3rd Grade Curriculum Miss O'Leary Third grade is a busy year for our shining stars with loads of excitement, discoveries, and a strong eagerness to learn new concepts and material. We love growing together! It's a great leap coming from the second to third grade and with that comes wonderful responsibility and initiative. Math - In Math students are taught using the Common Core curriculum. Multiplication concepts are reinforced and division is introduced. The third grade students are also introduced to fractions, and decimals. Problem solving and critical thinking skills are also strengthened, while using games, hands-on activities and projects to reinforce conceptual understanding. Classroom Chromebooks are used to introduce and practice new concepts. Math - In Math students are taught using the Common Core curriculum. Multiplication concepts are reinforced and division is introduced. The third grade students are also introduced to fractions, and decimals. Problem solving and critical thinking skills are also strengthened, while using games, hands-on activities and projects to reinforce conceptual understanding. Classroom Chromebooks are used to introduce and practice new concepts. Science - In Science, students learn about the Water Cycle, natural resources, space and technology, along with different ecosystems, plants and animals. Students will have fun creating a project for each topic and sharing it with their classmates. Religion - The Religion curriculum supplies a balance of Scripture, doctrine, and morality. It also includes the Church as a community and emphasizes celebrations. Vocabulary used in common prayers is discussed. At the same time, students are learn the meaning behind each prayer. In the fall of 2016, the Archdiocese of Boston released detailed Faith Formation Standards for use in all Archdiocesan schools. St. Mary of the Hills is currently using these standards to evaluate the content and objectives of our current Religion curriculum to ensure alignment with these standards for Grade 3. See the curriculum page of our website for the Faith Formation Standards. Reading and Language Arts - To foster their love of, and skills in reading, the children will have access to our extensive collection of Fountas & Pinnell leveled readers. Phonemic awareness will be stressed through the use of Wilson Foundations instruction. In Language Arts, guided reading groups are at the center of our program. Small groups are used to reach the needs of all learners. Phonics, comprehension, vocabulary, spelling and grammar are all incorporated throughout the day. To bring forth and enhance students' creativity, the Collins Writing Program is used in our Writer's Workshop. Social Studies - Within our Social Studies curriculum, students focus on impacts that specific groups have on our world today, such as the Native Americans, Explorers, Pilgrims and Immigrants. A focus is on the state of Massachusetts. Learners touch upon topics relating to citizenship, government, economics and our nation's capital. Projects are assigned for certain concepts, and students will have the chance to share what they have learned with their peers. In the third and final term of third grade, students start to switch classes for Social Studies and Science. Students have a blast switching and getting ready for the next step...4TH GRADE! Spanish - The Foreign Language offered at St. Mary of the Hills is Spanish. Spanish meets twice a week for Kindergarten through Grade 5. Students are introduced to basic vocabulary in Spanish using games, songs, and hands-on activities.
