Third-Grade Curriculum
St. Francis offers a strong and varied academic curriculum for third grade students.
Religion
Catholic faith is taught daily with the assistance of the text,
Spirit of Truth, which encourages the lessons and lifestyles that Catholics should practice. In addition to classroom prayer and teacher guidance, the text provides an historical perspective of the Catholic faith. Virtue instruction is also incorporated weekly into classroom lessons.
Math
The third-grade math curriculum provides students with valuable skills to use mathematics in and out of the classroom. Teachers use the math textbook and workbook from
Sadlier Math to guide their math lessons but also supplement materials and instruction as necessary to address student needs and learning styles. One major focus in our program is the mastery of multiplication facts and the introduction of division facts. There are many other topics that we work on throughout the year including place value, adding and subtracting large whole numbers, using geometry, multiplication and division, fractions, measurement using both US standard and metric units, displaying data and reading graphs, telling time & solving elapsed time, and working with algebraic expressions & equations.
Phonics and Spelling
Third grade uses the
Spelling Connects program by Zaner-Bloser to instruct students in Phonics and Spelling. Explicit instruction of letter-sound relationships helps students refine their word attack skills in reading and spelling. Through this program students will receive instruction on digraphs, blends, vowel combinations, prefixes, suffixes, base words and word meanings.
Reading
We work to develop a more in-depth understanding of literature through structured literature circles, guided reading sessions, and independent reading. Reading instruction consists of developing vocabulary, building strategies to comprehend text, and appreciating various types of literature.
Handwriting
All third-grade students receive instruction in cursive handwriting and are given time to practice and develop their newly acquired skills throughout the school year. The Zaner-Bloser
Handwriting curriculum guides the instruction and growth of cursive handwriting.
English/Writing
In third grade, students practice the writing process of prewriting, drafting, revising, editing, and publishing. Students compose structured, 5-sentence expository and persuasive paragraphs as well as fictional and free-writing pieces. The writing curriculum is supplemented with instruction in grammar. Throughout the year, students focus on sentence development, nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, punctuation, and pronouns. The integration of grammar and writing provides a strong foundation for success in writing and speaking.
Science
The science curriculum using Mystery Science is taught with a balance of hands-on activities and core content knowledge. The scientific process, critical thinking, and scientific reasoning are used to make predictions and observations, solve problems and answer questions. Through scientific inquiry, major topics from the Next Generation Science Standards in the areas of life science, earth science and physical science will be explored.
Social Studies
Social studies is an integral key to becoming active citizens of our world. In third grade Social Studies focuses on Michigan’s history. We use the text
Meet Michigan to learn about the State of Michigan through a mixture of informational and narrative text. We explore the early history of Michigan, the steps towards statehood, the major events and people who have impacted our state, and the basic structure of our current government. The highlight of our year is traveling to Lansing to visit the State Capitol and the Michigan History Museum!
Enrichment
Spanish
Students in third-grade Spanish continue to develop their writing and listening skills. More extensive vocabulary is introduced along with adjectives that express emotions. Students learn parts of the body and face and clothing vocabulary, as well as apply grammatical rules to form nouns that agree in gender and quantity. Students also learn about the Hispanic culture and Catholic faith with short prayers, songs and traditions.
Specials
Each week our third graders participate in art, music, and PE. The children also benefit from participation in the Christmas program and the option of Elementary School Choir.
Library and Technology
The students visit the library each week to select various texts that enhance learning and the enjoyment of reading. Students also visit the computer lab to practice advanced technology strategies. Keyboarding skill practice is integrated into technology as well.
Field Trips
Third-grade field trips focus on supplementing our social studies and science curricula. We visit the State Capitol to bring our Michigan government content to life and we attend Rural Education Days to explore Michigan's agricultural contributions to the US and other countries. Some years we are able to participate in a Michigan Wildlife Program at the Museum of Natural History to learn about animal groups and species native to our area.
Recess/Lunch
Every day, third graders enjoy two 20 minute outdoor recess times; one in the morning and one following their 25 minute lunch period. Lunch and midday recess are supervised by parent helpers.
Things to Know
- Our third-grade teachers are certified by the State of Michigan. They appreciate and are excited about the opportunities they have to share their faith and expertise with their students.
- St. Francis School is accredited by the Michigan Association of Non-public Schools (MANS). It is also a member of the National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA).
- The Northwest Evaluation Association (NWEA) provides the assessment tools used by St. Francis School. Students in grades 3 through 8 are assessed three times a year to measure individual progress at their respective grade level.
- Homework is assigned on a daily basis (Monday-Thursday) and occasional long-time projects are assigned.
- Every weekend a weekly newsletter is emailed out from the third-grade teachers This letter highlights any important upcoming events as well as the academic focuses for the upcoming week.
- Students are encouraged to be responsible members of a small community that works together.
- We encourage parent volunteers. With the assistance and support of our parents, the classroom experience and home-school connection are strengthened.
What Parents Say...
“St. Francis offers third graders a wonder-filled year where they can continue to grow in faith through daily prayer and religious education studies. Teachers are warm, caring individuals who appreciate the unique differences in all of the children. The academic program is strong with opportunities for children to enhance individual skills in reading and mathematics.”
One thing that has always impressed us about St. Francis is the emphasis on a well-rounded education. In third grade, each child has gym and music classes twice each week, and computer, art, and library classes once per week. No other school in the area does this. Moreover, this well-rounded education is founded on the premise that children should treat themselves and their peers with respect. Cooperation and collaboration are taught and encouraged as a way of living and learning that is consistent with Gospel teachings. The kids also have fun.”
