Math
Third grade math covers a wide variety of
subject areas. Many of the concepts from second grade are reviewed and expanded,
and many new concepts are introduced. The topics we cover are:
Writing and Language
Arts
The language arts curriculum covers grammar
usage, mechanics, spelling, vocabulary, composition, reference and study
skills, thinking skills, listening and speaking skills, and literature and
reading. For example, children will learn about the sentence, nouns, verbs,
pronouns, adjectives, adverbs, etc. We will study punctuation, capitalization,
paragraph composition, and how to use these skills in their writing. Children
will study the writing process and will learn to revise and edit their work.
Different styles of writing will be taught; narrative, expository, persuasive,letter,
and reports.
Reading
The reading curriculum covers comprehension, decoding, exposure to literature,
and sustained silent reading. Our students may be grouped by ability, to
best meet the individualized needs of each child. For instance, some reading
groups concentrate more heavily on basic decoding skills, while another
group may spend more time on exposure to literature. Writing skills, including
using the writing process, are taught and reinforced.
Science
The science curriculum adopted by the Seattle School District covers
the following areas in third grade:
The emphasis is on hands-on, inquiry based science. Students make decisions collecting and analyzing data, developing strategies for problem solving, and working cooperatively toward reaching solutions.
Social Studies
The social studies curriculum covers map
skills, the study of communities, and current news and cultural events.
As students are taught about communities, some basic concepts about government
and U.S. history are incorporated.
Art
The third grade art curriculum is designed around the "ArtWorks"
materials. Students are exposed to the works of master artists and are taught
critical and evaluative skills. Many media are used, including tempera,
chalk, charcoal, crayon, watercolor, printing ink, clay and enamels, fabric,
and multi-media.
Health
Our health program in third grade uses the
"Here’s Looking at You 2000 Drug and Alcohol" curriculum.
This program was developed in Seattle and is used nationally to teach children
about the effects of drugs on their growing bodies. We also teach basic
health principals, including exercise, cleanliness, dental health, nutrition,
safety, and illness and accident prevention.
Computers
Students get exposure and a lot of practice
in the Windows operating system – using word processors, finding
information on the Internet, etc. They also develop problem solving skills
about computers and a basic understanding of how they work. The computer
curriculum emphasizes research and integrates other curriculum areas, particularly
reading, social studies, and science.