Third Grade Strands

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Mathematics​

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This is the year that our exploration of Numbers becomes a study of Mathematics.  We continue to grow student's mathematical reasoning skills through the introduction of multiplication and division.  Students are given the chance to explore the inverse relationship between multiplication and division through hands-on activities with manipulatives and experiments rather than a reliance on technology.  We encourage students to discover and make their own connections by solving problems verbally, with pencil and paper, through art and visual representation.   Students begin solving multi-step number stories related to all four major operations: multiplication, division, addition and subtraction. Students also participate in real world applications when working with fractions, graphing and plotting, geometry and measurement. Examples of projects include: creating a class store, bake sales, and designing buildings and structures.  Such activities promote responsibility, collaborative work, money management and budgeting, time management, and real-world problem solving skills.
 

Language Arts 
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Reading opens doors to the world. We want our students to not only gain reading fluency but the love of story as well. Our students learn to appreciate a wide variety of literary forms. Using close reading techniques and developing specific comprehension skills enables our students to deepen their understanding of the written word. We work with varied texts that weave different strands together including Mayan Stories in social studies,  Scientific papers and biography in science and math and great novels in language arts.  Students visit our local Public Library weekly. At the library, students explore different genres, and are given the autonomy to look at books independently.  This activity helps children take personal responsibility by using their own library card to take out and return books. 
 

Students develop accuracy and depth of their written expression in Writer’s Workshop. They work as writers and authors to appreciate the value of their ideas. Students develop skills to enhance their writing such as adding detail, emphasis, character, conventions and structure.  In third grade, students move from sound spelling words to learning how to use a dictionary and being introduced to book spelling.  We help students learn the rules of grammar as tools for writing and gaining clarity in self-expression.  Students also begin learning how to write in cursive and taking pride in hand writing.   The process of revision and editing continues to be part of the writing process with special publishing parties at the end of each piece of writing to celebrate their hard work.  Students participate in the “I Am An Author” series, and celebrate becoming ‘published authors’ of personal narrative, opinion, informational, and creative writing pieces.​

Great Scientists and Earth Science

In Science, students participate in weekly celebrations of Great Scientists from around the world, focusing specifically on scientists from underrepresented communities. Students learn the history and many accomplishments of these scientists and explore their discoveries through interactive activities. In addition, students participate in lessons and experiments on kinetic and potential energy. Our outdoor nature observation walks through our community allows students to participate in bird and color scavenger hunts, observing changes in season. Students participate in a field trip to the Queens Zoo  to explore the Wildlife of the Americas, in which students will observe animal exhibits and take part in scientific studies, and observe animals up close. 

Social Studies - Mesoamerican Ancient Civilizations

In our social studies strand, students use story to explore and research the different cultures, symbolism and rituals of the Mayans, Incans and Aztecs.  The creation myths, traditions and legends of the each civilization will be discussed, researched and shared together.  Students will use the Arts, field trips, and demonstrations to understand the culture and values of these First Peoples, culminating in presentations, art shows and field trip experiences.

The Arts

In visual arts, students explore both 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional art that covers large surface areas.  They explore materials, and abstract art with the goal of loosening up and growing creativity. 
 

In theater arts, students will not only participate in theatrical games that focus on collaborative skills and team work; they will also build on developing strong communication skills, building empathy by experiencing different perspectives, and broadening the ways they make meaning of the world around them. Students will also learn about the importance of expression through set and costume design.
 

In music, students participate in a class choir learning confidence in expression through song as well as learning how to focus their body and voice together, listening to each other as they sing, and performing songs together at both the Winter and Spring Pageants. 
 

In dance/movement, students participate in yoga and theatrical movement focused on using their whole body to express themselves as well as following a movement sequence.  Students are encouraged to find new ways of using their bodies and being confident in their movements.

Language

Students select to study Spanish or Mandarin. In both languages the emphasis is on oral fluency and comfort with conversations.  Students are taught by specialty teachers who use hands-on projects, discussion and real world activities such as shopping, eating and asking for directions to support children’s learning.

Home Learning

Home learning is assigned bi-weekly and is directly correlated with reviewing what was learned in the classroom, or a new topic to be discussed when it is due. Home learning assigned on Monday, will be due on Wednesday. Home learning assigned on Wednesday, will be due the following Monday.