Foundations of Third Grade

Third grade students continue to grow into more independent learners.  A high emphasis is placed on developing a sense of responsibility for  both themselves and the academic expectation of the grade level.  Organizational skills are taught and reinforced regularly.  A planner is utilized throughout the school year.  Sensitivity to the feelings and needs of others in the classroom is fostered with the expectation of appropriate behavior as a result.  The Indiana State Standards are used as our guideline for content to be taught, and the measurement of skills is done through I-Step testing.  Growth is measured through NWEA.  Opportunity for theater experience is offered in an operetta experience.  A variety of field trips are planned in many curricular areas.
 
Religion
Students are introduced to key concepts of the Lutheran Christian faith and the life of Martin Luther.  They will be able to read from the Bible and have a concept of chapter and verse.  They will understand they are forgiven by God's grace and saved by the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.  A program of memory work includes catechism and Bible verses.
 
Reading
A variety of different types of literature from fiction and non-fiction are included.  Reading comprehension, character study, higher-level questioning, decoding, and vocabulary skills are emphasized.  Students are introduced to novel studies along with a basal reader.  Accelerated reader is utilized to meet the needs of independent reading for each individual.
 
Grammar, Spelling, & Writing
The Shurley Method is used to teach grammar skills and punctuation.  Students learn to identify and label the parts of speech of each word in a sentence.  A weekly spelling test is given on 15-20 words.  Skills using those words are presented in workbook format.  Writing involves teaching how to plan a story with the use of charts and diagrams.  The students create single paragraphs with topic sentences and supporting details.  Each student develops a book that is drafted, edited, illustrated, and published as part of the Young Authors writing program.  The computer lab is used for final projects.
 
Cursive Handwriting
Cursive writing is taught and evaluated in third grade.  The students transition from printing to cursive during the second semester.
 
Mathematics
Students will understand number values up to 1,000.  Rounding and estimation are used in addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.  Students add and subtract numbers up to 1,000.  Multiplication and division facts are learned.  Fractions are added, subtracted, and compared.  Geometry consists of angles, 2-D, and 3-D shapes. Measurement covers English and metric in liquid, length, weight, and temperature.  Time spent and using money for purchases is developed.  Problem solving is covered throughout all computation and number sense.
 
Science
Science covers life, physical, Earth, and space topics.  Third grade has emphasis on the sun, moon, and stars.  Forces and motion, weather, chemical and physical changes, sound, classification of plants and animals, simple machines, and health are all topics that are covered.
 
Social Studies
Communities near and far are the emphasis in third grade.  It covers history, government, geography, economics, and culture.  Junior Achievement is used to cover economics. Students begin to understand the difference between continents, countries, states, and cities.  Physical features and map reading are skill components.  Students are introduced to other cultures from around the world and those present in our own community.
 
Staff
James Aumick
A.A. Bethany Lutheran COllege
B.A. Concordia University Chicago
M.A. Indiana University
 
Phyllis Hockemeyer
B.A. Concordia University Chicago
M.S. Indiana University