Grade 3 Curriculum Guide

Reading/Language Arts/Writing - Course Description
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. Phonics skills taught through the F.A.S.T. reading program continue to enhance fluency rates and allow students the ability to enrich themselves through challenging reading
choices.

Formal writing skills are taught through the teaching of parts of speech and paragraph writing highlighting the understanding and transfer of grammar skills taught in grades one and two.  Children are required to keep a journal and write in it daily.  Student spelling proficiency increases and cursive handwriting skills with both accuracy and clarity is expected by the end of the year.

Mathematics - Course Description
The third grade mathematics program strives to have the student become proficient in their skills, capable of thinking critically and enthusiastic about mathematics.  Everyday Math content threads include, but are not limited to, 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.

Science - Course Description
The third grade science program actively blends content and experience 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 science curriculum is enhanced through multiple field trips.

Social Studies - Course Description
The third grade social studies program introduces the students to the concepts of world, regional, and local geography and how these concepts 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. All students are encouraged and expected to participate in
discussions and present oral and written reports. Students not only learn where in the world an event is happening, but what in the world is happening both of which are critical in our globalized
society. The social studies curriculum is enhanced through multiple field trips.

OUT-Of-CLASSROOM INSTRUCTION (SPECIALS)

Visual Arts - Course Description
Drawing . Painting . Sculpture . Collage . Weaving and textiles . Artists and art styles . Art history

Christian Life - Course Description
Introduction to Old and New Testament stories . Holidays . Study of Biblical heroes

Creative Movement - Course Description
Awareness of body movement potential . Varied movement vocabulary . Problem solving through choreographic studies . Class presentation focusing on artist’s work

Environmental Science Lab
Adaptations . Animal and plant basic needs and limiting factors . Season changes in plants and animals . Animal communication and behavior

French - Course Description
Communication . Cultures . Cross-curriculum connections . Comparisons

Library - Course Description
Book selection . Characteristics of books . Library media procedures

Music/Performing Arts - Course Description
Symbolic notation . Rhythm and tonal dictation . Introduction to Orff instruments . Composers

Physical Education - Course Description
Participate successfully in selected health enhancing, lifelong physical activities . Develop and maintain healthy levels of cardiorespiratory and muscular endurance and flexibility

Technology
Use and understanding of desktop programs . Typing l Integrated projects with classroom curriculum

FIELD TRIPS

Ann Arbor Museum
(Curriculum connection: Science)

Grosse Pointe Historical Walk
(Curriculum connection: Social Studies)

Edsel and Eleanor Ford House
(Curriculum connection: Social Studies)

Detroit Institute of Art
(Curriculum connection: Art and Social Studies)

Cranbrook Institute of Science
(Curriculum connection: Science)

SPECIAL RESOURCES

Two full-time learning resource specialists to meet individual needs and provide classroom
enrichment l Licensed therapist on staff l School nurse

STANDARDIZED TESTING
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.

SPECIAL EXPERIENCES

Grade 2/3 Play
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)

Jennifer Kendall
Early/Lower School Principal
jkendall@gpacademy.org
313-886-1221 ext. 145