Wyndcroft School

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What’s New in Third Grade?

Our third graders now “read to learn,” rather than “learn to read”. They write book projects as well as examine parts of speech thoroughly. Third graders use nonfiction books to complete research for social studies projects, such as presidential trading cards and state fun facts. Social studies plays a significant role in the curriculum this year. Students not only explore regions of the United States but also the Underground Railroad and Amish culture. In math, third graders work as “math detectives” to problem solve, learning how to use their math skills to determine the steps necessary to find a solution.

The following is a typical third grade daily schedule at Wyndcroft:

6 periods with the classroom teacher learning Language Arts, Mathematics, and
Social Studies
3 periods with Special area teachers (Art, Computer, French, Health, Library,
Music, Physical Education, Science)

Language Arts

The third grade language arts program includes reading, English, spelling, creative writing, and handwriting. The study of reading genres includes the use of basal texts, trade books, resource books, and book reports as supplements. Third graders sharpen their reading fluency, comprehension, and critical thinking skills, as well as gain a better understanding of story elements. Students improve their creative writing, learn spelling patterns, and understand word meanings through weekly spelling units, taught phonetically. In addition, they develop dictionary and thesaurus skills. Proper sentence structure, capitalization, punctuation, parts of speech, and proofreading skills are key elements of our English program. The third graders then take these concepts and apply them to the writing process. Cursive handwriting is reviewed and refined throughout the year.

The following are our language arts objectives for third graders:

to strengthen comprehension and critical thinking skills
to read different genres of literature
to understand elements of a story
to read fluently
to increase communication skills through speaking and writing
to understand vocabulary
to learn to use different resources
to apply phonetic patterns to weekly spelling words
to learn the meanings of a spelling word list
to improve spelling in writing
to enhance dictionary and thesaurus skills
to recognize different parts of speech
to implement proper capitalization and punctuation rules
to recognize and develop proper sentence structure
to utilize proofreading skills
to know and understand the writing process
to maintain good handwriting skills
to interpret and write different forms of poetry

Textbooks: Literature Works Level 3 (Silver Burdett Ginn), Spelling and Vocabulary Level 4 (Houghton Mifflin), English Level 4 (Houghton Mifflin), Handwriting Grade 3 (Zaner-Bloser), The Whipping Boy (Fleischman), Bunnicula (Howe), If You Travel on the Underground Railroad (Levine), Plain and Fancy (Polacco)

Mathematics

Third graders review and master the four basic operations, add and subtract numbers up to six digits with trading, multiply by one or two digit numbers, interpret remainders when dividing, understand place value up to one billion, count amounts of money and calculate change, create and interpret bar, picture, line and coordinate graphs, tell time to the minute and compute elapsed time, and compare fractional parts of a whole or set. Problem solving skills and strategies, mathematical reasoning, and critical thinking skills are all integral parts of this math program.

The following are our mathematics objectives for third graders:

to understand and use mathematical terminology
to understand the operations of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division
to master the basic addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division facts
to add and subtract numbers up to six digits with trading
to multiply by one and two digit numbers
to solve division problems by interpreting the remainder
to tell time to the minute, past the hour, and to the next hour
to identify a given time as A.M. or P.M.
to calculate elapsed time
to read a calendar
to count amounts of money and to give change
to read, write, and compare numbers up to one billion
to round numbers to the nearest tenth, hundredth, thousandth, and nearest dollar
to create and interpret various types of graphs
to understand the concepts of fractions
to understand equivalent fractions and reduce fractions to the lowest terms (time permitting)
to develop a variety of problem solving skills and critical thinking skills
to solve multiple step problem
to develop standard and metric measurement skills (time permitting)
to gain an understanding of geometric concepts (time permitting)

Textbook: Mathematics Grade 3 and 4 (Harcourt)

Social Studies

Third graders begin by studying map skills and geographical terms, after which they explore the seven regions in the Unites States. Students learn to identify the United States in the world along with naming the states and their capitals. During the month of February, students learn about the Underground Railroad as part of Black History Month. In addition, the close proximity to Lancaster gives the students an opportunity both to study Amish culture and to tour a working Amish farm and schoolhouse. Important current events such as historic anniversaries and the presidential election are discussed and studies as they occur.

The following are our social studies objectives for third graders:

to read and interpret maps
to understand fundamental terminology
to identify the United States’ location in relationship to the rest of the world
to develop awareness of different cultures within the U.S.
to identify the five themes of geography and how they are used to differentiate each region
to discover the seven regions in the U.S.
to identify and locate states and their capitals
to read and understand tall tales associated with each U.S. region

Textbook: States and Regions (Houghton Mifflin)

Special Subjects:

Art

Third graders develop new concepts through printing, training the eye to observe line, design, shape, and balance. They examine the world of art in these areas:
Space: movement and form
Light: colors of the spectrum
Texture: contrast

The following are our art objectives for third graders:

to reinforce skills and techniques met in previous grades
to use more detail with tape transfer
to compose art using more complex models (ex. simple still life)
to learn basic perspective techniques
to make relief prints
to use grid drawing with a partially completed picture
to use chalk transfer

Computer

This course focuses on a more advanced computer use of input devices, output devices and software. Each student uses publication tools to create an original book as a culminating activity. Discussions of the fundamental concepts of desktop publication and creative work are integrated into the curriculum. Students also work on their keyboarding skills throughout the year.

The following are our computer objectives for third graders:

to use keyboards and other common input and output devices efficiently and effectively
to use keyboarding software in order to develop proper technique and efficiency
to use general purpose productivity tools and peripherals to support personal productivity, remediate skill deficits, and facilitate learning throughout the curriculum
to maneuver within a network for the storage and retrieval of data
to use curriculum supportive software to enhance classroom curriculum
to use multimedia-authoring software for individual and collaborative writing, communication, and publishing activities to create age appropriate products
to participate in collaborative problem-solving activities for the purpose of developing solutions or products for audiences inside and outside the classroom.
to use technology resources for problem solving, self-directed learning, and extended learning activities
to determine which technology is most useful for a given task and select the appropriate tool(s) and technology resources to address a variety of tasks and problems
to integrate two levels of media

French

This course continues to present French culture and language with the use of an elementary level text and workbook. Third graders learn the target language through pictures and interesting dialogues. Students listen to stories from cassettes and then discuss the content. They then listen a second time and read aloud parts of the story / dialogue as the teacher checks pronunciation and comprehension of the new vocabulary. Flashcards are used to help introduce new vocabulary. A basic dictionary at the end of each lesson helps review and reinforce vocabulary. Some new themes students discover this year include salût tout le monde (hello, everyone), au travail (to work), suiver la piste (follow the trail), c’est monstreux (that’s monstrous), and vive les amis (hurray for friends). Third graders complete art and craft projects enhance cultural understanding. The class presents a special project to the entire school during the annual French Fête.

The following are our French objectives for third graders:

to reinforce formal French grammar met in previous years
to describe personal characteristics in French
to demonstrate proper use of basic adjectives
to tell time (including military time) in French
to conjugate “er” verbs in the present tense
to understand and use French prepositions
read, comprehend, and discuss French stories

Textbooks: Aventures Books 1 and 2 (NTC / McGraw Hill), Hélico Level 2 (ELI – Pierre Bordas et Fils – Paris)

Health

This comprehensive health education course sequentially follows the previous year’s course. Students explore health over the course of 10 units: mental and emotional health; family and social health; growth and development; nutrition, personal health and physical activity; alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs; communicable and chronic diseases; consumer and community health; environmental health; and injury prevention and safety.

The following are our health objectives for third graders:

to describe how physical, social, and emotional environments influence health
to explain how childhood injuries and illnesses can be prevented or treated
to explain how media influences the selection of health information, products, and services
to apply skills to manage stress
to demonstrate ways to avoid and reduce threatening situations
to demonstrate ways to communicate care, consideration, and respect of self and others

Textbook: Totally Awesome Health (Big Book)

Library

Third graders are introduced to the card catalog, the Dewey Decimal System, and all genres of books. In addition, they continue their exploration of fiction, non-fiction encyclopedias, dictionaries, parts of a book, and literature appreciation.

The following are our library objectives for third graders:

to understand that every book and most other material in the library collection has at least one card in the card and computer catalogs
to locate materials using call numbers in the card catalog
to know that fiction library books are shelved alphabetically using the author’s
last name
to know that biography is shelved alphabetically by subject’s last name.
to look up a subject and find a call number
to locate a book on a subject using the card/computer catalogs with some assistance
to know the parts of a book that are listed on a card catalog card
to know the difference between fiction and nonfiction
to understand call numbers and their relation to the location of the book on the shelf
to understand the genral shelf arrangement of the library
to know the difference between the reference collection and the regular collection
to understand that reference sources are meant to be referred to, not read all the way through
to locate information in encyclopedias and dictionaries with assistance as they research for their annual state report
to increase familiarity with various forms of literature
to develop discrimination in selecting books
to identify the table of contents, dedication, preface, appendix, glossary, bibliography, and index in a book
to recall, summarize, paraphrase, and extend what is listened to and viewed

Music

Third graders continue to review and reinforce previously learned materials and to learn new material in a sequential manner. Students focus on learning the instruments of the orchestra and their families. Preparation for chorus is also begun in the third grade.

The following are our music objectives for third graders:

to complete an in-depth study of the families
of instruments of the orchestra
to be able to read music in the treble clef
to be able to follow a simple musical score
to expand the knowledge of melodic and rhythmic notation
to continue recorder instruction
to perform in a concert
to prepare for chorus with warm-up exercises
to learn to sing easy two-part songs through rounds
to continue to learn about composers and their music through monthly fact sheets and audio samples
to use rhythm instruments in an ostinato pattern
to reinforce learned musical skills through computer work and theory worksheet
to participate in the Winter choral concert as featured performers

Textbooks: Yamaha Recorder Student, Book I (Alfred)

Physical Education

As in second grade, third graders further sharpen their motor movements and skills. Students learn to follow multi-step instructions and move from one physical activity to another. Personal and social behavior in a gymnasium setting is also emphasized. In addition, students learn the importance of proper attire for physical activity.

The following are our physical education objectives for third graders:

to follow directions
to keep a ball in a continuous motion
to develop longer stamina in order to increase game play time
to understand and follow rules inside the gym and on the playground
to choose playmates without disrupting the classroom environment
to develop a need for physical activity on a daily basis
to understand the need for daily physical activity
to enjoy physical activity
to begin developing team sports skills

Science

The third grade curriculum is designed to incorporate all areas of general science. The units at this level begin to go into more detail on selected science concepts and introduce new vocabulary to further build upon. Each unit uses various teaching modes and experiments to show the students how these concepts play a role in real life situations and their importance in society. Third graders explore a variety of topics: weather, rocks, minerals, caves, and bats. For the first half of the year, third graders learn about the weather. By the end of the unit, the students are ready to present a weather forecast in front of the class in groups. The students learn new vocabulary that they can then apply to actual weather forecasts on the television. The students are also given a written unit test and learn how to take notes. After exploring weather, the third graders learn the basic properties of rocks and minerals and how to test minerals. As the culmination of the unit on rocks, caves, and bats, third graders take a field trip to Crystal Cave. At this level the students are expected to be able to write down more of what they observe and use the scientific method when performing experiments. The labs throughout the year are much more involved and questions are designed to make the students think outside of the realm of the classroom and make predictions based on the information gathered.

The following are our science objectives for third graders:

to use techniques and experiments that can be safely reproduced at home
to improve students’ fine motor skills and communication skills both orally and written
to see the relevance of general science concepts to real life situations
to develop an awareness of children’s literature to science concepts and improve reading skills
to develop a deeper understanding of basic science terms relating to weather, rocks, minerals, and animal/plant relationships
to understand instruments related to weather and successfully predict weather
to understand safety measures in responding to tornadoes and hurricanes
to increase confidence in successfully completing science experiments
to build confidence in mastering concepts
to learn how rocks and minerals are tested
to identify basic rocks and minerals
to increase responsibility in discussions and labs
to successfully be able to write a one page report and build on writing skills
to build student confidence in their public speaking abilities
to better understand the relationship that plants and animals have and how this affects the environment in which we live in
to be able to successfully take outline notes and learn how to use them as a tool to study from

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