Welcome to 3rd Grade!

Classroom Expectations
Students are expected to respect others, respect themselves, and respect the world around them. Classroom routines and rules are built around these basic expectations.

Curriculum Overview

• Religion
  • Our general theme is that the church is composed of a community of Christian believers who share the same faith and are united in the Holy Spirit. The community is called to be Disciples of Christ. We study the beginnings of the Church and how we are called to carry on the mission of the Church. Catholic students will receive their First Eucharist this year. Students are required to memorize the Apostles Creed.

• Social Studies
  • In Third Grade, students begin to explore more complex concepts and ideas from civics, economics, geography, and history as they study the varied backgrounds of people living in communities. Emphasis is on cultures in the United States, including the study of American Indians. Students examine these cultures from the past and present and the impact they have had in shaping our contemporary society. They begin to look at issues and events from more than one perspective.

• Language Arts
  • Reading
    • Students select and combine skills to read fluently with meaning and purpose. They apply comprehension and vocabulary strategies to a wider variety of literary genres and informational text. Students demonstrate comprehension by participating in discussions, writing responses, and using evidence from text to support their thinking. They read for pleasure and choose books on personal preference, topic, or author.
  • Writing
    • In Third Grade, students are writing longer texts, especially narratives. They embed their ideas in time and place and develop characters through detail and dialogue. Students organize around a central idea and elaborate using complete sentences. Their writing is often divided into sections through paragraphing or book parts. Information gathering as part of the planning process is common, and students are becoming more selective about vocabulary, especially when writing informational texts. They listen to others' writing, offer feedback, and begin to consider suggestions from others about their own writing. 
  • Communication
    • In Third Grade, students use listening skills and strategies to interpret more complex auditory information. To demonstrate their comprehension and analysis of auditory and visual information, they use evidence and detail to support their ideas. They know when to adjust language, and select language and behavior that is respectful of others. They are able to extend ideas, elaborate on information in a conversation or discussion, and seek clarification when necessary. They are able to work independently and in a group.

• Math
  • In Grade 3, instructional time will focus on the following areas:
    • Addition and subtraction with larger numbers
    • Multiplication and division and strategies for multiplication and division within 100
    • Fractions, especially unit fractions (fractions with numerator 1)
    • Geometry​

• Science
  • Physical Science: Properties of Matter, Energy-Transfer and Conservation
  • Earth Science: Rocks and Minerals; Geology and Landforms
  • Life Science: Animals; Habitats and Ecosystems; Ecology​​

• Third Grade makes treats for Crosswalk. These are added to the lunch that the parish makes for this group which works with homeless teens in Spokane.

• We straighten up, and clean up the church after our Wednesday Mass.

• Students will participate in a Fine Arts and Literature Fair, presenting artwork and writings for parents to view and enjoy.

• Many Third Graders receive their First Communion this year.

• The students work in partnership with our neighbor school St. Mary in an annual Pajama Drive at Christmas.