3rd Grade

Students build the bridge between learning to read and reading to learn as the foundation of 3rd grade. They are becoming more articulate socially and spiritually, and learn to communicate effectively. Mastery of foundational skills are central to 3rd grade learning, including reading (phonics), writing (spelling, conventions, grammar and paragraph writing), and math (number sense, multiplication, fractions, etc.). Students also develop more sophisticated organization, research and presentation skills by completing the Long Range Study project, which is a highlight of the year.

3rd Grade Curriculum

Literacy

3rd graders become more independent readers by cementing basic reading strategies and skills, as defined by Common Core State Standards (CCSS) for English language arts (ELA). Students practice reading strategies at a deeper level and use critical-thinking skills to increase reading comprehension. Students learn to write skillfully in a variety of genres and increase their ability to communicate effectively through written work (especially paragraph writing). They will also practice high-frequency words and build on their knowledge of spelling patterns, and depth of vocabulary.

Math

In 3rd grade math, instructional time focuses on four critical areas, as defined Common Core State Standards (CCSS) for math: (1) multiplication and division (2) fractions (3) developing an understanding of area, and the structure of rectangular arrays (4) analyzing two-dimensional shapes. In addition to the textbook, students also utilize Think Through Math (TTM), an online program to support independent learning and math thinking.

Science

3rd grade science is an inquiry-based curriculum based on Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and utilizes the scientific method: observation, forming hypotheses, creating relevant predictions, data gathering and investigations. 3rd graders use Foss Kits to study Structures of Life, Motion and Matter, and Water and Climate.

Social Studies

The 3rd grade social studies curriculum uses the Washington State social studies standards. Students focus on four key topics: geography, history, civics and economics. These topics are reinforced by study of westward movement and the early pioneers, an in-depth look at Seattle’s history, and cultural competence, focusing on Japan.

Religion

Assumption-St. Bridget School uses the religion standards of the Archdiocese of Seattle. These standards are divided into six areas of learning: Knowledge of the Faith, Liturgical Education, Moral Formation, Teaching to Pray, Education for Community Life, and The Church’s Missionary Life and Service. 3rd grade religion also focuses on building a basic understanding of Catholic doctrine through the study of the Catholic Social Teaching Principles. Students read from Hebrew and Christian scriptures (Old and New Testaments) and also utilize We Believe textbook. 3rd graders participate in our school faith community through prayer and liturgies, and practice social skills learned in bullying prevention and personal safety programs.

Technology

Technology is integrated into most classes using both iPads and HP laptops. Students learn basic operations to support their learning including Google’s tools for education such as Docs and Slides. Students begin learning to keyboard in grade three using a combination of teacher-led activities and a self-paced software program. Additionally, our students learn to code to encourage students to be creative & resilient, solve problems, collaborate and present their skills.

Drama

Drama uses a variety of artistic skills in the creative process including: mime, improvisation, voice, movement, character development, directing and performance. These skills are learned and developed in a variety of ways including drama games, activities, and various performances.

Music

In 3rd grade music emphasizes music reading skills, singing in harmony, and exploring the sounds of the instruments (timbre). Movement is still important in internalizing music concepts.

Physical Education

In third grade, physical education instruction focuses on loco-motor movements, hand/foot/eye coordination, and providing an introduction to basic team sports. Students have PE twice a week, and are evaluated based on their attitude, effort, and sportsmanship during class.

Long Range Study

Overview

A three-month-long project in which students study a topic of their choice and then present what they have learned to the school community using a presentation board (this is not a written report). The third grade LRS project has four main objectives:

1. Learn research skills:

use a variety of library systems: school, city, county, on-line search systems
use a variety of resources: books, magazines, newspapers, Internet sources, person with expertise and/or a location
apply non-fiction reading skills to their study

2. Learn organizational skills:

maintain focus on one topic of interest for an extended period of time
keep track of due dates
keep notes in report folder
make a study-plan schedule

3. Learn to be an “expert” on a topic:

build familiarity with information so they can share it easily with their audience (they need not memorize or read it to their audience)

4. Learn how to contact and conduct an interview with an “expert”.

LRS Guidelines for Parental Support

This is a long project your child will be completing. He/She will need some help from you, but it is his/her project. Here are some guidelines to help you be his/her guide and to let you know what will be happening.

Time management will probably be an area in which your child may need your help. We are sending home a calendar and due dates to be kept in the LRS section of your child’s binder. This section also contains any forms or other documents needed throughout the project. These forms will also be available on the website in case they are misplaced. Your child may, at times, have a homework assignment related to his/her LRS; however, we have not included these assignments in the packet. Your child will probably need help planning ahead to have assignments ready for each due date, and we will send reminders via the Friday newsletter. This is a great opportunity to assist your child in building organizational skills.

Research is another area in which your child may need your help. Students will get some instruction here at school about finding books on a specific topic. However, they will probably not be independent in finding resources at a library, bookstore, or on the Internet. Most students will need some help in reading, understanding, and collecting information. They will also need help setting up an interview with an expert on their topic. We will be going over ways to do this at school.

Please keep a positive attitude toward the project, as with everything, your attitude does affect your child’s attitude!

Here are some additional guidelines for LRS presentation day that you should keep in mind when planning your project. (I have also included these later in the packet so that you will not forget when planning the project.)

LRS Presentation Guidelines

No food items or other items (even small ones) may be given away. This alleviates kids visiting only those booths with “hot items,” leaving other kids ignored; it also puts the focus where it should be – on the sharing of information and knowledge.
For this same reason, we will not allow any electronic devices as a part of presentation day. Choose your topic with this in mind.
No live animals are allowed on LRS Day. If your topic is an animal of some sort, it would be best to bring a picture of it, or to use a stuffed animal to represent the one you are studying.
No weapons of any sort (or any other type of object that might harm someone) will be allowed on display at the LRS (e.g. if your topic is hunting, put photos on your board of the various hunting weapons, and bring empty shells/cartridges only).
You will display your information on a presentation board (tri-fold) and may also put out items relating to your topic at your table.
If you have an unusually-sized object (very large) you wish to display, please ask for permission and we may be able to make special arrangements for it.

Events

Field Trips

Cougar Mountain Zoo- Structures of Life
Seattle Underground Tour and Pike Place Market – Seattle History & Culture
Museum of History and Industry (MOHAI) and Lakeview Cemetery – Seattle History & Culture
Uwajimaya – Unit on Japan and Cultural Competence

Japan Day

3rd graders participate in a celebration of Japanese tradition and culture, including a full-day simulation of a typical Japanese school day, based upon what they learn during our unit. Students dress as their peers in Japan would (conforming uniforms and indoor shoes to change into), and participate in a number of activities that allow them to experience Japanese language, art, food, and games.

Ida Culver

3rd graders share community time with the elderly residents of the Ida Culver House, just a few blocks from ASB. Students walk with adult chaperones to Ida Culver in small groups every other week. These interactions are an opportunity to bridge generations. We bring activities such as math games, puzzles, poetry, artwork, writing projects, etc. to share each time we visit, and also trick or treat and sing Christmas carols each year.

Resources