3rd Grade Curriculum
Exploring our
World and Beyond
Many academic, social, and emotional milestones occur during third grade. Students learn how to handle more responsibility with the management of their 3-ring binders and assignment sheets. They have ample opportunities to grow and interact with other third graders as well as students in other grade levels. They also have many buddy activities with fellow students. Throughout all subject areas, Howard Gardner's eight “Multiple Intelligences” is emphasized so that each child experiences success.
Cooperative learning is emphasized in all phases of the 3rd grade curriculum.
Programs in music, art, media/technology and physical education are also provided to students at Sonoran Sky. Trained specialists not only teach essential skills relative to their special areas, but also work with classroom teachers to plan learning experiences, which enrich classroom curriculum and assist children in discovering their own strengths and talents.
The California Early Literacy Learning (CELL) framework and Wilson's Fundations is the foundation for third grade reading instruction. This philosophy requires students to read literature at their appropriate reading level. In addition, third graders also experience the Accelerated Reader (AR) program. Students are required to complete a minimum of one and a half hours of reading outside of school per week. Our goal is to expose 3rd graders to different genre to further their journey into the fascinating world of print. back
Sonoran Sky integrates the Scholastic Spelling Program with high-frequency spelling words to include the study of word patterns. The goal of this integrated program is to increase students' spelling performance in their everyday writing. Steudents also have already mastered the 3rd grade spelling words are provided opportunities to learn a more advanced set of words. Spelling is also a focus during the use of the writing process. A highlight for many third graders is the acquisition of cursive handwriting skills. back
Students use their basic writing skills to apply to new writing activities. Students learn to write complete paragraphs, personal narratives, pen pal letters, essays and research reports. The complete writing process is used from pre-writing through publishing. Thinking maps, Write from the Beginning, and Step up to Writing are all programs incorporated into the 3rd grade language curriculum. back
With the adoption of the Harcourt Math textbook, instruction is process-oriented with an emphasis on problem solving. Students are encouraged to be creative thinkers. They'll be introduced to the concepts of multiplication and division. Basic mathematical facts and procedures are also stressed. back
The third grade Social Studies curriculum incorporates many hands-on activities. Early in the year, students learn about the seven continents and participate in making their own paper mache model of the earth. Literature is consistently integrated into the social studies curriculum. The 3rd grade Arizona Academic Social Studies standards covers many areas including World History and American History. Geography is a part of each weeks lessons. back
Third grade uses our district adopted Scott Foresman Science program along with Foss Science kits. Areas of study include rocks and minerals, light and sound, and plants and ecosystems. back
Third grade students are required to complete an average of 30 minutes of homework per night, plus 15 minutes of reading. Weekly assignments include spelling, journal writing, math review, and later in the year, test preparation packets. Daily assignments include math practice of introduced topics and reading independently. There is one out-of-class project to be completed each quarter. back
Globe making
Thanksgiving Turkey
Trot
First Grade Buddies
Dance Thom Lewis (Artist-in-Residence)
Phoenix Zoo Overnight
Phoenix Little
Theatre
Arizona Mining and Mineral Museum
3rd
Grade's Recommended Supply List
3 ring binder (2 inches)
10 “write on” dividers with tabs
plastic pencil zipper bag for binder
2 pkgs, white, wide-ruled notebook paper
48 No. 2 yellow pencils (sharpened)
2 bar and 4 pencil-top erasers
24 full length colored pencils
1 box of 16 crayons
1 set of wide felt tip markers
1 highlighter
1 black sharpie
1 dry erase marker
5 glue sticks
pointed scissors
wooden ruler (with metrics)
school box with lid (6x9)
1 pkg 3” x 5” white ruled index cards
2 large boxes of tissues
1 box zipper baggies (gallon size)
1 container sanitizing type wipes
1 pump hand soap
packet of stickers
hat with a brim (no visors)
Please do not send large pencil holders or toys for desktops. Everything should fit inside your child’s desk. Also, be sure to notify your child’s teacher if you have any concerns or questions about the supply list.
3rd Grade Self-Contained Gifted Supply List
Binder (2 inches or larger!)
2 packages of white, wide-ruled notebook paper (place one in the binder,
one for room)
48 No. 2 yellow pencils (24 for their cubby, 24 for classroom)
2-3 glue sticks
Fiskar Pointed scissors (please put your name on it with a Sharpie)
Box of 16 crayons
24 full length colored pencils
Set of wide felt tip colored markers
2 black sharpies (to be held in classroom bucket)
2 bar and 4 pencil-top erasers
3î ñ 5î white ruled index cards
1-2 large box of tissues
1 box of gallon size baggies and 1 box of sandwich baggies
Hat with a brim (no visors)
2 highlighters
2 red pens
1 package of sheet protectors
Composition Book (for journal writing)
Ear buds (or headphones)
Clorox wipes
10 dividers for binder: Label as
1) Homework 5) Book Reviews
2) Agenda/WordlyWise 6) Science
3) Language/Writing 7) Social Studies
4) Math 8) Miscellaneous
*Lined paper should be placed in the back of the binder
Each student has his/her own cubby to keep the items. School boxes are not necessary.
