Third Grade Course Goals
Bible: Students will learn that the Bible is God’s Word. It aids students in recognizing their need of Christ as their personal Savior and encourages Christlikeness in students. It instills a desire in students to know more about God while promoting understanding and application of Bible knowledge to daily life. It provides a systematic plan for the practice of Bible skills, connects Bible events with other historical events, and correlates academic subjects with Bible teaching.
Social Studies: Students are introduced to the cultures of the world and the major world regions. Students will explore the government, geography, climate, economics, cultures and religions of each region.
Language Arts: This course will teach grammar and develop writing skills using the writing process. In addition, students will improve spelling by applying spelling rules and expanding dictionary skills. Students will build reading comprehension, grow in phonics skills, and apply character-building stories based on biblical truth to their lives. Cursive writing is emphasized and strengthened. Reading comprehension is expanded to reading classic novels.
Mathematics: Third grade math students will understand math so that they can become problem solvers. Concrete manipulatives will be used to introduce new math concepts. Interactive learning will be promoted with questions. The student will develop problem-solving skills, increase skill in computation, review concepts systematically and math will become enjoyable. An integrated Christian content cultivates a Christian worldview that will help each student take his place in God’s world.
Science: Third grade science weaves together the wonders of the create world and a Biblical worldview. It engages students in investigating, observing, and thinking about the world around them. Students will gain a confident understanding of challenging topics, including the solar system, weather, cells, animals, forces, electricity, and magnetism.
Computer: Computer lab lessons are designed to teach students about the use of technology. Students will use a variety of applications throughout the year. The digital curriculum utilized is Keyboarding Without Tears, a row-based approach to teaching the keyboard. Applications and topics of study include Microsoft Word, Microsoft Power Point, computer awareness, internet safety and searches, and coding. To create the most effective learning environment for the students, lessons and online games are integrated with classroom units to enhance learning in the core subject areas.
Music: Students will learn to praise God through music. Students will memorize Bible verses, learn simple math concepts, develop coordination through music and movement, and learn Bible principles. Students will learn age-appropriate music theory. Students will complete graded music worksheets. Students will put their theory knowledge to use by learning to play the recorder. Students are required to participate in school wide programs.
Physical Education: In Physical Education, students acquire the knowledge and skills for movement that provide the foundation for enjoyment, continued social development through physical activity, and access to a physically active lifestyle. The student learns of the relationship between physical activity and health throughout the lifespan. Students continue to develop strength, endurance, and flexibility. Students can demonstrate mature form in fundamental locomotor and manipulative skills and can often maintain that form while participating in dynamic game situations. Students begin to learn and demonstrate more mature movement forms, age-specific skills, and the health benefits of physical activity. Students begin to learn game strategies, rules, and etiquette.
Spanish: Students will learn the Spanish language via repetition. Each week, lessons will include Greeting and Roll Call, Circle Time, Story Time, Art Time, and Good-bye. Circle Time consists of singing songs with motions to learn conversational Spanish. Story Time will allow students to connect to authentic Spanish.
Art: Students will experiment with various mediums – graphite and colored pencil, crayon, chalk, marker, etc. Each week, students will draw various shapes using a variety of mediums. God has given each of us different gifts, and students will experience this by reviewing artists and their works. Students will appreciate God’s beautiful creation by painting various scenes with watercolors and acrylic paint and drawing three dimensional figures following step by step directions.