Third Grade Curriculum
Reading
Students begin the year using a basal reading text emphasizing the following skills: vocabulary development, identification of story elements, main idea and supporting details, cause and effect, fact and opinion, and sequence of events. In addition, students compare and contrast, make predictions and draw conclusions, and summarize. Students then progress toward their first novel study: Lewis and Clark. An oral biography presentation and "How To" demonstration afford students an opportunity to express themselves before their peers. Throughout the year, students are introduced and encouraged to read a variety of genre in order to foster a love of reading. A reading incentive program challenges students to independently select, read and summarize books of their choosing.
English
Third grade English focuses on the parts of speech and emphasizes basic skills in grammar, mechanics, and composition. Journal entries, creative stories, and expository writing assignments give students a balanced platform in which to express their thoughts, feelings, and dreams. Poetry is integrated into all aspects of the third grade curriculum culminating in an April Poetry Festival to celebrate National Poetry month.
Spelling
Emphasis is placed on learning principles and patterns, and the exploration of spelling-meaning relationships. Students group the weekly spelling words according to their spelling pattern. Additionally, they make inferences, classify, practice dictionary skills, and complete analogies.
Mathematics
Third grade math concepts cover addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division of whole numbers. Major emphasis is placed on mastery of multiplication tables of zero through twelve. In addition, students are introduced to elapsed time, money, fractions, measurement, and geometry concepts. Students are challenged on an ongoing basis to write, solve and share word problems for fellow students to solve during each focus of study.
Science
Students begin the year with a study of plants and animals. They examine plants and discover how they make food. Students explore how scientists classify animals, and investigate their behaviors. During this process, students learn how living things depend on one another. In addition, students investigate the phenomenon of sound. They determine how sounds are produced, and explore two characteristics of sound: pitch and volume. Guest speakers and study trips enhance these studies.
Social Studies
Journey Across America familiarizes students with the wealth of diversity found within the United States. While on this journey, students explore our country’s rich cultures, various landforms, and diverse communities. Next, students survey Jacksonville history. Finally, third graders research and report on an assigned state in preparation for our culminating event, the State Fair.
Learn more about Riverside's Fourth Grade Program »»
