Third Grade
Our students continue to develop their skills through the Grammar stage where the solid foundations of language, faith, and the sciences continue to be strengthened. Our academic theme this year is The Middle Ages where our students will hear the stories and participate in activities related to this exciting time in world civilization.
LANGUAGE
In the grammar stage the solid development of language skills is paramount. In third grade, students continue to develop their knowledge and love of language through vocabulary, phonics, spelling, the development of grammar and oral reading. They continue to develop their handwriting and comprehension skills through the materials in use.
Reading and writing skills are taught through the Open Court series produced by Macmillan. Open Court has been one of the most successful traditional reading series available and has been in publication for many years. Phonics, reading skills, and comprehension are all taught through the Open Court series produced by Macmillan. Open Court has been one of the best traditional reading series available and has been in publication for many years. This series builds upon the learning of previous years to strengthen language development. Through a systematic approach, students develop critical reading and writing strategies and the skills needed for success.
Our handwriting series is Writing Our Catholic Faith by Universal Publications. In third grade Writing our Catholic Faith provides a brief review of manuscript handwriting before introducing the cursive alphabet. Catholic words, sentences, and pictures reinforce students’ faith while they practice their handwriting. They review the manuscript alphabet and begin to learn cursive basic strokes, letters, joining, and numerals.
Spelling Connections is published by Zaner-Bloser. This well-regarded spelling series follows a word study approach to teach spelling. By teaching common spelling patterns and using carefully curated words students learn the letter and sound combinations that they need to learn new words. As they learn how to recognize and anticipate syllable patterns, they can use them to “self-explain” how to apply these learned rules to words at their current grade level as well as to increasingly complex words.
Grammar is taught through Well Ordered Language by Classic Academic Press. This book presents grammar in a clear, orderly way, while simultaneously seeking to cultivate a child’s wonder of language by presenting instruction in the context of narrative and language, attractive illustrations, and samples taken from classic children’s literature and poetry. Students will be able to identify the parts of a sentence and understand how words behave. The curriculum is designed for teachers and students to actively engage with each other and with the grammatical concepts in each lesson, using language skills-reading, writing, speaking, and listening – along with physical movement, songs, and chants. Through Well Ordered Language’s unique, creative, and orderly method of analyzing the grammatical functions of the parts of speech, students will find the mastery of grammar achievable, meaningful, and delightful.
RELIGION
Students continue to develop their understanding of God’s love and mercy through the Sacraments of Reconciliation and the Eucharist.
Students fully participate in the prayer life of the school through daily prayers, weekly Mass, Penance, seasonal devotions, and social action practices.
Our text is Our Life with Jesus – Ignatius Press
MATHEMATICS
Saint Mary’s uses a traditional, sequential approach to mathematics instruction. This sequential approach emphasizes number sense, patterning, mental math, memorization, critical thinking, and grade appropriate algebraic reasoning, all integrated with problem solving and assessment. As a result, students learn, understand and are comfortable with using mathematics.
Our text is Progress in Mathematics: Grade 3 Sadlier. Progress in Mathematics provides rigorous content focused on building deep conceptual understanding of key math skills and concepts at each grade level in an orderly, natural format.
SCIENCE
Our science program is Science: A Closer Look published by Macmillan/McGraw Hill. It offers students exciting and engaging activities which promote curiosity and foster the development of science inquiry skills. Through a consistent and structured learning cycle, students confidently build upon their experiences to develop a lifelong understanding of science concepts.
HISTORY
History, along with language and religion, are the foundational subjects of classical education. At this level students learn ancient history by listening to, discussing the stories, and doing related activities.
Our text is The Story of the World-volume 2: The Middle Ages. Students develop listening and recall skills and participate in medieval projects while using an engaging and reinforcing activity book.
In addition, each day students participate in either Latin, Art, Music, Gym, or Library.