The goal of the third grade is to enable all children in a heterogeneous class to develop a solid foundation in the skills needed to become a successful learner.
The reading program enables children to become independent readers encouraging a lifelong love of reading. Using a combination of basal readers, phonics, novel study, library books, and the Accelerated Reading program provides direct reading instruction. Emphasis is on oral fluency, critical thinking, phonetic skills, listening skills, vocabulary, comprehension, and the appreciation of literature.
Effective communication is the goal of the English program. Both oral and written communication is stressed. Direct instruction is provided in grammar, language mechanics, creative writing, and oral expression. The writing process is emphasized throughout the school year. Phonics and word patterns build a firm foundation of spelling principles and skills.
Mathematics is presented in a success oriented program designed to logically develop the language and basic concepts of math. The program builds on the prior learning of basic skills and is presented in planned increments. Time is provided between each increment of learning for constant practice, leading to mastery. Oral and cumulative evaluations are built into the program. Speed and accuracy are stressed. Problem solving and estimation are used throughout the day.
The Social Studies program is designed to increase the students’ understanding of change, current events, basic economic principles to include the study of communities, technology, history, and maps and globes. An important goal of the program is to encourage students to be informed and responsible citizens in their school, community, country, and the world.
The Science program features Life Science, Physical Science, and Earth Science. The program incorporates the use of the scientific method and capitalizes on the natural curiosity of young children.
LANGUAGE ARTS
Phonics and reading:
- Recognition and use of all phonics, special sounds in reading
- Novel reading
- Comprehension skills
- Sustained silent reading/AR
- Oral reading
Spelling:
- Weekly phonics-based word list
- Vocabulary words and definitions
- Weekly test/dictation
- Reinforcement activities
Writing:
- Cursive – review of letter formation
- Guided creative writing
- Journal writing
- Daily seatwork
Language:
- Language mechanics
- Grammar usage – nouns, pronouns, verbs, and adjectives
MATH
- Numbers to 99,999
- Expanded form
- Greater than and less than
- 3-digit addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division
- Time/money
- Measurement (metric and standard)
- Statistics/probability
- Roman numerals 1 – 1,000
- 3 stage long division
- Multiple step problem solving
- Algebraic equations
- Graphing
- Estimation
- Fractions
- Math vocabulary
SOCIAL STUDIES
- Communities
- Change
- Events – past and present
- Famous Americans
- Technology
- Basic economics
- Citizenship
SCIENCE/HEALTH
Life Science:
- Plants
- Animals
- Human biology
Healthy Living Skills
Physical Science:
- Properties of matter
- Sound and light
Earth Science:
The Scientific Method
Textbook List
READING
A BEKA
A Handbook for Reading by McCary, Hicks, and Sleeth
Publisher/Copyright Date: Pensacola Christian College © 1995
A BEKA
Paths to Adventure, 3.1 by Hicks, Hedquist, Conrad, and Beck
© 1996
A BEKA
Footprints, 3.2 by Shimmin and Hicks
© 1986
A BEKA
Crossroads, 3.3 by Hicks
© 1986
A BEKA
Pilgrim Boy, 3.4 by Nordtvedt
© 1987
A BEKA
Secret in the Maple Trees, 3.5 by Nordtvedt
© 1988
A BEKA
Better Bridges, 3.6 by Beck, Conrad, and Sleeth
© 1997
A BEKA
Worlds of Wonder, 3.7 by Hicks
© 1997
A BEKA
Pilgrims Progress, 3.8 (simplified) by John Bunyan; Hedquist, edition editor
© 1997
Novels:
Bula The Chalk Box Kid
Bula Shoeshine Girl
Clements The School Story
Clements A Week in the Woods
DiCamillo Because of Winn Dixie
Estes The Hundred Dresses
Giff Pictures of Hollis Woods
Kehret Cages
Kellogg Paul Bunyan
Naylor Shiloh
Naylor Shiloh Season
Naylor Saving Shiloh
Peterson The Littles
Rockwell How to Eat Fried Worms
Rockwell Frindle
VOCABULARY
Worldly Wise 3000, Books B and C
Publisher/Copyright Date: Educators Publishing © 2002
LANGUAGE ARTS
A BEKA
Language 3 by Yarusinsky and Holley
© 1996
A BEKA
Spelling and Poetry 3 by Ashbaugh
© 1997
PHONICS
Megawords, 2 by Johnson and Bayrd
© 2002
ARITHMETIC
A BEKA
Arithmetic 3, Worktext by Howe
© 1996
A BEKA
Arithmetic 3, Tests and Speed Drills by Howe
© 1996
SCIENCE
A BEKA
Enjoying God’s World 3 by Moore and Sleeth
© 1996
Discover Science 3
Publisher/Copyright Date: Scott, Foresman © 1993
McGraw-Hill Science, NC edition
Publisher/Copyright Date: McGraw-Hill © 2000
SOCIAL STUDIES
A BEKA
Our American Heritage by Sleeth
© 1997
