the Grosse Pointe Academy
Reading/Language Arts/Writing - Course Description Formal writing skills are covered through teaching parts of speech and paragraph writing, highlighting the understanding and transfer of grammar skills taught in grades one and two. Student spelling proficiency increases and cursive handwriting skills, emphasizing both accuracy and clarity, are expected by the end of the year. Mathematics - Course Description Science - Course Description Social Studies - Course Description OUT-Of-CLASSROOM INSTRUCTION (SPECIALS) Visual Arts - Course Description FIELD TRIPS Ann Arbor Museum Two full-time learning resource specialists to meet individual needs and provide classroom STANDARDIZED TESTING SPECIAL EXPERIENCES Grade 2/3 Play
Third grade students use the Houghton Mifflin Invitations to Literacy program, as well as the classroom library to incorporate fiction and non-fiction, fairy tales and short novels into the curriculum. Phonics skills taught through the reading program continue to enhance fluency rates and allow students the ability to enrich themselves through challenging reading choices.
The third grade mathematics program strives to have the student improve basic skills and be capable of thinking critically and enthusiastic about mathematics. Everyday Math content threads include number theory, comparing and ordering numbers, data analysis, multiplication and division procedures, geometry, and order of operation. Group activity, problem solving, and differentiated activities augment the mathematics program in grade three.
The third grade science program is both content and experience based and enables students to learn about science and its relationship to their everyday life. Students are taught the traditional scientific method: first to question, form a hypothesis, gather materials, follow procedure, observe results, and form a conclusion. Curriculum areas of study include fossils, rocks and minerals, heat and energy, weather, lights, shadow and color, and living things.
The third grade social studies program introduces the students to the concepts of world, regional, and local geography and how these forces impact their lives. Students study and construct relief maps and master geographical terms. Students experience the excitement of applying knowledge and skills to current events.
Christian Life - Course Description
Creative Arts Movement - Course Description
French - Course Description
Library - Course Description
Music/Performing Arts - Course Description
Physical Education - Course Description
Technology
Grosse Pointe Historical Walk
Edsel and Eleanor Ford House
Detroit Institute of Art
Cranbrook Institute of Science
SPECIAL RESOURCES
enrichment l Licensed therapist on staff l School nurse
Informal and formal assessments are used throughout the year to identify progress, strengths, and areas for development. Third grade students take the ERB Comprehensive Testing Program (4) that assesses achievement in reading, listening, vocabulary, writing and mathematics.
Buddy Program
Intramurals (Soccer, Basketball, Floor Hockey, T-ball)
Monthly Grade 1-8 Chapel Assemblies
Grandparents’/Special Friends’ Day
Halloween Parade
Thanksgiving Assembly
Lower School Christmas Chapel Assembly/Chapel Giving
Special Assemblies & Celebrations
Community Service
Author Visit
Creative Movement Presentation
Field Day
Extracurricular Activities (Chess Club, Yoga, Art Club)
Parents' and Special Friends' Day
Jennifer Kendall
Early/Lower School Principal
jkendall@gpacademy.org
313-886-1221 ext. 145
