Language Arts
Our goals for student reading, writing, and oral communication are stressed in science, mathematics, art, music, technology and library as well as the language arts and social studies time. The students select and read a variety of good literature, both fiction and non-fiction, from different genres, including Norse, Greek, and Roman myths, mysteries, science fiction, legends, poetry, and biographies. We emphasize vocabulary and comprehension on the literal, interpretive and evaluative levels. Children meet in teacher-led groups and student-led literature circles to discuss the story elements and vocabulary.
The WIS curriculum will help children to see themselves as writers sharing their own experiences, ideas, knowledge and observations. Students brainstorm, draft, revise, edit and produce final drafts, while refining spelling and grammar skills. They also write in journals and use the writing process to prepare for oral presentation write reports. Students transition to accomplishing their daily work in cursive as they become comfortable. Learn more about the Language Arts Program.
Mathematics
At this level, students continue to advance their skills in addition and subtraction. The most significant third grade topics are multiplication and division. The program includes both hands-on, small-group activities using a variety of manipulatives and whole class instruction. Number theory, measurement, geometry, and numeric sentences, and problem solving are also covered. Learn more about the Math Program.
Science
Light, optics and sound are the topics covered in physical science. The muscular, nervous systems of the body, ecology, solar system, and classification of animals make up the life science units. The science curriculum will expand and refine the students’ scientific skills and knowledge. A variety of techniques, activities, and materials are utilized to stimulate scientific awareness to make science relevant and engaging for students. Hands-on investigations are designed to promote inquiry/process skills within the scientific approach.
Social Studies
Geography and studies of Canada, Ancient Rome, and the Vikings are the topics learned in the world units of third grade social studies. The students expand their knowledge of the United States with units on Native Americans, early European exploration of North America, and life of European settlers along the Atlantic seaboard. The program encourages proficiency and independence in using reference materials as well as maps and globes. The integration of the reading and writing skills are key to social studies, which builds the background knowledge for students to understand themselves and the world they inhabit. Additionally, students will begin to recognize how ideas of the past influence people today. Learn more about the History and Geography Program.
Mandarin or Spanish
Stories, songs, rhymes, and plays continue to be the core of the program. Children are able to read with understanding a variety of simple materials containing basic learned vocabulary. They begin to write very simple texts following a model. They are equipped to give an oral presentation (e.g. a description of themselves, skits, songs). Reading and writing are able to be used with more ease along with the communicative skills of listening and speaking. Songs, games, and stories from Mandarin/Spanish culture are a key component of the program, as well as occasional integration with the classroom curriculum. Students memorize and rehearse a play as a class and in groups.
Art
In third grade, the concepts of space and dimension are emphasized. Students expand their awareness of the value of art in a variety of cultures, including Native American, Ancient Roman and Byzantine art. Studying artists and cultural arts are two ways that students learn about art. By learning about various artists, using their techniques, and having class critiques, students learn how to problem solve, communicate their ideas and feelings, exchange multiple solutions to an artistic problem, and respect the work of others, an essential skill to global citizenship.
Music
The music program reviews the basic elements of music: rhythm, melody, harmony, timbre, texture, dynamics, and form. Third graders’ musical independence makes for a stronger singing voice and instrumental dexterity. Our activities use speech, body percussion, and elementary pitched and unpitched instruments. The development of a lifelong love and appreciation for music is continues to be emphasized.
Physical Education
The emphasis is on continued refinement of locomotor, non-locomotor and selected manipulative skills. Appropriate specialized skills are applied to group and team activities, promoting proper social interaction and sportsmanship. A continuation of activities which promote physical fitness and health related topics will be included. A personal well-being develops in WIS students through a balance of physical, intellectual and social skills.
Technology
The goal of technology instruction is to teach students to effectively use the computer and other technology tools to enhance, support and extend their learning in all areas of the curriculum. Technology is purposefully taught and used to increase productivity, promote creativity, and develop problem-solving skills.
Library/Research Skills
Third graders build upon skills learned in earlier grades and continue to be introduced to a wide variety of books during their regularly scheduled visits to the library. Students engage in a yearlong study of genres. They become familiar with a wide variety of genres, learn to identify the literary elements of common genres, and are motivated to read a greater variety of books. The classroom teacher and librarian collaborate to plan activities designed to help them develop information literacy skills. Students develop and practice a wide variety of information literacy skills as they conduct research in the classroom, library and computer lab.
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