Third Grade is an exciting year at Saint Joseph School. The children are embarking on an educational journey to become more independent, life-long learners. Building on a foundation of basic skills, 3rd grade students bridge the gap between primary grades and intermediate grades through researching, cooperative learning, observing, calculating, analyzing, drawing conclusions and creative writing. Working with others and respecting others are a few of the ways we are followers of Jesus.
Curriculum highlights in 3rd grade include: First Communion, Cursive Handwriting and Multiplication and Division.
Religion: In grade 3, the following specific areas of study are covered during daily religion classes: preparation for First Eucharist, the Church as a Faith Community, the Sacraments and the parts of the mass. Emphasis is placed on the importance of service to others.
Language Arts: Through various types of learning experiences including oral and silent readings, creative writing, oral presentations, letter writing, poetry, drill and practice, students are exposed to the following areas in Language Arts: Emergent Literacy, Strategic Reading, Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary, Decoding, Study Skills, Literacy Appreciation and Multiculturalism. A continued emphasis on Phonics, Spelling and English Mechanics is an important part of the curriculum.
Mathematics: In the area of Mathematics, students in grade 3 build their conceptual understanding and skills in addition and subtraction, money, time, multiplication concepts and facts, division concepts and facts, use of Geometry, beginning fractions and decimals, and number sense.
Social Studies: The overall theme in grade 3 Social Studies is Communities. Strong emphasis is placed on learning about our first communities (Native American, Spanish and the Pilgrims). Finally, students learn the basic history of communities and the government of communities.
Science: Through various learning experiences such as lecture, hands-on activities, computer research, audio-visual aids, experimentation, field trips and cooperative learning, the students are exposed to the following general areas of content: Life cycles of animals and plants, Roles of living things, the Water Cycle: pollution and conservation, and Nutrition.
