Third Grade

Language Arts builds upon the students’ knowledge of phonics, grammar, writing, vocabulary, spelling, oral language, listening and handwriting. Critical thinking skills are introduced as an integral part of reading comprehension. Students summarize stories, understand main ideas and supporting details, and distinguish between fact and opinion. They study character development through actions, words and feelings. Book reports require students to respond to text and analyze different elements of fiction and nonfiction using evidence from the text.

In writing, students apply different sentence structures and learn organization of thought and the development of ideas. Students learn to form paragraphs with opinions, evidence, and conclusions. Graphic organizers are used to develop their thought process. They compose poems, letters, stories, and expository and persuasive reports. Research projects require students to extract pertinent information and use note-taking skills. Students proofread their work, and checklists and peers are used as tools for editing and revising. Editing skills include correcting spelling and punctuation such as quotations, commas, and end marks. Oral presentations help students follow outlines, project, and speak clearly. Cursive handwriting is introduced.

Mathematics includes computation, problem-solving strategies, pattern identification, measurement, geometry, money, time, fractions, graphs, and charts. Students solve equations by adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing. Students improve in number sense by identifying patterns in numbers. They identify three dimensional shapes, and divide squares, triangles, rectangles and circles into fractional parts. Story problems are solved using addition, subtraction, multiplication, division and combinations thereof, as well as geometric and linear measurement.

Social Studies explores California history and geography. The history of California includes Native Americans, explorers, pioneers, and early settlers; Mexican California, Gold Rush; statehood; growth and development of agriculture; multiethnic immigration to California. The geography of the state is studied in relation to the earth, North America, and California’s neighbors. Map reading skills cover California’s physical and political landscapes. California celebrations include Gold Rush Day and Heritage Day. Students research and write a mission report. Field trips are taken to the Southwest Museum, San Gabriel Mission, and Wells Fargo Museum.

Science builds upon the students’ increasing knowledge of scientific concepts and methods. Their studies include food chains, plant and animal adaptations and habitats, properties of matter, energy, and the solar system. Students research a given topic and present their research information and a model to the class.

Foreign Language continues to reinforce the students’ increasing Spanish vocabulary through songs, games and role play. They translate sentences and paragraphs and become familiar with the countries where Spanish is spoken.

Technology introduces drawing and animation using Macromedia Flash. Students use multiple applications of Inspiration 7.5 in conjunction with PowerPoint to create a multimedia presentation. Students learn to access the Pasadena Public Library system and to search for books online.

Physical Education builds upon the skill levels of sports learned in previous years. P.E. uniforms are introduced and students learn to change in the locker room in three minutes. They set up and put away the equipment. A circus unit includes working with balance boards, stilts, juggling and unicycles, and roller skating, golf, paddle tennis and lacrosse are also introduced.

Art explores texture including actual textures as works of art, choices in creating texture, printmaking with texture, and paint and glaze as textural elements. Students make choices in the use of texture, color, design and construction.

Music continues with an emphasis on singing and movement. Students learn to sing with proper vocal technique and practice following a conductor. They sing in rounds, learn steps to a Japanese dance, and integrate drama with music while performing a fairy tale.