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Curriculum is what is taught.  It is taught through words (oral or written), books, examples or my example, computer software (a couple of hours a week for my class) or a classmate, songs or games, trips or visitors, projects or research and many more methods.  Much of it is taught with the help of technology such as the smart board or computers.  Here is an explanation of the subjects taught in third grade. 

Math Games

MATH
 
Math is a fun subject in third grade.  I teach as a whole class, review through small group, partner and independent activities and projects. The biggest part of third grade math, and the biggest change, is that we base all math on problem solving- word problems.  I have found that in life no one asks me "What is $50 minus 3 times 5?"  They say "I need three tickets at $5, how much change will I get for $50?"  Third grade math is all about word problems and the End of Grade Test is all about real life math. 
 
On math HW students need to underline the numbers they use and circle the question they need to answer and show all work. In class, students will need to explain how they got the answer as we grade the homework.  Homework is always a review of the skills taught or real life activities.  


READING
 
We have reading as part of our language arts block all afternoon.  The overwhelming majority of this time is spent reading non fiction.  We read in a large group, in small groups and independently.  The best way to be a better reader OR writer is to read, so we read.  We have mini-lessons in class nearly every day and practice skills needed to be better readers.  By using computer programs, students will increase their reading speed and comprehension.  We will write, draw, discuss and more to increase understanding. Students produce a variety of products to demonstrate learning.
 
In addition, we practice answering questions similar to what is found on the End of Grade test.  One unique feature in our room is a personalized bookmark that helps students know what level they are allowed to read in AR and reminds them of what they should be doing as they read either in a group or independently.
 
In addition, students are to read 30 minutes a day at home and write a summary on the planner section for that day.  Parent interest in the book, and discussion about the book, will improve comprehension.

North Carolina Language Arts Curriculum

WRITING
 
Third grade writing this year will be connected to content (math, science, social studies, etc.).  All writing, for all subjects, must be written in correct form, following grammar and punctuation rules. It is very important to use COPS (Capitals, Organization with one idea well developed with details in each paragraph, Punctuation and Spelling that is as correct as possible.) 
 
SPELLING
 
Each morning we have Words Their Way. Students go to a room appropriate for their ability and work in small groups. This program uses words from our content area or spelling families, in order to help students learn both the vocabulary of third grade and the basic rules of spelling. Learning the rules will help students become better spellers AND better readers. Spelling counts on the writing test and all class work.
Spelling can be practiced at this site: http://spellingcity.com

Social studies and science are taught at the end of the morning and involve a lot of hands-on activities and reading in the content area. The SS theme is citizenship. Science covers plants and soil, moon and stars and the skeletal system of the human body.

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