In keyboarding, second graders begin two-handed typing. They continue more advanced work in graphics and multimedia, and undertake longer-term projects. Students are also introduced to Web 2.0 technologies. Second graders become more sophisticated in their approach to the Internet, as they develop skills to navigate selected web pages. Internet safety is woven into all of our projects. Example from past projects: Students used Glogster to present their research on their biography study, incorporating images, text, and video.
Third Grade Language Arts
Third grade is the year when children transition from learning to read to reading to learn. They become readers with a purpose. Working with realistic fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and legends, students learn to use observations to make inferences and dig for deeper meaning in the text. They sharpen their decoding skills through word study and the use of context clues. Students learn techniques for finding, processing, and understanding information, and for explaining the information in their own words. In third grade, students immerse themselves in writer’s workshop. They keep journals, create their own books during “free write,” and practice writing for different purposes and audiences. They learn to inform, persuade, entertain, and reflect. They become more adept at expressing and organizing their ideas clearly and sequentially in paragraphs. Revising and editing skills enhance their final pieces. They participate in a hands-on grammar program and learn how to write in cursive.
Mathematics
Third graders continue to develop their mental math skills by deconstructing numbers with a focus on multiplication and division facts. They use these skills to add and subtract three-digit numbers with regrouping, and multiply and divide multiple-digit numbers. Students develop their ability to solve two-step word problems through the use of bar models. They work more extensively with fractions, learning to simplify, compare, and find equivalent fractions. Geometry becomes more sophisticated as vocabulary broadens to include types and properties of lines, angles, and polygons. Third graders are also introduced to parallel and perpendicular lines, and congruent and symmetric figures.
Science
Third graders start the year exploring earth materials. Using rocks and minerals, students continue to hone their skills. Students observe, perform various tests, and use keys to identify the rock or mineral. Building on the foundation of the younger grades, third graders are provided with scaffolding as they begin to identify testable questions and create their own investigations to find answers. In past years, third grade students have created investigations as they have learned about the behaviors and adaptations of worms, crayfish, plants, and humans.
Social Studies
Third graders explore North America, with a focus on the regions of the United States. Using the concept of “Stewardship” as the central theme for their studies, students learn the definition of stewardship and sustainability. They learn how to become stewards of each other, their communities, and the world, and the relationship between stewardship and Quakerism. Students develop their research skills as they learn about states, national parks, and the Native American cultures that have been present there. Using the same skills and concepts, students also explore important landmarks from around the world. The third grade physical geography studies include skills such as identifying various land formations and using different types of maps, depending on the information needed.
Spanish
Third grade Spanish conversational skills focus on interaction using vocabulary and memorized phrases to answer simple questions with complete sentences. Students learn adjectives, the concept of nouns having singular, plural, masculine, and feminine forms, and the concept of a verb infinitive and first person singular conjugation. They practice writing using content vocabulary and familiar phrases. Expanding their cultural knowledge, third graders focus on Guatemala.
Computer Science
Basic programming skills develop, as students are introduced to the Scratch graphical programming language and programming concepts such as sequencing, iteration, conditional statements, event handling, variables, and synchronization. Third graders begin to program with LEGO WeDos using Scratch, which allows them to begin to build and experiment with Scratch to turn on motors and manipulate gears and pulleys in their LEGO creations.
Performing Arts
By the end of third grade, students acquire a sound understanding of the musical notation system. The curriculum in music continues to be coordinated with classroom study, and math skills are reinforced as students learn note values and time signatures. Third graders begin instruction on the soprano recorder. They also continue to expand their musical knowledge and vocabulary learning, for example, to distinguish between major and minor tonalities and to understand terms and concepts such as staccato, legato, and syncopation.
Physical Education
Third graders participate in a variety of team sports. Through team play and experience following the specific rules for each activity, students learn about positive social interaction, selfcontrol, self-discipline, and sportsmanship. Third graders use their conflict resolution skills in more competitive settings, and learn to understand increasingly complex class and game rules. Third graders engage in activities that combine locomotion, force, and time with manipulation skills.
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