ELA
Using a balanced literacy approach, students experience a wide variety of genres across all content areas through read alouds, leveled guided reading groups, independent and shared reading. Students also work on all elements of the writing process through the forum of Writer’s Workshop. Spelling instruction follows the Zaner-Bloser Spelling Connections curriculum.
MATH
In third grade we follow the MA Common Core Standards, using the Eureka Math program. Units of study include: Numbers and Operations in Base Ten (Multiplication and Division), Operations and Algebraic Thinking, Fractions, Measurement and Data, and Geometry.
SCIENCE
Third grade science units include: life cycles, heredity/adaptations, biomes, weather, motion and force. Emphasis is placed on exploration and hands-on learning.
SOCIAL STUDIES
The overarching social studies theme for third grade is Massachusetts, Past and Present. We begin the year with an examination of cranberries – one of the state’s major crops. We then learn about the indigenous peoples, the European settlers to the area, colonial times, as well as modern Massachusetts.