The third grade program provides students with an opportunity to develop and broaden their basic skills in reading, writing and mathematics.
Subjects taught every day:
• Language Arts with emphasis on reading, spelling, phonics, writing, grammar, speaking, and listening.
• Mathematics includes problem solving, critical thinking, and applications.
• Social Studies is a two nine weeks program and includes communities and geography.
• Science is a two nine weeks program studying rocks and minerals, and plant growth and development.
Students also participate in Music, Art, Arts Alive, Physical Education, and Library classes.
A Shared Responsibility
If students are to benefit from their school experience, learning becomes a shared responsibility between the student, the parent, and the teacher. The South Fayette Township School District staff has identified key expectations that need to take place if we are to improve student achievement.
Student Expectations
• Complete all homework assignments
• Bring all required materials to class
• Participate in class discussions
• Follow classroom rules
• Respect the rights of others
• Read for fun
Parent Expectations
• Provide a quiet place for the child to do homework or study
• Establish time for homework and review the assignments to see if they are complete
• Read to your child often
• Communicate with the school on a regular basis
Teacher Expectations
• Provide instruction to meet various learning styles of students
• Communicate with parents on a regular basis
• Provide feedback on assignments
Special Projects
• President Research Project
• Accelerated Reader
• Awareness of the environment through hands-on activities
PSSA – Pennsylvania System of School Assessment
The Pennsylvania Grade 3 Reading Assessment measures student progress toward achievement of the Pennsylvania Academic Standards for Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening.
The Pennsylvania Grade 3 Math Assessment measures student progress toward achievement of the Pennsylvania Academic Standards for Math.
Evaluations
A variety of methods will be used to evaluate each student’s work in the classroom. Several methods include:
• Tests
• Quizzes
• Classroom Assignments
• Teacher Observations
• Projects
• Research
At the beginning of each year, teachers will provide students with specific criteria for evaluation.
Language Arts/Reading/Writing
PA Academic Standards
1.1 Learning to Read Independently
A Identify the purpose of the texts.
B Preview the text formats.
C Use word analysis and context clues to decode new words.
D Read using comprehension.
E Acquire a reading vocabulary.
F Use new vocabulary.
G Retell or summarize ideas.
H Demonstrate fluency and comprehension.
1.2 Reading Critically in All Content Areas
A Differentiate fact from opinion.
B Use a variety of media and electronic media for research.
1.3 Reading, Analyzing, and Interpreting Literature
A Read various works of literature.
B Identify literary elements.
1.4 Types of Writing
A Write a narrative piece.
B Write an informational piece.
C Write a persuasive letter.
1.5 Quality of Writing
A Write with a focus.
B Organize information.
C Sustain a logical order.
D Use descriptive words and action verbs.
F Spell common, frequently used words correctly. Use nouns, verbs, pronouns, adjectives, adverbs, and conjunctions properly.
1.6 Speaking and Listening - A Listen to others and ask questions.
1.8 Research
A Select a topic.
B Locate information.
Social Studies
• Demonstrate map skills.
• Describe a community.
• Identify the states, capitals, and major rivers.
• Discuss various climates and occupations across the United States.
Mathematics
PA Academic Standards
2.1 Numbers, Number Systems and Relationships
A Count using whole numbers.
B Use whole numbers and fractions to represent fractions.
C Represent equivalent forms using manipulatives.
D Use drawings to show the concept of a fraction as part of a whole.
E Count money.
F Apply number patterns and values.
G Use concrete objects to count, order, and group.
H Apply place value.
J Estimate and round numbers.
L Demonstrate basic operations.
2.2 Computation and Estimation
C Demonstrate multiplication concepts.
D Demonstrate division concepts.
2.3 Measurement and Estimations
2.5 Problem Solving and Communication
2.6 Data Analysis
2.7 Probability and Predictions
2.8 Algebra and Functions
2.9 Geometry
2.10 Trigonometry
2.11 Concepts of Calculus
Science
• Use senses to observe and describe rocks and minerals.
• Record and discuss observations of rocks and minerals.
• Sort minerals on the basis of similarities and differences in identified properties.
• Observe, describe and record changes in plants