Third Grade Curriculum
Thrive Academy third grade students are supported in becoming responsible, independent learners as they master increasingly complex skills across the curriculum. The foundational skills explored are a springboard for creative problem solving in literacy, math, and science. Addressing the social and emotional needs of each child is an essential aspect of the day, which complements the strong academic program. Interdisciplinary units taught by specialists in library, music, art and physical education bring the curriculum to life. Some of the highlights in 3rd grade include incubating chicken eggs, raising butterflies from the chrysalis stage of development and exploring community helpers.
Language Arts
In third grade, students continue building their reading stamina and skills through daily practice. During Reading Workshop, students grow as readers by tackling tricky words with strategies and becoming experts through nonfiction texts. Students continue to hone their writing skills. Students are introduced to poetry and enjoy becoming poets themselves. The writing process is practiced in all units, focusing on including proper grammar and conventions. Their foundation of phonics and word relationships is further enhanced through a multi-sensory approach. Students learn more about spelling patterns, word meanings, and sight words through daily instruction.
Science
Third grade students participate in “hands-on” scientific inquiry. Units of study include animal life cycles, fitness and health, weather and water. Exploration and learning are enhanced through experimental activities including incubating chicken eggs and raising butterflies from the chrysalis stage of development. Through these activities our little scientists will complete their science logs and daily observations.
Mathematics
Skills covered in third grade include: addition and subtraction with regrouping. Fact fluency with addition and subtraction. Introduction to money and time. Introduction to simple word problems using addition and subtraction. Learning about 2D and 3D shapes (geometry); graphing and skip counting.
Specials
Art: Third grade students are introduced to drawing from observation. Students create works using mediums such as printing, collage, weaving and watercolor as they learn about famous artists and their masterpieces.
Physical Education: Students engage in team building through team sports such as basketball, soccer, kickball, and golf. They participate in strategy games emphasizing group organization and communication while developing cardiovascular fitness. Flexibility is enhanced through dance, yoga, and stretching.
Music: Students explore clapping and speaking rhythms. Students learn about telling a story with music. Students continue to learn about instrument sounds; strings, woodwinds, percussion and brass instruments.
Character Education
Character Education is an integral part of each day. Emphasis is placed on creating a nurturing environment and the development of social emotional learning skills through the daily practice of school routines; sharing, collaborating, and problem-solving during classroom meetings and activities; and the development of manners. Literature, songs, poems, buddy activities, character education assemblies, cooperative learning activities, and “teachable moments" enhance the curriculum.