THIRD GRADE

Third Grade

Third Grade: The Bridge between Lower and Upper Elementary School

In third grade, we recognize that our students are at a unique point in their elementary education. Students are making the jump into the upper elementary grades, and with that comes an increased level of responsibility and independence. In third grade, students not only become more responsible for their own work and behavior, but they are beginning to think more critically and abstractly about challenging concepts and skills. We recognize that third graders are reading and writing fluently; therefore, students are challenged to analyze their reading material and to write stories that incorporate figurative language. One of our Third Grade teachers describes this year by saying, "We have moved from learning to read to reading to learn. Therefore, the learning can be more in depth and linked with real-world experiences."

Interactive Learning and Small Groups

We use a variety of methods to emphasize and reinforce skills in third grade. The classroom is set up so that students are exposed to a variety of teaching methods. Students are introduced to skills from a whole group/direct teaching method, which involves the use of a Mimio Active Board to directly teach the new concept to the students. Our third graders also rotate through interactive learning areas called Centers to reinforce and review the skill through small group interaction (including learning games and partner work). Projects are used in third grade for a variety of developmental reasons. One vital lesson is for students to complete long-term projects. This helps them to practice meeting deadlines, follow a rubric, and turn in a final product, which gives them a feeling of accomplishment.

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