Welcome to Third Grade!
Third Grade Mission Statement
We respect ourselves by doing our best. We respect others by being kind and following The Golden Rule. As third grade teachers at Hemingway Elementary we work closely together to bring a balanced, developmentally appropriate curriculum to our students. We believe that teachers and parents working together make a productive team. We strive to create a stimulating, nurturing environment where each learner can reach his/her potential.
Reading
Our reading program is from McGraw Hill. It is based on the belief that children learn to read and write by having many opportunities to do just that. We read a variety of wonderful literature, including fantasy, non narrative fiction, biography/autobiography, historical fiction, poetry, drama, fairy tales, expository text, and realistic fiction. McGraw Hill provides a complete program with instruction in comprehension, critical thinking and vocabulary development. We also teach reading strategies, phonetic word analysis, oral reading, independent reading, research skills, and vocabulary skills. Most initial instruction is taught in a whole group setting with assignments adapted to meet individual needs. Due to the fact that every child has unique educational demands we also work with small groups and individuals. We also read about current events using the Scholastic News publication for third grade students.
Math
We primarily use the Developing Mathematical Thinking Institute’s curriculum. We supplement this instruction with a combination of online and hands-on math practice. This is a unique combination that focuses on helping students make sense of mathematics in meaningful ways. The DMTI curriculum uses math in everyday activities in order to generate interest and show relevance. Number sense is a driving force of the program, while reasoning and critical thinking (problem solving) permeate the program to deepen mathematical understanding. This program's goal is to build confidence and mathematical power that all children need to succeed in mathematics in the real world -- now and in the future.
Science
Our district has adopted FOSS Science kits that are based on the inquiry theory, which includes the following steps: conducting research, identifying the problem, building a hypothesis, project experimentation, and reaching a conclusion. This is also the premise of STEAM. The topics covered lend themselves well to the application of this process. They include the study of animal adaptations and heredity, life cycles, engineering design, forces and weather.
Social Studies
As part of our program, students are given an introduction into the history and culture of our community. When able we visit the Sun Valley Museum of History and the Blaine County Historical Museum. In addition, we study local government, timelines, and expand on mapping skills.
Health
Our district has adopted The Great Body Shop - a new and fully comprehensive health curriculum. Students learn about the human skeletal and muscular systems. This curriculum is also supported in PE. With our school social worker we also discuss emotional wellness and personal safety.
Handwriting
Cursive is taught in third grade. The kids will be encouraged to use it after the letters are formally introduced. Our current adoption is Handwriting without Tears. Students can access this program online through Clever.com.
Homework
Our home reading program is an important part of a third grader’s academic development. All children are required to read, or be read to for at least 30 minutes five nights a week. Third graders will also be responsible to practice and master the basic math facts for all operations with automaticity.
Field Trips
In third grade student field trips will be extensions of units taught in our curriculum and/or other appropriate performances for third graders.
