Students are given a pretest on Mondays. They are then given the study sheet where they can write down words they misspelled and need to study. The list is comprised of words from the regular spelling list, additional words that fit the pattern of the week, and vocabulary from the story of the week. Workbook pages are assigned and students usually have an extra assignment to complete using the same words. Tests are usually on Fridays.
The focus of the elementary Spanish program is on oral communication. Students re¬peat words after the teacher, follow simple commands, ask and answer questions, and write in the target language. Students also sing songs and play review games to reinforce vocabulary. Throughout the lower grades students practice their numbers, colors, greetings, and actions. As much as is possible the Spanish lessons incorporate content knowledge and vocabulary from what is currently being studied in the core curriculum classes.
The primary focus of computer classes at Saint Peter is to equip the student with the necessary skills to succeed in an increasingly complex technological society. Young students are exposed to various educational games in order to build basic skills computer skills as well as providing support for regular classroom instruction. Students continue to learn about the Microsoft Office Suite with an emphasis on Word. Students also continue to develop touch typing skills.
Students will be learning more difficult addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division as well as time, money, probability, measurement, fractions, geometry, and more. Math fact mastery is VERY important in third grade and we practice facts daily. Our math curriculum is challenging and nightly math reviews of the day's lessons are encouraged. Music The music curriculum is supported through a series entitled "God Made Music.," which is published by Praise Hymn Inc. In this series students will explore various musical elements as they strengthen their knowledge of our loving God and Savior. Students learn to read, write and perform music while at the same time deepening their understanding of the role music plays in their lives.
The child will regard his body as a home for the Holy Spirit.
The child will move skillfully and effectively during exercise and games.
The child will understand the concepts of space, time and force related to movement.
The child will appreciate and respect good physical condition.
The child will develop an interest and desire to participate in lifelong recrea¬tional sports.
The major Bible stories of the old and new testaments are covered in our text. Memory is done on Tuesdays and Fridays and students should be able to recite their memory out loud (including the Bible reference).
We will be learning about communities. Study guides will be provided for each chapter for students to begin note taking skills.
The science curriculum includes major units on the systems of the body, energy, our solar system, and water. We also have a separate Health text which enhances our science curriculum and encourages the students to make wise choices for living a healthy lifestyle.
Writing (composition) is a major emphasis in third grade. The parts of speech and grammar rules are often highlighted. Grammar practice is done daily correcting sentences as a class.
We read a story each week from our text and complete sev¬eral skill pages and activities related to the story. There are six themes: Off to Adventure, Celebrating Traditions, Incredible Stories, Animal Habitats, Voyagers, and Smart Solutions. Vocabulary pages with definitions are also given weekly to the students and several activities are completed to increase their vocabulary usage. Other supplemental reading activities are also done throughout the year to practice skills and comprehension. We also have a Phonics book to review and reinforce the basics of reading.
Basic manuscript is reviewed and practiced prior to reviewing cursive handwriting. Once these reviews are complete most third grade work is done in cursive.
A variety of projects and materials will be completed throughout the year. Art projects often correspond to themes or lessons we are doing in other subject areas.
There are a few involved theme units that your child will experience through the year. This is when all the areas of the curriculum are tied into one theme. The major theme units this year are on the rain forest, space, chocolate, and oceans. A "mini" theme unit is where I sprinkle activities related to a certain theme throughout a week or a few days. Students may have the opportunity to vote on these topics.
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