Third Grade At a Glance Below are a few of the exciting experiences that await your third-grader in Langley’s Lower School: • Music classes in which students learn to play the recorder, with opportunities to perform in the Lower School winter and spring concerts • Leadership opportunities expand as students may be elected to serve as advisors to the head of school
The Langley School’s Arc of Development recognizes that the steepest part of a child’s development comes early, and that while every child’s path is unique, there are predictable cognitive, emotional, and social milestones. With this model, our students receive age-appropriate, inquiry-based instruction.
• “State fair” event in which students creatively display their independent research of the 50 states • Grade-level, on-stage performance that integrates a variety of disciplines with technology and the arts • Service learning projects that encourage leadership and a greater awareness of the world
Learning in Action “As part of their study of the 50 states, each student researches a state. But rather than limit their research to books and websites, students write letters to local newspapers across the country, asking residents to send items and information to help them learn more. The hundreds of packages we receive give our students a unique perspective and understanding of their state’s history and culture.” -Grade 3 Teacher “Students learn the basics of coding while creating an interactive map to share with their peers. After defining significant and interesting facts about U.S. regions, students use their coding knowledge to embed those facts into a mapping program through text explanations, questions, or voice recordings.” -STEAM Teacher “During their museum project in art, third-graders expand their artistic skills, problem solving, and creative thinking through inquiry while focusing on the art of design. While creating their own miniature museums, complete with detailed wall art and sculptures, students gain a new perspective as they learn to see museums not just as visitors, but as artists, curators, and docents.” -Art Teacher
Units of Study: These units of study are examples of how we build age-appropriate, interdisciplinary lessons. The goal is to challenge, expand thinking, and inspire students to act on their curiosity, ask good questions, and solve problems. Social Studies: The 50 States Essential Question: How did the geographic landscape impact state borders? Skill/Activity: Discover how rivers, mountains, geographic regions, and territorial disputes were used to create state borders by interacting with an expert guest from the U.S. Geological Survey and using videos, photographs, and primary sources Science: Traits, Adaptation, and Change Essential Question: How do some traits enhance the survival of an organism/species? Skill/Activity: Test different types of tree seeds to find out which one travels farthest from the parent tree Math: Time and Money Essential Question: Why is elapsed time important to understand? Skill/Activity: Plan a virtual trip to a state of your choice which includes a variety of excursions, along with start, return, and travel times Language Arts: Character Study Essential Question: How can we build theories about our characters? Skill/Activity: Analyze book characters by their traits, motivations, actions, words, and feelings
Sample Schedule 8:00-8:25 a.m….............Morning Meeting 8:25-9:25 a.m……............................Reading 9:25-10:05 a.m…...................Snack/Recess 10:05-10:45 a.m….........................…Writing 10:45-11:30 a.m…….........................Science 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m….........Lunch/Recess 12:30-1:10 p.m…....................Social Studies 1:10-2:10 p.m…....................................Math 2:10-2:50 p.m…..................................Music 2:50-3:10 p.m….................Closing Meeting 3:10 p.m…..................................…Dismissal
What “Specials” Classes Will My Child Have? P.E. (3x/7-day cycle): sportsmanship; ball handling; gross motor development; introduction to fitness concepts; sports skills practice Spanish (3x/7-day cycle): oral communication through immersion; reading and writing; cultural exposure; thematic units Art (2x/7-day cycle): elements and principles of design; critical thinking; problem solving; effective use of tools and media; art appreciation; evaluating and interpreting art; elaborating on imaginative ideas Music (2x/7-day cycle): singing; recorder; note-reading; movement; music appreciation and history Library (1x/7-day cycle): reading for personal enjoyment and academic research; information literacy; selection, evaluation, and use of reliable/relevant resources
Since we believe educational programs should continually evolve to meet the needs of our students, all curricular lessons and schedules referenced here are examples and may change.