Academics

Third Grade

Reading

Students will:

  • Learn and effectively apply a variety of reading strategies for comprehension.
    • Identify the purpose.
    • Clarify by asking questions.
    • Categorize information.
    • Make a mental picture.
    • Make predictions.
    • Sequence.
    • Retell.
    • Make inferences.
    • Remember critical details.
  • Focus on the development and mastery of story elements; characters, setting, plot, climax, resolution, theme and point of view.
  • Study a variety of genres. These include, but are not limited to: fairy tales, fables, novels, short stories, biographies, poems, and historical fiction.
  • Read fluently, with expression.

Math

Students will:

  • Master basic skills in addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
  • Develop and master strategies for problem solving; restate the problem, identify relevant information, brainstorm approaches, identify the answer.
  • Develop skills needed to write a number sentence.
  • Master one and two step word problems.
  • Understand perfect squares, square roots, roman numerals, and decimals.
  • Add and subtract fractions with like denominators
  • Use denominators and identify mixed numbers.
  • Compare quantities, order numbers, and place value to the hundred thousand.
  • Introduce and develop multiplication skills; 1 digit x 3 digit, with and without regrouping.
  • Develop division skills; 3 digit by one digit, introduction to 3 digit by 2 digit with quotient written as remainder.

Grammar and Creative Writing

Students will:

  • Write a complete sentence with appropriate grade level spelling, grammar, punctuation, etc. and identify the subject and predicate.
  • Identify nouns, verbs, and adjectives.
  • Write a basic paragraph with topic sentence and details to support the main idea.
  • Write a story using the writing process; prewriting, revision, proofreading, publishing. Students will use a variety of methods to assist in the writing process; for example, outlining, word webs, and story maps.
  • Types of writing developed and mastered include, but are not limited to; personal narrative, descriptive and expository, comparison and contrast, cause and effect.

Evaluations

  • Weekly tests in spelling, wordly wise, and math.
  • Weekly reading comprehension assessments (oral and/or pencil and paper).
  • Oral assessments and brief quizzes may be given in all subject areas on a daily basis, unannounced.
  • Bimonthly tests in Catholic Formation.
  • Monthly (dependent on material) tests in science, geography/history, and language arts.
  • Oral assessments are given in all subject areas on a daily basis.

Study Skills and Homework

  • Build on previous grade level study skills to help students use their time effectively and solidify their strengths, such as responsibility of having materials, reviewing flash cards, and outside reading.
  • Stay on task and remain focused on a subject for a period of 30 minutes.
  • Keep a calendar with important dates and events that apply to school work (due dates, tests, specials, friends’ birthdays, etc); this will assist in learning time management skills and long-term planning.
  • Keep a standing file folder at home for the student, where important material is kept (subject folders for study guides, graded quizzes and tests, classroom newsletters, special work, important information regarding assignments, etc.) for their future reference in preparing for tests.
  • Write assignments in their assignment book, and gather necessary homework materials, preferably working for self-responsibility without teacher reminders.
  • Turn in homework on the day it is due.
  • Review math facts, spelling words, wordly wise, Spanish vocabulary, and spend time reading each night.
  • Use time wisely by being organized, write neatly and follow directions carefully.
  • Day to day assignments vary, and may included (but are not limited to), math, spelling, wordly wise, Spanish, and comprehension activities.
  • The length of time spent on homework is heavily dependant on the individual child; therefore it is difficult to put a time frame on the task. However, on a typical night, the child may spend 30 minutes, plus additional time reviewing math facts and outside reading.
  • Establish a routine at home as to when and where homework is to be done everyday, away from distractions and interruptions.
  • It is important that when homework time begins, students have all the necessary tools at hand so as to minimize interruptions and time off-task.

Specials

  • Music for 30 minutes, twice per week
  • Religion
  • Social studies
  • Science
  • Physical education for 45 minutes, twice per week
  • Art for 45 minutes a week
  • Spanish for 45 minutes, four times per week

Tips for Parents

Parents should be available to assist their child should questions arise, however it is very important that the child develops strong, independent work and study skills as the year progresses. Parents are reminded that students need to make mistakes and learn from them, and that school work is the child’s responsibility, and a vehicle for growth and maturity.

  • Allow your child to take on personal responsibilities and face the rewards and consequences for their actions. (packing backpacks, lunches and snacks, putting assignments into the correct school folders, returning library books on the assigned days).
  • Encourage independence; have your child go into the building independently.
  • Do not walk them to their classroom after the first week of school unless something heavy or awkward has to be delivered to the classroom.
  • Tell your child that you know they are capable of doing well in class.
  • Let them know that you will back up the teacher in terms of discipline.
  • Never undermine the teacher’s authority by disagreeing with the teacher in front of your child.
  • Tell them that their teachers love them and will help them with lessons and situations that arise at school.
  • Every child should be able to tie his/her shoelaces with some degree of success.
  • Above and beyond homework you need to drill Math facts with your child till over-learning takes place.
  • When reading to or with your child, stop and ask questions about what has been read, and ask him/her to predict what they think will happen. Ask about lessons learned from the stories you read; this is to promote active thinkers not passive listeners.
  • Minimize television viewing and computer games on school days, promote active outdoor play, promote arts and crafts for a creative outlet, encourage use of their imagination in their play with others.
  • Be very selective in TV viewing, be mindful of the time in front of the television, and the subject matter your child is viewing.
  • Have set structure in your morning and evening routines in order to help your child. For example, layout entire uniform for school before bedtime, lunch prepared the night before, backpack in the same location, set their own alarm.
  • Since school starts promptly at 8:00 a.m., give yourself enough time to get to school, allowing time for your child to prepare for class, put backpack away, books ready, etc.
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