Speak in clear and organized language patterns
• Engage in class discussions in order to verbally demonstrate comprehension of material
• Present oral summaries and responses to literature
• Recount of experiences in logical sequence

Writing 

• Write in clear, concise and organized language
• Expand ability to follow the writing process including prewriting, drafting, revising, and editing
• Elaborate details
• Write single and multiple-paragraph compositions
• Choose appropriate and effective words: exact/ precise words, vivid words
• Write for a variety of purposes
• Develop personal style of writing
• Apply rules of grammar through daily writing

Listening 

• Listen attentively to speaker
• Respond to multi step oral directions
• Listen to a variety or oral presentations
• Connect messages heard to prior knowledge and experiences

Basic Skills as Supplement to Math and Reading Instruction

Each year, the BSI Program is tailored to meet the needs and number of students serviced. 

In the Pull-Out Setting, students leave their classroom to receive small group instruction.  Careful scheduling and planning between the BSI and regular education teachers ensure that the students do not miss direct, whole-group instruction.                                                                                    

The Team-Teaching Model allows the students to remain in the regular education classrooms. Both the classroom and basic skills teachers assume responsibility for all students and plan accordingly based on the needs of the students.  

Science

The three major areas of science: life, earth and physical are all addressed in third grade. 

Life: Plants

• Structure and function
• Life cycle

Earth: Solar System

• Order of the planets
• Movement
• Relationship of Earth, moon, and sun

Physical: Matter and Electricity

• Physical properties
• States of matter
• Physical and chemical changes
• Insulators, conductors, closed circuits

Social Studies 

The focus is on Communities and Cultures Around the World. Resources include trade books, videos, Time for Kids magazine, and related projects.

• Maps/Globes
• Native Americans/Pilgrims/ First Thanksgiving
• Holidays/ Celebrations
• Government and Civics
• Immigration/ Heritage and Culture
• Holocaust

Computers

Students learn the correct names and functions of computer hardware, basic Windows operation, keyboarding, and word processing.  The Internet is used for research and the use of web sites.  CD ROMs such as Field Trip to the Rain Forest and Kid Pix are used to extend the curriculum.  Students also become practiced in Power Point and drawing with the computer.

Art

Students will study Surrealism through the works of Spanish artist, Joan Miro.  One of the greatest Dutch artists, Vincent van Gogh will inspire a creation in the likeness of his sunflowers series. Students will also learn about portraits by studying another great Dutch artist, Rembrandt. Each student will create their own self-portrait incorporating the artistic styles of both the 17th and 21st centuries.

Music 

Students will continue to strengthen the skills learned in second grade adding form to the elements.  Students will be given the opportunity to strengthen their musical skills through playing the song flute.  Students will also begin to practice proper singing techniques to prepare them for the opportunity to sing in the fifth grade chorus.

Library Curriculum

Students use book parts including title page, table of contents, guide words, and index.  They learn to locate books using the automated catalog (OPAC) and the Dewey Decimal System.  They differentiate between fiction and types of nonfiction books such as encyclopedia, biography, autobiography, and collective biography.  They are exposed to various literary genres and know literary terms such as character and plot.

Physical Education

Students will move with control and be able to change the effort or range of a skill to improve performance.  They will modify and adapt skills in relation to body parts, other people, objects, and boundaries.  They will apply a skill to another activity.  They will discuss the importance of body mechanics in performing movement skills. They will discuss and demonstrate good sportsmanship and safety rules.  They will discuss all aspects of fitness and the importance of regular activity.  They will participate in fitness activities and monitor heart rate and breathing before, during and after activities.