Curriculum
The
third grade curriculum incorporates and extends the concepts and skills found in
the TEKS (Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills) and within the North East
Standards.
Math:
Because third graders need to be problem solvers in math, varied
activities are used which allow students to learn to find answers and check for
reasonableness. Students become
proficient in using addition and subtraction, and learn to use multiplication
and division strategies. Geometry,
Fractions, Measurement, and, Money are tied to the students’ real-world
experiences. Throughout the year,
an understanding of numbers is stressed. As
concepts are introduced and mastered, students develop an interest in and a
positive attitude toward math. They are encouraged to communicate using
mathematical language as they explain their thinking to others orally and in
writing. Third Graders take the
TAKS Math Test which checks for mastery of 13 objectives as defined by the
state. Our curriculum covers these
and much more. The sequence of math
instruction (as set by the North East District) will be as follows:
Statistics, Multiplication/Division/Patterns, Number
Concepts, Addition/Subtraction/Patterns, Geometry, Measurement, and Fractions.
Language
Arts: Our Language Arts program
offers students the opportunity to read fiction and non-fiction selections from
the basal reader, trade books (which are part of literature units), and
student-selected books. Third grade
is a time when students shift from “LEARNING TO READ” to “READING TO
LEARN.” Comprehension of what
is read becomes of utmost importance, while decoding strategies continue to be
reviewed as appropriate. Summarizing,
using context clues to gain meaning, and distinguishing fact from opinion in
texts are stressed in third grade so that students will become independent
readers of all types of writing. As
they read, they are asked to write about what they learn.
Because writing is an integral part of sharing information, students
write with varied purposes in mind. Whether
researching inventors, comparing characteristics of historical figures, or
writing letters, and stories, students are encouraged to improve upon their
writing skills. As they write, they
practice using grammar, punctuation skills, and spelling skills, which make them
better writers. Third Graders take
the TAKS Reading Test which checks for mastery of 6 major objectives in Reading.
Social
Studies: The focus in third
Grade is on communities and individuals who have contributed to them.
If we know more about other people and how they live or lived, it helps
us understand ourselves and appreciate where and how we live.
Topics such as geography, government, economics, historical figures, and
customs of others are included in our studies of communities.
Using the text, books from the library, and the Internet expands the
possibilities for learning and sharing information with others.
Science: Our curriculum requires students to get involved. Third graders use the text, experimentation activities, and real-world resources (such as the newspaper and the Internet) to extend their knowledge and skills. Students investigate areas of Life Science, Earth Science, and Physical Science as they study organisms, ecosystems, magnetism, gravity, the existence of systems, the effects of force, and components of the natural world. Our students will experience Science as a process of investigation and experimentation as they develop a questioning mind about the world around us.
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