Teacher: Ms. Janet Hall             Class Schedule* Weekly Class Letter*

The third grade is a transitional year from primary to elementary. In third grade, students are encouraged to move from teacher directed activities to working more independently. Students use the foundational skills they learned in the primary grades to help them succeed socially and academically. Student progress is reported each nine weeks and Parent/Teacher/Student conferences are held twice a year.

Language Arts
In third grade, students read and write more independently than in any previous grade. Students spend significant blocks of time engaged in reading and writing on their own as well as completing assigned tasks and projects. Students listen critically to spoken messages of others, as well as making their own contributions to discussions. They also plan and present oral presentations. Third graders read grade-level material fluently, with comprehension. Students read in a variety of genres including realistic and imaginative fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. Third grade students write with more complex grammar such as proper nouns and commas in a series. Students write longer and more elaborate sentences and organize their writing into larger units of text. Students write several drafts to produce a final product.

Math
Students build on the learning from previous grades in all strands of mathematics, including arithmetic/number, geometry, measurement, logic, patterns, probability, and statistics. Multiplication and division are the focus of arithmetic instruction. All mathematical concepts are introduced using concrete manipulatives, and gradually introducing students to abstract understanding and concepts. Students use appropriate language and organizational structures such as tables and charts to represent and communicate relationships, make predictions, and solve problems.

Science
In third grade, the study of science focuses on research using the Scientific Method. Students plan and implement simple class investigations to develop the skills of collecting data, using tools, making inferences, communicating conclusions, and making informed hypotheses. Students learn material from Life Science, Earth Science, and Physical Science, with an emphasis on Physical Science.

Social Studies
The third grade Social Studies curriculum includes instruction in Citizenship, Economics, History, Government, Geography, Sociology, Anthropology, Map Skills, and Current Events. Social Studies skills and processes are woven into the daily lessons.

Religion
Students open each school day with prayer and attend a weekly all-school Mass where they worship and praise God. Students are encouraged to join one of the may opportunities in the church to actively participate. Each school Mass includes the children’s choir and special highlighted instruments such as the organ, piano, violin, and chorus of bells. In the classroom, through their study of religion, students deepen their understanding of Church and the community.

Spanish
Third graders are taught Spanish on a weekly basis. Students continue to expand their Spanish vocabulary including terms for home and school objects. They also learn to construct simple sentences in basic conversation.

Fine Arts
Students attend music class weekly. Each student learns the enjoyment of music both as a listener and a participant. Rhythm instruments, such as the recorder, are an integral part of the program. They also have the opportunity to sing in the school mass choir. Students perform on special occasions such as Grandparents Day, the Christmas Program, and the Spring Program.

Students receive art instruction weekly. The children use a variety of techniques such as clay, wood, and paints. Color study is a main focus throughout the year. Famous artists are studied and their techniques emulated to provide a myriad of examples for students.

 

*Note: The class schedule is in PDF format. If you do not have Acrobat Reader, get a free copy by clicking on the icon .