The third grade uses the Sadlier-Oxford Progress in Mathematics program. Students use the tools and processes of scientific inquiry in every lesson, which usually includes a hands-on investigation. Third grade focuses a hands-on approach to life, earth, and physical science. Houghton-Mifflin Harcourt Journeys, Textbook Volume 2-2012, Workbook, Volume 2-2012 Houghton-Mifflin Harcourt Journeys, Textbook Volume 1-2012, Workbook, Volume 1-2012 Popper’s Penguins, and Ramona Quimby, Age 8. The class will read several chapter books together including The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, Mr. Skills covered in this text include: vocabulary development, comprehension, phonics and word study, writing, oral language, critical thinking, dictionary and library skills, and speaking and listening skills. The reading program for third grade exposes the students to quality children’s literature. Once the keys to legibility are mastered, effective written communication is the end result. Connecting the letters with the proper joinings is also stressed. Lowercase letters are covered first followed by uppercase letters. It emphasizes the four keys to legibility: size, shape, slant, and spacing. The cursive handwriting program is based on Zaner-Bloser’s newest series. Proofreading, writing, dictionary, phonics, and vocabulary practice are included in each weekly unit. Words are compared and contrasted through categorization activities, explorations of synonyms and antonyms, analogies, their use in context, and their origins. High-frequency words are included for study as well.

The spelling program emphasizes learning principles and patterns rather than on simply learning individual words. They write friendly letters, stories with clear beginning, middle, and end components, paragraphs, and monthly book reports on a variety of genres.Ĭurriculum Associates, Inc., Quick-Word Handbook for Everyday Writers, 2010 They also use the Big Three strategy to gather information. Students learn many writing skills in third grade including researching topics such as saints’ lives, rainforest animals, and famous Black Americans. Lessons on proofreading and test-taking strategies are also included. The grammar workshop book includes units on sentences, nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, pronouns, capitalization, punctuation, and spelling. Text: Macmillan/McGraw-Hill, Communities, Adventures in Time and Place, 2005 Students study their states, capitals, and state fact trivia. Other activities incorporated in this subject area include a field trip and possibly theme days. Students benefit from a weekly Time for Kids magazine and a monthly lesson involving the Raleigh News and Observer newspaper. Classes are planned so that the students can use different types of maps, discuss the qualities of good citizenship, identify people who made a difference in the community, and gain a basic understanding of structure of government.

Third graders analyze the multiple roles that individuals perform in families, workplaces, and communities. Service projects include sponsoring a child from the Children of God Project, participating in a 3rd grade choir at Friday and some Sunday masses, and managing recycling for the elementary building. They also study the mysteries of the rosary. Third graders will memorize the Apostles’ Creed and the Confiteor. Through Old and New Testament events, they learn of God’s saving love for his people and the truths of the faith. The children are presented with the mysteries of faith that Catholics profess in the Creed.

The focus of this year’s study is faith - belief and trust in an all-knowing and all-loving God.

Curriculum associates quick word books