3rd Grade

Our curriculum, Bridges in Mathematics, focuses on developing students’ deep understanding of mathematical concepts, proficiency with key skills, and ability to solve complex and novel problems. The hands-on curriculum is anchored in an inquiry-based approach to math education. As third grade mathematicians, students have also multiple opportunities to write and discuss their mathematical thinking number talks, and mental math activities. These activities help students develop a strong sense of numbers, learn new strategies, and become generally comfortable and more curious about math.

My goal for your students is to develop a passion for reading and to have as much time with eyes on text as possible (at home and at school). I use mini lessons to teach reading skills and strategies that are reinforced through guided reading groups, partner work, and individual conferences. For vocabulary enrichment, we will be studying content words in math, reading, religion, science, and social studies throughout the year.

Lexia is a science of reading-based literacy program with a digital component. It is a structured, explicit, and systematic approach to literacy and language instruction that builds upon prior learning in a sequential manner. The program combines teacher-led instruction with interactive, user-centric experiences to support the cognitive abilities of a wide variety of students.

Writing is taught using a Writing Workshop approach, which integrates ELA (grammar, punctuation, spelling, capitalization, and usage). Skills will be taught in mini-lessons, and writers will write independently, participate in conferences, and share their work. Students will also have frequent opportunities to present their writing to practice and grow confident in their public speaking and listening skills. The writing process will be our focus throughout the year. Types of writing will include personal narratives, informational, writing about reading and fiction.

The principles of grammar are taught through Patterns of Power. Students will notice the conventions of the English language and build off them in this inquiry-based approach to instructional grammar. Students study short texts and are asked to share their findings out loud, engaging in conversations to make meaning. They are then tasked with practicing the skill using prepared sentences before implementing it in their own writing.

Social studies content and themes will be explored through project-based learning. Students will engage in this content through the Storypath approach. Through Storypath students will be able to engage in history by recreating past events. The two focuses of studies for third grade are: Early Northwest Coast People and States Studies. As we explore the history of our region, students will reflect on essential questions through extensive reading, writing, and discussion from multiple points of view.

In third grade, students will develop their critical thinking skills while completing our hands-on science units. There are three focuses of study. The first part of the year will focus on Forces and Interactions, moving to Weather Patterns and ending with Life in Ecosystems in the spring.

Third grade students will learn about the Catholic Church through the lens of Catholic Social Teaching principles. Using Gospel Weeklies, the third graders will expand on their understanding of what Jesus teaches us. The Gospel Weeklies help children connect the Sunday Gospel to their everyday lives through engaging stories, prayers, and activities. They guide students to grow in faith, kindness, and understanding while making the message of Jesus easy to understand and share. The third graders will also lead a community wide service project collecting treats for the troops around Halloween. As a part of their service project, they will present the Veterans Day assembly to the school community.

Third grade students will learn about the Catholic Church through the lens of Catholic Social Teaching principles. Using Gospel Weeklies, the third graders will expand on their understanding of what Jesus teaches us. The Gospel Weeklies help children connect the Sunday Gospel to their everyday lives through engaging stories, prayers, and activities. They guide students to grow in faith, kindness, and understanding while making the message of Jesus easy to understand and share. The third graders will also lead a community wide service project collecting treats for the troops around Halloween. As a part of their service project, they will present the Veterans Day assembly to the school community.

Social emotional learning (SEL) is also integrated across the curriculum to help students understand and regulate their emotions, set and achieve positive goals, feel and show empathy to others, establish and maintain positive relationships and make responsible decisions. Research shows that SEL is foundational to academic success. We will be practicing and using strategies from the Zone of Regulation curriculum. Zone of Regulations is a curriculum geared toward helping students gain skills in consciously regulating their actions, which in turn leads to increased control and problem-solving abilities.

In third grade, technology topics and skills will be integrated into content areas. Topics and skills will include device basics, touch typing, word processing, multimedia presentations, internet research (reliable sources, search engines), and troubleshooting.

Students will learn cursive through the Handwriting Without Tears curriculum. The program was developed by occupational therapists and is designed to support their development of fine motor skills.