St. Michael School 3rd Grade
Notes from the Teacher

Religion Text: Faith First Basis: Catechism of the Catholic Church Themes: Scripture, liturgy, tradition Purpose: to reinforce Christian values through lessons they can apply to their daily lives. Download a list of prayers that our 3rd graders are required to learn.

Language Arts Text: Literature Works (Silver Burdett Ginn) Basis: Reading "real" literature contained in a classroom anthology Themes: Families & Communities, Taking Care of the Earth, Creative Imaginations, Wonders of the Sea, Tales from Around the World, Meeting Challenges Additional Reading: Accelerated Reader Writing: Students learn to write in Writers' Workshop Purpose: Learn the writing process, Six Traits writing, writing conventions, and Step Up to Writing Program to write meaningful pieces to be published. Daily Oral Language: Daily practice in basic writing and grammar skills Cursive: Students first learn cursive writing. Spelling: Weekly practice and assessments in decoding and basic rules of spelling.

Math Text: Exploring Your World (Silver Burdette Ginn) Major Elements: place value to the hundred thousands, multiplication, rounding numbers to the tens and hundreds, estimation, working with 4-digit numbers, money, time.

Science Text & Materials: FOSS (Delta Education) Themes: The Structures of Life, Water Module

Social Studies Text: Horizons (Harcourt) Theme: People and Communities Major Elements: Citizenship and government, map/globe skills, National symbols, American History, culture and diversity, and Native American studies. Focus countries: Africa, Scandinavia, and China Additional study: Passport Club and current events through Scholastic News magazine.

Specialists Computers: students learn computer related vocabulary, tools, keyboarding skills, as well as proper computer use and care. Music: students learn notes, rhythm, percussion instruments, and singing. Physical Education: students learn fitness skills, game rules, and team cooperation. Library: students become familiar with the library system.

Major Events during the 3rd Grade Year May Pole Dance performed by the 3rd graders following the annual Mary crowning by the 8th grade class. Olympia Junior Programs performances at the Washington Center for the Performing Arts in Olympia. Pioneer Farm living experience where students experience life as pioneer children during the annual overnight field trip. Artists' and Authors' Fair is an end-of-the-year celebration of the writing and artistic accomplishments of the students.