3^rd Grade Humanities explores three thematic questions:  How do we learn about our world and ourselves through new experiences? How do we make and use plans to help us solve problems? As a team/community, how can we use each member’s strengths to get the job done?  These questions are the focal point for readings in the anthology and supplemental literature.

The multicultural literature connects to our themes, includes a variety of genres, and meets a range of reading levels. Students learn to think critically, to evaluate characters’ decisions and actions, and to relate reading to their own experiences.  This occurs through discussions, a reading response journal, and book projects.

Lessons incorporate: phonics; vocabulary; writing; grammar, usage, mechanics, spelling; social studies skills and current events; and literacy skills.

3^rd Grade Math extends skills and concepts from the previous year. It also introduces new topics in each strand:  Numeration (numbers to 1,000,000; fractions, decimals, integers); Operations and Computation (automaticity with all addition and subtraction facts; extend multiplication and division facts to multi-digit problems; working with properties; operations with fractions and money); Data and Chance (extend from 2^nd grade); Geometry (shapes and other geometric concepts); Measurement and Reference Frames (measuring lengths to the nearest ½ inch and ½ centimeter; describing relationships among units of length and time; finding rectangle area and polygon perimeters; time to nearest minute); Patterns, Functions, and Algebra (patterns on the number grid; Frames-and-Arrows puzzles having two rules; variations of “What’s My Rule?” activities; relationships between addition/subtraction and between multiplication/division; using parentheses in number models; naming missing parts of number models).

3^rd Grade Science increases a child's ability to understand and deal with his/her natural environment, to develop a rational approach to the solution of problems, as well as to understand interrelationships of science with other human experiences. Major topics include: skeletal/muscular/nervous systems of the human body; nutrition; energy, forces, and motion; simple machines; weather; chemical mixtures; plant and animal diversity and adaptation; cells/microscopic life; changes of earth’s surface; types of soil and the soil cycle; solar system; natural resources  and responsible use of them.

3^rd Grade Spanish continues to stress listening comprehension and oral skills and introduces the reading of previously- learned vocabulary and structures.  Students extend these skills to include more vocabulary and to feel more at ease responding to various situations.  Cultural awareness is an integral part of each class.

3^rd Grade Art highlights interdisciplinary connections such as art and science, art and math, and art and humanities. It focuses on processes, techniques, and art history with intensive explorations in clay, collage, drawing, painting, and color theory; and exposure to the visual art of different cultures.

3^rd Grade Music students’ rhythmic vocabulary grows to include multiple notes/rests. Students experience instrumental and vocal repertoire as well as conducting patterns in different meters. Emphasis is on proper vocal and instrumental technique as students label treble clef lines and spaces and experience melodies with scale tones and hand signals. Both instrumental and vocal repertoire demonstrate phrases, interludes, extended forms, rondo form, accents, fermata, crescendo and diminuendo. 3^rd Graders may join the after-school Lower School Choir.

Physical Education students participate in various movement activities designed to promote motor and manipulative development, the understanding of a healthy lifestyle, and a positive self-image.  Emphasis is on enjoyment, challenge, self-expression, and social interaction within movement experiences.  The curriculum includes an aquatics unit accenting proper stroke development, water safety, and self-confidence during swimming; and a climbing unit designed to promote handwriting skills.

During 3^rd Grade Library time, the librarian reads aloud from the Bluebonnet List, and students vote on a winner. Students also review the arrangement of books in the library and work on search and retrieval techniques, among other skills. 

3^rd Grade Computer students are introduced to keyboarding and continue working on word processing skills. They use the Internet to research various topics, visit specific web sites, and participate in interactive activities. They use various software programs for projects integrated with their academic studies, including Timeliner, Kidspiration, Word 2007, and PowerPoint 2007. They learn to use a digital camera and/or scanner.