Third Grade
Curriculum

Chooses to read a variety of materials for many purposes.

Self-selects texts at appropriate independent reading level.

Demonstrates a positive view of self as a reader.

Pursues an interest through a variety of reading materials.

Expands reading vocabulary.

Uses strategies (pictures, phonics, context clues, syllabication and grammar) to identify and understand unfamiliar words.

Reads orally with fluency and expression and develops ease as a silent reader.

Applies reading strategies in order to gain meaning.

Previews and sets a purpose for reading.

Uses prior knowledge, self-corrects when something does not make sense.

Uses graphic organizers such as charts, diagrams, timelines and maps.

Identifies/infers the main idea, details and sequence of ideas.

Understands the elements of a story using story maps and retelling.

Analyzes, elaborates on and responds critically to written works.

Makes and supports predictions.

Compares and contrasts written works.

Makes judgments about fact and opinion.

Distinguishes between fiction and nonfiction.

Makes valid inferences.

Uses writing as a means of exploring ideas encountered in reading.

Writes a fictional narrative that has:

An interesting beginning.

A setting, characters, a problem.

A logical sequence of events.

Elaboration of events with supporting details.

An ending.

Writes an informational selection that has:

A clearly stated topic.

Ideas and facts gathered from research.

Supporting details.

A summary.

Uses prewriting strategies such as:

Story mapping and sequence chains.

Models of writing and collecting good language.

Timelines.

Guided imagery.

Evaluates and refines own work.

Participates in peer/teacher conferences to refine own work.

Revises for:      

Combining simple sentences into more complex sentences.

Appropriate use of transition words, e.g., then, next, finally.

Interesting openings.

Topic focus throughout the piece.

Complete sentences.

Capitalization of all appropriate words.

Appropriate use of various types of punctuation.

Apostrophes in contractions.

Proofreading for standard spelling of high frequency words.

Uses appropriate resources to check spelling of unknown words.

Learns, reviews, and practices D'Nealian cursive alphabet.

Learns and uses problem-solving strategies to explain, write and solve story problems.

Identifies needed and extraneous information in story problems.

Demonstrates calculator skills in computing numbers.

Adds and subtracts 1-, 2- and 3-digit numbers with and without regrouping.

Solves problems involving order and comparison of whole numbers.

Solves problems involving estimates of sums and differences, including money amounts.

Solves problems involving rounding 2- and 3-digit numbers to the nearest 10 and nearest 100.

Adds and subtracts facts to 20.

Multiplies and divides by 2, 5 and 10.

Identifies the appropriate operation (addition or subtraction) to solve story problems.

Identifies and labels fraction parts of regions through eighths.

Identifies, describes and draws geometric shapes including angles and sides of polygons.

Identifies, describes and draws symmetrical figures with a line of symmetry.

Understands relationship between standard/metric units of measurement.

Measures lengths and draws lines to the nearest inch and centimeter.

Solves problems involving time, elapsed time and calendars.

Determines the value of a set of coins up to $1.00 and makes change up to $1.00.

Makes and interprets data from bar graphs and pictographs.

Identifies correct information from graphs, tables and charts.

Solves problems involving probability.

Extends and completes patterns involving whole numbers and attributes.

Develops and understands decision-making, problem-solving, listening, speaking, personal and group interaction skills.

Develops an awareness of current events.

Uses symbols in map keys to identify cities, state capitals and the nation's capital.

Identifies the major natural, cultural and regional features of the United States, including a focus on Connecticut as a New England state.

Uses cardinal and intermediate directions (NE, SE, NW, SW) to define locations.

Identifies and defines equator and the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.

Describes, compares and contrasts the culture of Native Americans with the American culture from the 1600s to the 1800s.

Recognizes that food provides energy and nutrients for growth and body health.

Identifies the ways plants and animals depend on and adapt to their environments in order to obtain food and protect themselves from being eaten.

Classifies organisms in a food chain into producers, consumers, decomposers, herbivores, carnivores and omnivores.

Understands that a food web contains many food chains.

Knows that the earth is one of several planets that orbit the sun and the moon orbits the earth.

Compares and contrasts the characteristics of the earth, sun and moon.

Understands the process and effects of the earth's orbit around the sun, including reasons for day and night and seasons.

Understands the process and effects of the orbit of the moon around the earth including phases of the moon, and lunar and solar eclipses.

Identifies and observes common patterns of change that occur in the sky.

Recognizes that a simple machine is a tool that has one or more moving parts, makes objects move and makes work easier (including inclined planes, levers, pulleys, screws, wedges and wheels).

Understands that energy and force are needed to make machines work.

Knows that a simple machine produces a force and controls the direction and speed of the force.

Observes objects in the environment.

Communicates information orally, in writing and in pictures.

Classifies objects or organisms by type.

Compares characteristics.

Uses tools to improve observation (magnifiers, telescopes).

Recognizes the variables in an experiment.

Understands effects of drugs on the body.

Practices refusal skills.

Practices appropriate ways of expressing positive and negative feelings.

Learns which household substances can be harmful when misused.

Investigates relationship between diet and health.

Observes the impact of advertising on the use of health care products and services.

Understands visual art in history and culture

Vincent van Gogh (landscape)

Henri Matisse (pattern)

Alexander Calder (mobiles, stabiles)

Native American Art

Produces visual expressions, designs and communicates through art.

Drawing:  explores materials and concepts to develop a more personal style and attention to detail.

Painting/Three-Dimensional Forms:  continues to explore and develop skills with emphasis on individual expression.

Experiences other mixed media (possibly print-making, collage, and fiber art).

Makes reasoned judgments about visual art.

Knows appropriate elements and principles of design and the language of art.

Makes informed opinions about visual art and understands the basis for forming those judgments.

Learns to use the visual language to give judgments and opinions about art.

Sings songs independently; in tune, accurately, including partner songs and rounds.

Sings expressively, with the appropriate dynamics, phrasing and interpretation.

Performs expressively a varied repertoire.

Demonstrates part-work, e.g., simple rounds.

Reads and writes simple rhythmic and melodic patterns; e.g., sixteenth notes; pentatonic scale.

Identifies symbols and traditional terms referring to dynamics, tempo and articulation.

Identifies simple form, e.g., first and second ending.

Listens to and recognizes simple forms and styles.

Uses terminology in describing and analyzing music, e.g., round.

Identifies ways in which other disciplines are interrelated with music.

Sings songs and plays games that explore cultural diversity, e.g., Native American and West Indies.

Describes in simple terms the relation of music to history.

Improves manipulative and striking skills through small group activities.

Develops beginning sport skills in a variety of seasonal activities.

Performs movement activities to music using balls or other manipulative objects.

Develops rhythmic activities involving creative movement sequences and specific dance patterns.

Participates in activities related to the fitness components as defined by the Connecticut Physical Fitness Assessment.

Participates in cooperative learning activities that require teamwork to achieve success.