3rd Grade Curriculum
Third graders at St. Joseph School enhance their writing, reading, and math skills while exploring science and social studies concepts through hands-on learning and real-life applications.
3rd Grade Curriculum Highlights
- The steps of the writing process are developed through essays intended to persuade, inform, and entertain in several subject areas. Grade level grammar, vocabulary, spelling, and sentence mechanics are incorporated within these authentic writing assignments. While students continue to develop their cursive writing skills, they are also introduced to basic keyboarding. Basic keyboarding skills will be helpful with the increased use of laptops for writing and research in third grade.
- Across the curriculum, students read with grade level fluency and comprehension for all subject areas. A transition from “learn to read” to “read to learn” is evident in third grade students. Students begin to incorporate novels and informational texts of their choice for class assignments and monthly book reports.
- Students continue to develop math skills including multiplication, division, place value through millions, geometry, fractions, and problem solving strategies connected to real life scenarios.
- Along with weekly current news topics, students learn about and conduct research in small groups on science and social studies concepts including: economics, analysis of historical events, in-depth knowledge on citizenship, energy and forces, changes in matter, Earth and its place in the solar system, comparison between rocks and minerals, and parallel structure.
3rd Grade Curriculum
Religion
We use a three-step Catechetical process for our Religion studies:
- Invite: Engages the learner through reflections that draw on their experiences.
- Explore: Delves into Catholic traditions in scripture and doctrine, connecting faith with life.
- Celebrate: Expresses beliefs through prayer celebrations (praise, meditations, litanies).
- “GOOD NEWS” is a Gospel Weekly that aligns with the Sunday Gospel readings.
Reading
Our Reading series includes two literature-based texts (one per semester), focusing on comprehension and phonics. McGraw-Hill provides leveled books for diverse reading needs.
Spelling
Each lesson introduces a spelling pattern or generalization (e.g., silent “e” words, “oa” words). Practice at home is encouraged before the final test.
English
Develops effective communication through balanced grammar and writing. Research shows writing improves reading comprehension.
Grammar includes:
- Types of sentences
- Nouns (common, proper, possessive)
- Pronouns
- Verbs
- Adjectives
- Adverbs
Writing includes:
- Narrative
- Explanatory
- Persuasive
- Comparison
- Expository
- Fiction
Math
Our Math curriculum ensures students understand key concepts and processes. Lessons have clear objectives with instruction and assignments helping to master skills.
Curriculum includes:
- Place Value
- Addition
- Subtraction
- Multiplication
- Division
- Measurement
- Geometry
- Decimals
- Fractions
Flashcards for practice at home are strongly recommended.
Handwriting
Third Grade focuses on Cursive Writing, emphasizing correct strokes and letter connections. We encourage our students to complete their assignments in cursive when possible.
Social Studies
Topics covered include:
- Our Environment
- Communities Build a Nation
- U.S. Government
- A Growing Nation
Additionally, Reading Skills are covered through our Social Studies curriculum including: Generalization, Cause and Effect, Sequencing, Main Idea and Details, and Compare and Contrast.
Science
Aligned with national and state standards, our Science curriculum uses inquiry-based learning through “hands-on” and “minds-on” activities.
Curriculum includes:
- Life Science: Plants, animals, and their environments
- Physical Science: Matter, forces, simple machines, energy, and sound
- Earth Science: Properties of Earth materials, effects of natural forces
- The Solar System
- Weather
- STEM
Fire Safety
The “Learn Not to Burn” Program, sponsored by the Downers Grove Fire Department, offers monthly presentations on fire safety for Third Graders.
Curriculum includes:
- Fire Safety
- Exit Drills in the Home
- Fire Hazards
- Burn Prevention
- Electrical Safety
- Firefighter/Paramedic Equipment Demonstrations