Ms. Laura Spilker, Teacher
Overview
Third grade is a transitional year from the early primary level of education to the intermediate level. Students will learn to be more independent and have more responsibility for their work. Instruction consists of teacher led whole group lecture, small group, and individualized instruction. The classroom is equipped with a SMART board and students have access to the computer lab whenever needed.
Religion
The religion curriculum focuses on the history of the Church, the Church seasons, sacraments, moral and faith formation, prayer, and social responsibility.
English/Language Arts
The reading curriculum is the Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Journeys English/Language Arts program. This program is Common Core aligned and incorporates the state standards for reading, phonics, vocabulary, spelling, grammar, and writing. Students have daily instruction and work in each area.
Reading:
Grammar:
Spelling:
Writing:
Handwriting
Students perfect their handwriting skills using the Zaner-Bloser method. During the middle of the second quarter students complete assignments solely by writing in cursive.
Mathematics
Our Lady Queen of Peace School uses the Saxon Math series. Through spiral review, third grade masters the math skills that were introduced in first and second grade. They are also introduced to and will gain mastery of multiplication facts. Other content areas include simple division, simple fractions and mixed numbers, basic decimals, place value, money, time, data and graphs, and measurement.
Social Studies
The third grade social studies class utilizes the Harcourt “Our Communities” series to guide students through their exploration of society, the various types of communities, and aspects that define communities. Students identify good citizenship qualities and study the branches of the government, state and federal. Third grade also learns the 50 states and capitals.
Science
The science curriculum covers life science, earth science, and physical science. Students study plants, animals and habitats. At the end of the unit students write a report and build a habitat for an animal of their choice. Other areas of study are: rocks, land formations, and weather.