Third Grade

This year at JA is when your child starts putting it all together and taking on more academic assignments. Third graders relate literature to their own lives, sharpen their problem-solving skills, and learn to write in cursive.

Third Grade Curriculum

Reading and Writing

In addition to the classroom readers, there is an in-depth study of Laura Ingalls Wilder’s Little House in the Big Woods, which includes churning butter, creating paper quilts and making paper dolls. The unit culminates with all third graders square dancing, reciting poetry, singing songs, and presenting memorable scenes from the book in a program for their parents. Other chapter books your child will read include the classic tale of Charlotte’s Web and Beverly Cleary’s lovable book The Mouse and the Motorcycle. In English, your child will learn synonyms, antonyms, capitalization, punctuation, contractions, and dictionary skills. Students utilize their English skills by writing paragraphs and stories throughout the school year. Your child will learn cursive handwriting in third grade.

Math

In Singapore math, your child will develop multiplication and division skills throughout the year. Reinforcement lessons sharpen skills in problem solving, addition and subtraction using multi-digit numbers; measurement using standard and metric units; fractions and decimals; and, other areas.

STEM

In third grade, your child will study science and engineering twice a week in our lower school STEM lab. Working collaboratively in groups of four, each “crew” is based on a NASA model. Missions (units) covered include space, matter, animals, energy, bridges, air and water, body systems, electricity, dinosaurs and fossils, aviation and contraptions. Students also explore robotics through the Lego WeDo program.

History and Social Studies

Social Studies is taught using field trips and hands-on experiences such as the famous American biography presentation and parade, during which students dress as a famous American.

Physical Education

Your child will participate in physical education three days a week. Instruction in P.E. continues the development of motor and manipulative skills, striking, kicking, jumping, hand-eye, and foot-eye coordination. Aerobics, rope and juggling activities, as well as low organizational games, continue to develop skill and fitness. Your child will be introduced to team games and team sports skills that are practiced in lead up games and activities. Third graders are able to participate in Running Club, an after-school activity to promote the development of healthy lifestyle habits. They are encouraged to walk or run for 18 minutes and set personal goals as to how many miles they want to run throughout the year.