Our 3rd grade Crusaders are making the transition from learning to read to reading for learning. Our 3rd graders start to focus their reader’s workshop time toward greater comprehension and increasing their vocabulary, fluency and accessibility. We continue to use the reader’s and writer’s workshop model from Lucy Calkins' Units of Study, implement Sadlier’s "Vocabulary Workshop," Scientific Spelling, and begin to utilize novels for teaching units. Our religion studies are focused through the "Blest Are We" series, which includes instruction in worship, prayer, morality, and Catholic beliefs. Students in 3rd grade attend weekly Mass.
Students meet their social studies objectives through TeachTCI, an online, kid-friendly curriculum which focuses on community, geography, different cultures and public service roles. For science, students use Pearson Interactive Science to explore topics such as animal habitats and different ecosystems, matter, earth’s various cycles, and many others, while also completing several S.T.R.E.A.M. (science, technology, religion, engineering, arts and math) projects throughout the year.
Students’ math blocks are composed of teacher-led instruction with small group centers that allow students to explore math concepts through games, hands-on activities, small group instruction, and skill practice. In addition to our standard curriculum, students have access to online content through Pearson, Discovery Streaming, PebbleGo, BrainPop, Mathletics, and IXL. Students in 3rd grade work to build their online digital portfolios through Seesaw.
