Third Grade is an exciting year as students are utilizing the reading skills that have been built in the primary grades to read for meaning, with increased confidence, fluency, and comprehension in all subject areas. Students are encouraged to become competent, confident, and secure writers utilizing the methodology of Columbia University’s Writer’s Workshop. There is also a strong focus on letter, paragraph, and research-based report writing.
Math is introduced in a variety of ways. In Third Grade, literature, manipulatives, and playing a multitude of games is utilized to reinforce both concrete and abstract concepts. The year begins with a review of number concepts to build confidence, progressing into addition and subtraction. Following these units, there is a strong focus on the concepts of multiplication and division. The emphasis on problem solving, logical reasoning, and “real-life” math situations throughout the year make math meaningful and relevant to their lives.
The Science curriculum includes topics such as weather, animal classification and adaptations, the human body, sound, light, energy, and technology. Students explore these topics using a combination of text resources, web resources, and current events. As well, the students learn the scientific method by performing hands-on experiments on a weekly basis in our new state-of-the-art Science Laboratory. The Third Graders’ work is exhibited in a yearly school-wide Science Symposium.
The emphasis in Social Studies is on studying communities around the country and the world by corresponding with friends and relatives, as well as learning about our country utilizing a number of text and internet resources. Our students research a state, as well as a famous person from his/her state. Each child reads, takes notes, and writes a state report. The Third Grade holds a State Fair which is a cross-curricular endeavor and includes projects from the specials areas of Shop, Art, Library, Music, and Computers.
Science and Social Studies are enriched by several exciting field trips, some of which include The Oyster Bay Walking Tour, The Jericho Water District, Sagamore Hill, Hofstra Playhouse, Cradle of Aviation Museum, and Ellis Island.
Character development and community service are core aspects of our curriculum. Each month, we focus on a theme based on a positive character trait (e.g., honesty, respect, responsibility, and caring). Utilizing hands-on activities, role-playing and literature, the children are able to grasp the meaning of these concepts and incorporate them into their lives. Each class is involved with a community service project, reaching out beyond themselves to help others in need.
Our goal in Third Grade is the development of well-rounded and responsible students who are aware not only of themselves as individuals, but also of their peers and the world around them.