Third Grade Program
Teacher Page:
Development of a Third Grade Child
It is important to remember that each child is unique and that a wide range of individual differences will be apparent with any group of children. Although there is diversity, there is also consistency. Age characteristics are broad guidelines to help us know what may be expected from children of a certain age.
The Third Grade Child…
- is increasingly self-motivated – sometimes seems driven
- is independent, but still needs reminders
- relates events well
- knows the difference between right and wrong
- is friendly, cooperative and likes praise
- is open to new ideas and likes a challenge
- likes competition
- enjoys hands-on learning
- is improving in motor skills
- is reading to learn instead of learning to read –comprehension improves
Parents Can Help By…
- showing an interest in your child’s progress
- keeping contact with your child’s teacher
- reviewing and monitoring your child’s schoolwork and homework
- making sure your child eats healthy foods and gets sufficient rest
- encouraging your child to assume responsibility
- expecting the “best” out of your child
Language Arts – Curriculum
The primary goal is for students to communicate effectively at home, school and in the community by reading, writing, speaking, listening and viewing. The Language Arts Grade Level Content Expectations (GLCE) are taught throughout the school year.
By the end of the third grade year, most students should be able to do the following:
Reading
- read fluently
- read grade level high frequency words
- read a variety of texts (historical fiction, tall tales, information text, magazines, poetry) for pleasure for a sustained period of time
- use multiple strategies to recognize words
- read and comprehend stories
- comprehend informational text
Comprehension
- demonstrate understanding of ideas presented within stories and informational text
- independently retell a story including characters, setting, events, problem and solution
- can find the main idea, locate details, and draw conclusions
Parents Can Help By…
- being a positive reading role model by letting your child see you read different types of materials
- encouraging your child to read a variety of reading materials
- discussing what your child learned from reading
- practicing grade level high frequency words with your child
- visiting libraries regularly
- monitoring your child’s TV viewing
- setting aside a time for your child to read independently
Writing
- write legibly using manuscript and cursive
- write in complete sentences
- write paragraphs
- writes letters, stories and reports
- understand parts of speech
Spelling
- use standard spelling of grade level words in written work
- use resources to verify spelling
Writing Process
- gather and organize information
- write text with a beginning, middle and end
- write with voice (expression)
- edit for complete sentences, spelling, capitalization and punctuation
- use logs, journals and illustrations to record learning
- can choose the best kind of writing to convey their meaning
Parents Can Help By…
- providing many opportunities for your child to write (stories, directions, observations, feelings and opinions)
- encouraging your child to write legibly using manuscript and cursive
- practicing spelling words with your child
- helping your child reread to check for meaning and edit for capitalization, spelling, correct usage and punctuation
- providing resources, such as the dictionary, to verify spelling
Listening and Speaking
- follow oral directions
- demonstrate appropriate listening behavior
- speak fluently to express thoughts clearly
- apply knowledge and ideas drawn from text to own lives and the lives of others
Parents Can Help By…
- talking with and listening to your child
- showing an interest in your child’s school experiences
- giving multi-step directions to your child
- encouraging your child to be a courteous listener
- encouraging your child to use proper speech and appropriate language
Library Skills
The goal of library instruction is to give the students an understanding of how information is organized and how to access that information using the different types of materials in the library. Students will also be introduced to the different types of fiction and non-fiction literature.
Third grade students will…
- learn what types of books are available to answer homework questions
- learn how to use a books index and table of contents to locate information
- learn about the different types of fiction and information books available in the library.
Mathematics
Singapore Math is designed to equip students with sound concept development, critical thinking and efficient problem-solving skills. In Primary Mathematics, concepts are presented in a clear and sequential way to facilitate understanding and confidence.
Third grade students will learn…
- numbers and place value to 10,000
- mental methods of addition and subtraction
- multiplication and division facts to 10
- multiplication and its relationship to division
- data analysis and probability
- fraction equivalencies
- fraction of a whole
- adding and subtracting fractions with like denominators
- money-multiplication, division and fractions
- measurement- length, weight and capacity
- geometry- angles and triangles
