Third Grade

In third grade, children begin to make the transition from learning to read to reading to learn.
Rather than devoting a great deal of energy to decoding words and trying to comprehend what is being read, third graders begin to use reading as a tool for learning new concepts. Students are instructed how to read for learning and monitor their own comprehension.

Third graders also begin to develop their vocabularies. This is facilitated both through instruction in vocabulary as well as an increased amount of time spent reading, further exposing them to a greater variety of words.

The importance of the writing process is emphasized and practiced in third grade. Students write many compositions to further develop their understanding of the different stages of the writing process. Third graders also work on areas of grammar such as subject/verb agreement, correct use of pronouns, and parts of speech. This is done through instruction as well as practice in context. At the beginning of third grade, children continue to use manuscript writing. During the course of the year, they begin the transition to cursive writing. Students receive regular instruction in this area and practice on a daily basis. They also work to maintain a high level of quality in manuscript writing while learning and using cursive.

Lastly, students begin to take on more responsibility for their learning, including the need to diligently submit assignments on time. Homework is assigned Mon. - Thurs. in both reading and math, and sometimes spelling. All homework must be turned in daily, on time and correctly completed with a parent signature in their planner or homework calendar. Consequences will be applied if this is not done. This is a BIG component of third grade.

Skills taught in Third Grade include:
Developing a strong understanding of the following: estimating numbers; adding and subtracting single-digit and multi-digit numbers as well as multi-digit numbers with regrouping; multiplying single-digit numbers, multi-digit numbers by single-digit numbers, and multi-digit numbers by single-digit numbers with regrouping; dividing numbers both with and without remainders; telling time to the hour, half-hour, quarter-hour, five minutes and one minute; measuring lengths; calculating area and perimeter; measuring temperature in Fahrenheit and Celsius; counting combinations of money; making change for $1.00; knowing and using complex fractions such as 1/12; understanding place value; and identifying and making acute, right and obtuse angles.

Third Grade Assessments:
All NHA third graders take the Northwest Evaluation Association (NWEA) three times a year. This test provides objective, norm-referenced data to inform classroom instruction. Third graders also participate in state mandated testing called the MEAP test.

Your child’s teacher will spend a great deal of time assessing student progress throughout the year through assignments, daily participation in class, one-on-one assessments, small groups and formal testing. The teacher views assessment as a daily activity, looking for ways to adapt planning and teaching to the needs of the class based on progress and understanding in each subject area. You will receive quarterly reports from your child’s teacher via progressive report cards.

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