Third Grade Curriculum Overview
Reading
Third graders read many types of texts—literary, information, and
practical. They distinguish between fact and opinion. These students
interpret poetry and infer main ideas in a variety of prose. Students
in this grade use multiple reading strategies to construct meaning from
text. They choose to read silently for extended periods of time for
pleasure and information.
Writing
Third graders write for a variety of purposes. They can support their
ideas with references to their reading. They use a variety of
pre-writing activities, revise their writing by adding details, and
recognize incorrect spelling.
Mathematics
The mathematics curriculum is organized into five strands:
(1) number and operations; (2) measurement; (3) geometry; (4) data
analysis and probability; and, (5) algebra. Problem-solving strategies
are embedded into each of the 5 strands.
Expectations are that third grade students are very actively engaged in
doing mathematics. They can describe their ideas and thinking both
orally and in writing. Proficient third graders relate manipulatives
with ideas. They explain and record the mathematical concepts using
precise vocabulary and symbols.
Social Studies
Third graders increase their understanding about community life in a
variety of contexts. Comparisons are made as children compare their
familiar communities with other cultures and times. An awareness of
relationships among ways of living, the physical environment, and human
traditions are developed.
Science
The focus for third grade students is on identifying systems and patterns in systems.
Science Concepts: plant growth and adaptations, soil properties, earth/moon/sun system, human body
Art/Music
Arts Education includes four separate and distinct disciplines; dance,
music, theatre arts, and visual arts—each with its own body of
knowledge and skills, The intent of the National Standards for Arts
Education, along with the standard courses of study in each area, is
that a comprehensive understanding of one or more of the arts is
accomplished by each student throughout the K-12 Program.
Health/PE
The Healthful Living Education program promotes behaviors that
contribute to a healthful life-style and improved quality of life for
all students. The Healthful Living Education portions of the NC
Standard Course of Study support and reinforce the goals and objectives
of its two major components—health education and physical education.