Reading
In reading, third grade students focus on expanding skills that “good readers” develop to better understand and think about what they are reading. They expand upon their ability to make connections between what they’re reading and their own experiences, other texts, and the world around them. Students learn about character development, focusing on the strategy of visualizing to create mental images while reading. Third grade students also practice the skill of asking critical questions while reading to delve deeper into texts. Students work on summarizing skills while retelling fables, folktales, and myths from diverse cultures. Additionally, they begin to examine how authors use figurative language, particularly similes and metaphors, to bring voice and detail into the text. In the last unit of the year, students take all of the reading skills they’ve learned and practice them in literature groups. In these groups— modeled like a book club— students independently discuss what they read.
Writing
In the third grade writing curriculum students continue to learn to utilize the traits of ideas, organization, voice, word choice, sentence fluency, conventions, and presentation to improve their writing. Third grade students also learn how to write paragraphs to answer questions using reasons and details to support their answers and transition words to connect their ideas. Graphic organizers continue to be utilized as part of the prewriting process. Grammar is taught using the Framing Your Thoughts program; third graders identify conjunctions, linking verbs, and personal pronouns. Spelling is taught using the Wilson Fundations program, which at this level, focuses on advanced spelling rules and morphology. Third grade students improve their handwriting and fine motor skills by learning cursive.
We use the Illustrative Mathematics (IM) curriculum for third grade math.
The big ideas in Grade 3 math include: developing understanding of multiplication and division and strategies for multiplication and division within 100; developing understanding of fractions, especially unit fractions (fractions with numerator 1); developing understanding of the structure of rectangular arrays and of area; and describing and analyzing two-dimensional shapes. ~Illustrative Mathematics
In third grade, students track their predictions, observations, data, conclusions, and learning in a science notebook. The first science unit focuses on the science of sound. Students explore how sounds are made through vibrations, how the characteristics of an object can affect the sound made, and how they can then change the volume or pitch of a sound produced by an object. Students then learn how the ear works, which connects to learning about deafness. The next science unit in third grade focuses on light. Students explore characteristics of light, learning about how light, as energy, interacts with objects. Subsequently, they learn about the different parts of the eye which leads to learning about blindness. Next, students explore the properties of water and study the water cycle. Students consider ways in which people can conserve water while learning about how water is purified. In our ocean unit, students explore oceans as ever moving and changing bodies of diverse life that are made of different biomes and structures. Students look at what defines different zones in the ocean and compare and contrast the salinity, temperature, pressure, and light amongst the zones. Students also explore the relationship between tides and the moon. Students complete individual research projects in which they investigate marine life and the adaptations they have developed to help them survive.
Third grade students study our state, Massachusetts. Students learn about our state’s geography, natural resources, and history. Third grader students learn the differences between a primary and secondary source and use both of these sources as well as artifacts to study the past. As we explore our state’s early history, students learn about the Wampanoag, the Native Americans who lived (and live) here, and the first English settlers in Massachusetts, who are often referred to as the Pilgrims. In the study of each of these groups, there is a discussion of the role of perspectives and voices in the writing of history This includes an analysis of the “myths” and “facts” surrounding the interactions at the “First Thanksgiving.” Finally, third graders learn about the Massachusetts state government, exploring the roles and responsibilities of state representatives and the historical significance and current use of the Massachusetts State House. The unit culminates with a field trip to the State House.
Hebrew
Third grade students are immersed in a Hebrew speaking environment. They learn directions and basic needs for everyday life which enables them to express themselves more comfortably in Hebrew. The iTalAm program is the foundation for Hebrew instruction. The first unit covers the classroom and school environment. Students learn vocabulary associated with their school day. Next, students learn Hebrew language to describe their home environment, including clothing for all seasons and household items. Students also focus on the Hebrew vocabulary about food and nutrition, categorizing different items of food to create a balanced meal. Grammar instruction focuses on conjugating verbs into past tense. Students also practice writing simple declarative and interrogative sentences without verbs. Additionally, Israeli childhood songs are introduced as a vehicle for teaching new vocabulary and Israeli culture.
Jewish Studies
Torah: Torah is taught using the MaTok curriculum which examines Torah in Hebrew verses. Students learn to find meaning in the text with the goal of becoming comfortable with biblical Hebrew. Students learn how to identify characters in the text, roots of words, repetition of words, nicknames, places, and conversations. Using these skills, students are able to make connections to modern Hebrew and determine the main idea of the text. Some deeper conversations are conducted in English, but students are able to discuss the text in Hebrew, as well. Through the parashot Lech Lecha, Vayera, and Toldot, students explore and discuss the following themes: brit (covenant) and peoplehood, welcoming guests, family relationships, and the struggle between good and evil.
Holidays: Students learn about the Jewish holidays in Hebrew through discussion and reading Hebrew stories. They examine different customs and traditions associated with each holiday and continue practicing the corresponding blessings. Students compare and contrast how holidays are celebrated in America and in Israel.
Israel: Students develop a meaningful relationship with Israel through personal connections with language, people, places, and events. As an ancient land and modern state, we teach our students that Israel is a home for diverse and vibrant expressions of Judaism. In third grade, each student completes a research project on a particular time period in the history of the land of Israel, from Biblical times to modern day. Our students engage with Israel at all grade levels and feel a deep connection to their homeland.
Prayer: Students experience community z’man kodesh once a week. Music is used to enhance students’ spiritual experience connecting their hearts and minds. Students learn the keva (structure) of the Shacharit (morning prayer service) and explore pathways to deepen kavana (intentionality). Students also participate in a Torah service and discuss the weekly reading as well as other sacred texts.
The goal of our music program is for students to become skillful and enthusiastic music makers, encouraging music literacy, participation, and performance. Through joyful discovery of classical and contemporary music, students cultivate musicality and knowledge. Third grader students continue working on singing in tune with expression and confidence while gaining confidence on stage. Third grade students learn to play the ukulele, learning the correct finger positions and simple chords.
Students work with a variety of drawing tools, paints, and papers. Students learn techniques for drawing, painting, weaving, printmaking, and collage. Third grader students continue learning their elements of art such as line, shape, color, and texture. Emphasis is put on the creative process rather than the finished product.
An important part of the third grade experience is the performance of the Passover story in Hebrew. The students work very hard studying their lines and acting out their roles in front of their peers and families.
Through a variety of games, third grade students work on ball alignment, follow through, anticipation, timing, and force when throwing and catching. Basketball is introduced in third grade, and students work on individual ball-handling, passing, dribbling, and shooting. Students also work on their body control during a tumbling unit, learning how to do forward rolls, cartwheels, tripods, and bridges.
Students begin to enjoy some longer read-aloud stories across multiple classes, exploring new genres and formats. Students also strengthen their skills using the online catalog and create way-finding signs for the different sections of the library, highlighting their favorites. After a deep dive into fairy tales and fractured fairy tales, students use iPads and green screen technology to create videos of themselves acting out a fairy tale.