3rd Grade Curriculum Guide
Mathematics
SGCS utilizes The Math Learning Center’s Bridges in Mathematics and Number Corner as the instructional resource for mathematics.
- Aligns with the mission, vision, and core values while providing K-5 students with authentic, rigorous, hands-on mathematical experiences.
- Developing students’ deep understandings of mathematical concepts, proficiency with key skills, and ability to solve complex and novel problems.
- Blends direct instruction, structured investigation, and open exploration.
- Taps into the intelligence and strengths of all students by presenting material that is as linguistically, visually, and kinesthetically rich as it is mathematically powerful.
The Bridges in Mathematics and Number Corner programs address the PDE State Standards for Mathematics.
In 3rd grade, students study the following concepts:
- Developing understanding of multiplication and division and strategies for multiplication and division within 100
- Developing understanding of fractions, especially unit fractions (fractions with numerator 1)
- Developing understanding of the structure of rectangular arrays and of area
- Describing and analyzing two-dimensional shapes
Language Arts
SGCS utilizes Calkins & TCRWP Units of Study for Reading and Writing as an instructional resource for ELA.
- Through writer’s and reader’s workshops, students receive whole and small group instruction through a differentiated, engaging approach
In 3rd grade, students study the following units:
- Writing Units:
- Crafting True Stories
- The Art of Information Writing
- Changing the World: Persuasive Speeches, Petitions, and Editorials
- Once Upon a Time: Adapting and Writing Fairy Tales
- Reading Units:
- Building a Reading Life
- Reading to Learn: Grasping Main Ideas and Text Structures
- Character Studies
- Research Clubs
The Calkins & TCRWP Units of Study for Reading and Writing resources are used to meet the PDE State Standards for English Language Arts.
EIC Units of Study
Third grade curriculum revolves around two integrated units of study. Each unit has our students using the local environment and community to further explore natural and social systems interdependence and to engage in real-world issues in relation to natural and social systems. Third graders study our local watersheds, cycles, government systems that provide for the common good of a community as well as environmental agencies and laws that provide protection and conservation of land and living things. Each unit culminates with an environmental service learning project based on the natural and social interaction discoveries during the unit and student voice. In addition to the EIC, community based units, students study an investigation on our solar system and the planet earth to address Earth/Space science standards not addressed within the EIC framework.
Systems Preserving Systems
Students begin this unit by investigating the documents that formed our country and the United States government as a result of the beliefs and qualities of the founding fathers of our nation. Students develop an understanding of government at all levels and branches and how it secures the common good. The local community investigation explores the ways the government provides services for its people and for the protection of the environment. Students work with local environmental agencies to study agricultural technology, community development and urban sprawl and the impacts on land use over the past 100 years and its impact on the future. Students work with local agencies and use local laws to explore land preservation and are encouraged to become activists in preservation and conservation efforts.
Lehigh Valley Watershed
Students investigate our local watershed and how it has been used in the past and present, including its role in settlement patterns. Students study, compare, and contrast the different types of landforms that helped create our watershed. The watershed is composed of the watershed system and subsystems, including: housing and business districts, roadways, transportation venues, schools, recreational parks, agencies and legal authorities. Students will investigate and gain an understanding and awareness of how these subsystems affect the local watershed’s health and sustainability.
Our Super Solar System
In this unit of study, students investigate the season, rotation and revolution of the earth and its moon, and explore gravity. Students then move outside of the earth to study our place in the universe and in our solar system, including the sun, stars, constellations, and planets. Students investigate how space impacted earth and possible causes for extinction of species and fossil formation on our planet, as well as the creation of fossil fuels on earth.