Curriculum

Reading/Language Arts Curriculum
We teach reading and writing using a Balanced Literacy philosophy. The children read and write using real picture books and novels. They are taught skills using phonics and whole language experiences. Writing is taught using Six Trait Writing and the Four Block method. We use Study Island, an Internet-based, standards driven, computer website to practice our reading skills. Some of the novels and author studies the children wiil experience in 3rd grade include:

The Littles by John Peterson
Magic Treehouse Series by Mary Pope Osborne
Riding Freedom by Pum Munoz Ryan
Farmer Boy by Laura Ingalls Wilder
Ramona Quimby by Beverly Cleary
The Defenders by Ann McGovern
Snow Treasure by Marie McSwigen
Owls in the Family by Farley Mowat
Stone Fox by John Reynolds Gardiner
Shiloh by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor
Eric Carle
Tomie de Paola
Patricia Polacco
ABC Books

Science Curriculum
In 3rd grade students will learn about plants, animals in a unit about life cycles. Some of the experiences they will have will be to study the life cycle of a plant, do a germination study for seed viability, and determine the difference between deciduous trees and coniferous trees. In Earth Science they will learn about water and other natural resources, weather, rocks, and the structure of the Earth.

Social Studies
Third graders at our school will study their own community and the communities of others in the United States. The will study the Native American culture and types of homes they lived in depending on the community they lived in.