Ishikawa Elementary Home of the Dragons

   Third Grade   

Third grade is a critical year for your child. Child development specialists have acknowledged it as an optimal time for learning. School can have an enormous influence on your child's self-development. It can show your child the need for discipline, as well as the importance of working independently. Your child will learn goal setting that can lead him/her to the joy of accomplishment.

Curriculum:

Reading:  The goal of MPS is for every child to be a successful and independent reader. Recognizing the importance of reading practice, it is necessary to read with your child, read to your child, or allow your child to read independently everyday. Students learn components of the reading process such as: print concepts, vocabulary, fluency, strategies to comprehend text, literary text, informational text, and reading as a life skill.
Written Communications:  Through daily writing activities, students will utilize the writing process as well as the six traits of writing to compose a variety of different writing pieces. The following writing applications will be taught and practiced: personal narratives, stories, poetry, letters, non-fiction writing, functional writing relating to real world tasks, persuasive, research and literary response.

Math:  The goal for MPS is for every child to be successful in developing the concepts and understanding of mathematics and to recognize the connections between math and everyday life. Students learn: number sense/ operations, data analysis, probability and discrete math, patterns/ algebra, geometry and measurement.

Science and Social Studies:  The following are the science and social studies kits presented in the 3rd grade: Physics of Sound and Light, Rocks and Fossils, Life Cycles of Plants, Stop Think and Decide, Celebrations and Mapping Skills.

Field Trips:  Third grade classes attend 2 primary field trips a year. The first teaches the appreciation for the fine arts as the students attend a symphony of Peter and athe Wolf at the Chandler Center for the Arts in the fall.  Recycling is also a huge part of the science curriculum in third grade, so the students attend a tour of the Salt River Landfill where they learn about what happens to all those recyclable materials. Both events enhance the learning of the already dynamic curriculum!

AIMS Testing: April 2013

To see study guide and practice test, click here.

  Third Grade Team