Third Grade Curriculum

Religion
The Holy Spirit is God and He makes them His own children. Because there is forgiveness, they know they are not separated from God. They are willing and able to read from the Bible and have the concept of chapter and verse. Through the work of the Holy Spirit, they understand that they have faith and help to understand God’s word. They also know they have been empowered to serve and help others. Aiding in worship is fun for these students, and they can provide physical aids for worship. They continue to gain an appreciation for Martin Luther and his teachings as well as recognizing the liturgical seasons and the significance of visual symbols in the church. Selected passages of Scripture and the catechism are learned as well as books of the Bible.

Math
Relationships of numbers are explored with manipulatives as students learn multiplication skills and division Teaching money values associated with change broadens the students’ abilities to use their mathematical skills and interact on a daily basis with the real world. Studying decimals and equivalent fractions helps the students prepare for future mathematical success. Visually the students understand number concepts as they make graphs, use numbers lines, and compare Fahrenheit to Celsius. Various problem solving strategies are discussed and practiced.

 Language Arts
As students encounter more opportunities to read, they investigate and understand concepts such as multi-meaning and multi- syllable words. They use their understanding of root words, prefixes, suffixes, and derivational endings to recognize words. Exposure to different types of literature and poetic devices occurs. Emphases on writing takes on more of an individual effort as students write creatively and descriptively; however, they continue to work on the entire writing process. Grammar skills begin to build foundationally with students being exposed to more specific information regarding subjects such as parts of speech, capitalization, and subject verb agreement.

 Handwriting
Although students practice writing in manuscript, emphasis is placed on connections between cursive letters in words. During the first quarter, students review cursive writing and transition to completing work in cursive during second quarter. Correct spacing between words and sentences is practiced. To maintain the correct elements of legible handwriting, students will observe well-formed cursive words and evaluate their work accordingly.

 Social Studies
Understanding God’s work in their world, students explore cities including Phoenix and its surroundings. As time passes, cities develop and grow and these changes produce the history and opportunities to celebrate about local happenings. As cities grow and the need for change occurs, students realize that money is often needed to effect change. Money comes from a variety of sources as a result of the involvement of many people and communities. Cities are organized to benefit the inhabitants, and citizens are obligated to follow the laws and rules established by that government. Map skills broaden as students understand how their cities are a part of larger surroundings. They also learn the states and locations on maps. The environment’s impact on students and conversely the students’ impact on the environment become a more concrete idea.

 Science
Learning about animal and animal life leads the student to learn more about the age of our earth and life. They learn about animals that are endangered and ways to help protect the environment. The use of simple machines and elements of sound are explored through hands-on experiments. Looking beyond the planet earth, they study other planets and heavenly bodies in the solar system. The effects of temperature and changes in the air pressure and how these relate to weather changes are studied. What is needed for healthy bodies is learned. As they continue to grow, learning to control feelings and thinking about how they relate to others becomes more important and are worked on in this class.

 Computer Science
Besides knowing how to rake care of a computer, these students are able to identify the parts of the computer. They begin to learn proper fingering to build keyboarding skills. Reinforcement of classroom objectives continues with the use of educational software. As students work on word processing skills, they learn to use the computer as a valuable resource as they understand how to edit their own stories before they print them out.

 Art
Drawing objects from memory or from the perception of the student’s eye encourages higher order thinking and reasoning. Using primary colors, students blend colors to form complimentary ones. Craft projects provide different mediums as outlets to the students’ creativity. Demonstrating examples of God’s creation in their work encourages the students to be aware of God’s magnificent works.

 Music
Students begin to learn and analyze more complex melodies and forms of harmony. Playing instruments allows students to be actively involved in rhythm. They begin to use their knowledge of notes to aid them in composing musical phrases. Chords and rounds provide more opportunities for students to experiment with harmony. Creating simple songs and learning more about instruments open new horizons to them.

 Spanish
Sequentially taught, students expand their understanding of the Spanish language, including the use of greetings, commands, phrases, numbers, colors, seasons, weather, and other daily-use vocabulary. This well-rounded approach to acquiring another language includes singing Spanish traditional songs; learning about traditions and holidays of Spanish speaking countries; hearing Hispanic folk tales; learning about the Aztec and Mayan civilizations, and playing Hispanic games.

 Physical Education
Exercises for aerobic and kinesthetic training are fun for these students. They also learn the basics of team games such as basketball, volleyball and soccer. Further development of muscular strength occurs as they are provided more opportunities for activity. Throwing and catching a variety of balls are challenging and rewarding a more accuracy is possible with this age group. Their attitudes toward physical fitness are important as they have the courage to try new things, develop self-control, and understand the importance of playing not just to win but to have fun.

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• Religion  - Voyages, Concordia Publishing, 2001

• Math -  Houghton Mifflin, 2005

• Reading -  Houghton Mifflin, 2005

• Handwriting -  Zaner- Bloser 2003

• Social Studies -  Houghton Mifflin, 2005

• Science –  Scott Foresman Science, Pearson Education, 2008

• Spanish - Interlingua Spanish Program

• Art - Arts Attack!

• Music – Making Music, Silver Burdett, 2005