Grade 3 is a transitional year as students move from the primary grades into the intermediate grades. Along with that move come increased academic expectations. Students are no longer “learning to read” but rather “reading to learn”. Students are now expected to take more responsibility for their own education both academically and spiritually. Third grade is the year of “firsts”: First Reconciliation and First Communion. Students are expected to know and understand the Ten Commandments, the Seven Sacraments and the Precepts of the Church. They are also required to learn and memorize several basic prayers.
The focus in Language arts is to read with confidence, to infer meaning from their reading using context clues and other strategies. Students are exposed to a variety of genres in their basal reader as well as the required book projects.
The focus in math is problem solving for everyday situations. We use a variety of hands-on activities including explorations, projects and games to enhance learning. We work on cooperative learning through partner and small-group activities.
In third grade science we study physical science, earth and space science and life science. We use many hands on activities and experiments to enhance the learning of these topics. Students are challenged to make observations, predictions and understand the scientific process.
The focus in social studies is communities, citizenship, map skills and current events. We use the Time for Kids weekly magazine to learn about currents events. The Map Champ series is used to introduce basic map skills and develop geographic literacy through hands on activities.
Third grade Mission Statement: We, the hardworking, dedicated third graders of Our Lady of Fatima School are on a mission to become responsible and successful learners. We will follow the example of Jesus and treat everyone with kindness and respect. We will work at all times to do our personal best as we prepare for the future.
