Curriculum Overview

Reading

• The emphasis in third grade is on improving critical thinking and comprehension skills, improving vocabulary, developing oral reading skills.
• Each student will be exposed to literary exploration.
• Students will be involved in our school-wide reading incentive programs.

Language Arts

• Writing will be integrated into reading, social studies and science.
• Students will spend time on writing mechanics, language usage, the writing process, expository writing, and handwriting.
• Students will be taught study and research skills.

Spelling

• The emphasis in spelling is placed on spelling words correctly at all times in all writing.
• Students will be exposed to core words, word patterns, spelling generalizations and content words.

Math

• Time will be spent reviewing basic addition and subtraction facts, subtracting with borrowing, multiplication, division, fractions, decimals, measurement, and problem solving.
• Students will be given enrichment and/or accelerated assignments according to their individual needs.

Science

• Each third grade teacher has mastered a set of CCO's from our district curriculum and has developed a unit in a specific area. The classes will rotate throughout the year until they have covered all of the topics.
• Topics covered are magnets and electricity, living things and their environmental habitats, the scientific process, the solar system, and sound.

Social Studies

• Core concepts in social studies include map skills, government, past and present, economics, and St. Louis Cultures.

Technology

• Students will be taught independent computer operation, basic computer editing skills, word processing skills, and Herzog keyboarding skills.
• Basic PowerPoint skills will be introduced.

Differentiated Instruction

• Instruction is differentiated through the use of tiered assignments, accelerated activities and projects, learning contracts, and cubing.

Grade Level Information

Homework Policy

Reading List

Curriculum Content and Essential Skills

District Curriculum