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 SJCS Curriculum by Grade
THIRD GRADE
Third grade students begin learning more complex concepts in each subject area. In Math, students continue learning about multiplication, fractions, problem solving, measurements, and long division. In Grammar, they are introduced to the parts of speech. In science, students begin dealing with how to care for and use God’s gifts in creation, including the human body. Third grade students are encouraged to become more responsible and independent learners who are making connections between the curriculum and their Christian life.
Highlights in Third Grade
Field trips to
City Hall
Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum
Johnson Farm
Grand Friends Day
Ancient Egyptian Project
Grades 3-5 Musical (every other year)
CURRICULUM OVERVIEW
Bible- Calling of God’s Tribe. (Christian Schools International)
Third grade students trace the early history of God’s people including their journey to Canaan, entrance into the promised land, and experiences during the time of the judges. Students see the faithfulness of God in choosing the Israelites as his people and promising to be their God even through the wilderness of their rebellion.
Math- Math 4. (Saxon)
In Math, students concentrate on concepts including basic math facts, word problems, problem solving, fractions, and measurements. Daily practice work prepares students for weekly tests.
Reading- Reading California: Rewards, Horizons. (Houghton Mifflin)
Students discover a wealth of literature which explores relationships, adventures, and cultural traditions. Weekly spelling words are taken from the stories. Students develop an understanding of people and how their stories relate to personal life experiences in God’s world.
Writing/Grammar- Reading California: Rewards, Horizons (Houghton Mifflin), D’Nealian Handwriting Level 3. (Scott Foresman)
Language studies enable students to use God’s gift of language in many ways. By studying the parts of speech and learning the writing process, students can begin using language to inform others, show creativity, and express themselves. Students learn to perfect their cursive writing with a workbook based on practice. They examine the formation of letters and compare and contrast manuscript styles to cursive styles of writing.
Word Knowledge- Reading California: Rewards, Horizons. (Houghton Mifflin), Rebecca Sitton Spelling. (Sitton)
Using the Spelling curriculum, students continue to master phonemic skills through weekly spelling lists. We seek to help students master skills such as prefixes, suffixes, vowel patterns, consonant patterns, contractions, and homophones. These skills are mastered through various activities, memorization, and reading quality literature.
Social Studies- Communities. (Harcourt Brace)
Third grade students discover how communities are established in Social Studies. They examine how to be responsible citizens in God’s Kingdom. Field trips explore the history of the area and build appreciation for its rich history.
Science- Science. (CSI) / Health - Healthy Living: Building Blocks for Health. (CSI)
In Science, students discover that they are a vital part of God’s creation with all its inherent beauty and order. From exploring the five senses to investigating the earth’s animals and resources, students learn to appreciate and care for God’s wonderful creation. These parts of creation come alive for students through a wide variety of activities and experiments.
In Health, students learn to make healthy choices regarding their bodies, their interaction with others, and their daily activities. They learn to make choices that honor God and that will equip them to serve God in the world. The skill of discernment is learned through various discussions and activities.
Physical Education- Physical Education 3-5. (CSI).
Physical Education in third grade stresses creative play along with strength and flexibility building. Students work to develop their talents during the Presidential Fitness Test. Manipulative skill development, manipulative skill integration (hitting, throwing, and catching), and motor ability development are all components of creative play. Students are asked to share their God given talents with one another in order to better develop each person’s skills. Sports related activities are introduced. Teamwork is emphasized rather than competition and individual achievement.
Music- The Music Connection. (Silver Burdett Ginn)
Third grade Music builds on the foundation of first and second grade music. The building blocks of music, melody, rhythm, and beat increase in complexity and difficulty. Third grade students practice reading complex rhythms and notes on the music staff. Students identify and practice variants in vocal expression and beginning harmony. By reviewing the lives and music of specific composers, students intersect music with real life. Special emphasis is given to listening skills and composition. Throughout the year students experience and see music as a gift from God for us to enjoy and use for His glory.
Art- Emphasis Art. (Harper & Row)
Third grade art begins a transition in which students begin to recognize the difference between displeasing composition and that which is pleasing. Given further exposure to art vocabulary, the child will be able to communicate easily in discussions concerning art tools and media. Students work with the following mediums: watercolor, crayon, chalk, paper mache, plaster, wood, and clay. Art appreciation continues with a focus on African art. Students continue to develop an awareness that God is the ultimate artist.
Computers- Techworks Level 3. (Teacher Created Materials)
Students are introduced to the Internet and World Wide Web while reviewing word processing skills and learning new skills. Virtually the entire second semester is devoted to standard touch typing lessons. |