Third Grade Curriculum

Transcription

1 Third Grade Curriculum Bible The Bible curriculum is entitled Biblical Choices for a New Generation. It is designed to give students Biblical knowledge to enable them to go out and change the world for the Lord. Students will study important people of the Bible, choices they make, and how these choices influence others. After studying how decisions of the past affect our world today, students will be challenged to examine personal choices and predict possible outcomes. Literacy Reading The literacy curriculum uses differentiation with guided and independent practices. It is a literature based curriculum using real and complete works of children s literature. There is small group interaction that enables the teacher to develop a complete understanding of their students though discussion. Graphic tools are used to organize and connect information from a text. Vocabulary instruction emphasizes complete word understanding. Wordly Wise (Vocabulary and Spelling) is used to help students meet standards for vocabulary development and reading comprehension. Teachers use lesson, tools, strategies, and techniques to provide opportunities for students to develop their vocabulary and spelling skills. Writing Third grade students are allowed and encouraged to write often. Writing fosters creativity, aids language development, and sharpens communication skills. A variety of different genres are used for writing during the school year. These may include personal narrative, fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and biography. Lessons also incorporate grammar and spelling rules. Handwriting In third grade students are introduced to both lowercase and uppercase cursive letters using the Handwriting Without Tears program beginning in August. This

2 non slanted simple style is child friendly and will provide students with the foundation they need to continue to gain speed, fluency, and confidence in their handwriting in the future. Mathematics Third grade uses Everyday Mathematics Curriculum. Everyday Mathematics is distinguished by its focus on real life problem solving, balance between wholeclass and self directed learning, emphasis on communication, facilitation of school family cooperation, and appropriate use of technology. Program Goals: Underlying the Everyday Mathematics curriculum are six strands of knowledge: Algebra; Data and Chance; Geometry; Measurement; Numeration and Order; Patterns, Functions, and Sequences; Operations; and Reference Frames. Third grade uses Accelerated Math for enrichment as well as remediation. Accelerated Math is a computer generated program developed by Renaissance Learning. It allows the students extra practice as well as enrichment for the 6 strands of knowledge taught in Everyday Math. Science The third grade science curriculum consists of three hands on units: Physics of Sound, Earth Materials, and Structures of Life. Each unit is from the FOSS (Full Option Science System) Program. This program is dedicated to the proposition that elementary students learn science best by doing science. The Physics of Sound unit allows students to discriminate between sounds generated by dropped objects, how sounds can be made louder or softer and higher or lower, how sounds travel through a variety of materials, and how sounds get from a source to a receiver. The Earth Materials unit allows students to observe characteristics of solid materials from the earth: rocks and minerals. The focus of this unit is on understanding the properties of earth materials and fundamental concepts in earth science. The Structures of Life unit allows students to observe,

3 compare, categorize, and care for a selection of organisms. In doing so, they learn to identify properties of plants and animals and to sort and group organisms on the basis of observable properties. Social Studies In third grade students learn about communities. The units covered are Unit 1: Communities Around Us, Unit 2: Communities and Geography, and Unit 3: Communities Over Time. Throughout the units students investigate and make connections to their own communities through interactive lessons and projects. In Unit 1 the students will learn what makes up a community and how their community is alike and different from other communities around the world. In Unit 2 students will learn more about landforms and bodies of water. They will learn how communities are affected by geography and how people adapt and change their environment to meet their needs. In Unit 3 students will study the history of their community and country. They will examine how and why communities change and how past events affect communities today. Media Literacy Students develop basic technical skills on 21 st century tools including macbooks, ipads, and various forms of audio/visual equipment. A common vocabulary is created that is built upon with each grade level. Students are taught how to access and critique messages that impact their daily lives. They use their newly acquired skills to create media that delivers their message in a fun and fascinating way. Spanish Rosetta Stone Classroom uses a student centered approach to learning a foreign language. The customized experience engages students through real world connections, interactive software, and a natural approach to language acquisition. The immersion process used allows students to see, hear, and speak the language they are studying.

4 Music Our study of rhythm and pitch becomes more complex in third grade as we add triple meter and more challenging note values to our growing body of musical knowledge. Unison and two part choral singing, along with Orff ensembles and drum circle, encourage all children to express themselves through a wide variety of music. While American folk and patriotic music forms the basis of our curriculum, study of musical periods and styles extends to major composers, world music, and current artists. Art The elementary art program students are exposed to a wide variety of art making processes. Students observe, record and interpret the world they live in. With the introduction of famous works of art, students are encouraged to "see" the world through the eyes of the artist. Making connections throughout history and across cultures, students make connection with the beauty of art in their own lives and around the world. Physical Education The Physical Education program is committed to the development of the social, emotional, spiritual and physical well being of every child. Physical Education classes meet daily to promote physical activity and fitness within a sedentary society. Each student will be engaged in basic and advanced motor skills, ballhandling skills, and fundamental sports skills including soccer, floor hockey, basketball, volleyball and softball. Units also include tumbling, track and field, jump rope, cooperative games and activities and an entire month devoted to physical fitness. Sportsmanship and respect is a major component of the Physical Education program. Students will be motivated to take care of their bodies in such a way that will bring honor to God.

5 BOOST (Building on our Students Talents) The purpose BOOST is to engage students in learning activities that allow them the freedom to design, create, and implement new solutions to real life problems. The learning environment for this class is one filled with anticipation, encouragement, and excitement.