Third Grade

 

Language Arts

Language Arts provides the grammar as children build a proper foundation for mastering language.  Since there is no other study that does not use language in some way, it is imperative that we construct a firm foundation here.  Therefore, reading is acquired by a systematic use of phonics; handwriting is reinforced by frequent copy work; grammatical components are named, studied, and practiced; spelling is learned by pattern and rule; and even the meaning of words is made systematically knowable by memorized Latin and Greek roots. In addition, students in Third Grade master 100 Latin vocabulary words, helping to prepare them for Middle School Latin. 

  • Primary Language Lessons, Part II by Emma Serl

Literature

The approach to literature in Third Grade ties to Imago Dei, a foundational Catholic idea based on Genesis 1:27

God created mankind in His own image, in the Image of God
He created them; male and female He created them.‍ ‍

This Scripture teaches how all people bear the image of God (or Imago Dei, in the Latin). The idea holds that every human life is precious, and every person is inherently valuable and worthy. Sadly, because we live in a fallen world, the Imago Dei is often ignored or violated. In this program, we read stories that speak to the suffering from the violation of the Imago Dei. We learn about heroic people who risked their lives to stand up for human dignity. We see the power of defending the Imago Dei. 

History

Students in Third Grade learn the story of their history as Americans. 

Indigenous Peoples of North America & First Encounters

  • People of the Breaking Day by Marcia Sewall

  • The Vikings by Elizabeth Janeway

  • Hiawatha and the Peacemaker by Robbie Robertson

  • Children of the Longhouse by Joseph Bruchac

The Golden Age of Discovery

  • Where Do You Think You’re Going, Christopher Columbus? by Jean Fritz

  • Pedro’s Journal by Pam Conrad

The Colonies

  • Pocahontas and the Strangers by Clyde Robert Bulla

  • The Landing of the Pilgrims by James Daugherty

  • The World of William Penn by Genevieve Foster

  • Amos Fortune, Free Man by Elizabeth Yates

Resource

  • A Child’s First Book of American History by Earl Schenck Miers

Catechesis

Students continue their participation in the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd at the Good Shepherd School Atrium where they continue Level II Atrium in Third Grade. This level centers around the image of Christ as the True Vine.  Children are taught about their life in Christ and his Church as they discover the parts of the Mass in the Liturgy of the Word and the Eucharist.

Science & Nature Study

Drawing from the world of science all around us, teachers lead students in a guided study of nature.  Students form a broad basis of knowledge as they learn about the continents, rock and mineral formations, weather, flora, fauna, food chains, and constellations.  Children take weekly nature hikes and keep detailed journals, with specimens drawn and labelled.  Particular focus is given to cross-disciplinary topics, such as the trumpeter swan while reading E. B. White’s Trumpet of the Swan.

Math

Our study of mathematics aims to give students mastery of concepts and skills. Rather than using a spiral system, we focus on single topics in-depth in order to truly understand  them before rushing on.  We gladly use repetition and practice in order to aid understanding, but not as an end in itself.   As in all studies, the grammar of mathematics – addition and subtraction, multiplication tables, number sense – must be firmly established before more complex topics are broached.  We use the Math Mammoth curriculum, as it best aligns with our goals. 

By Third Grade, students move on to multiplication and division, the multiplication tables, fractions, area, perimeter, and word problems.