Calhoun County Schools
Third Grade Curriculum Overview
2004-2005
Dear Parent,
The Calhoun County School System and Third Grade Teachers welcome you and your child to an exciting and productive year of learning.
This Third Grade overview outlines the basic skills that are required for a student to proceed to the next grade level. It summarizes the minimum course content and skills for Third Grade that are mandated by the Alabama Course of Study for each subject area. However, other skills may be taught in fourth grade.
Your child will receive a progress report at mid-point of each nine week grading period and a report card at the end of each nine week grading period. Please sign and return these reports to the homeroom teacher as soon as possible. Conferences will be held as needed.
It is our hope that this effort will strengthen our program by identifying our expectations and improving communication with you. If you have any questions during the school year, please contact your child’s
teacher.
PROMOTION STANDARDS
TO BE CONSIDERED FOR PROMOTION TO FOURTH GRADE A STUDENT MUST:
1. Earn a yearly average of 60% or better in Language,
2. Earn a yearly average of 60% or better in Reading,
3. Earn a yearly average of 60% or better in Math
Placement recommendations for students not meeting promotion guidelines may include the following:
1. Repeat the fourth grade,
2. Other options as agreed upon by the school,
3. Refer to Building-Based Student Support Team
-A school committee of no less than 5 (five) members composed of an administrator,
teachers, and a counselor will determine placement.
*Third-grade students will take the DIBELS assessment. This assessment is used to determine the number of words a student reads per minute, their ability to comprehend what is read, and their vocabulary. The following indicates the number of words a student should be able to read and understand in one minute:
August – 77 words December – 92 words May – 110 words
FIRST NINE WEEKS: (August 12 – October 8)
*Reading
The following skills will be introduced during the first nine weeks and increase in difficulty throughout the year.
*Use strategies to construct meaning from print materials (structural analysis, KWL, mapping, etc.)
*Exhibit awareness of how text features are used to convey meaning
*Demonstrate literal understanding of print material
*Read a variety of literature including daily life materials
*Analyze and interpret passages in print material
*Read grade-level text with fluency and comprehension
*Apply strategies of a skillful listener
*Identify ways fictional characters and events reflect real experiences
*Recognize and understand vocabulary through word study skills
*Use reference sources
*Demonstrate reading improvement gained through substantial amounts of daily reading
*Language
The following skills will be introduced during the first nine weeks and increase in difficulty throughout the year.
*Apply principles of grammar and usage in writing, speaking, and presenting (capitalization, punctuation, parts
of speech, dramatization, etc.)
*Use and monitor the writing process when composing different forms of written expression
*Exhibit the habit of writing daily *Write legibly in manuscript
*Write meaningful simple sentences and short paragraphs *Use computers for expression
*Demonstrate an ability to form cursive letters
*Spell words correctly in final written products
Math
The following skills are ongoing throughout the year
*Develop mathematical vocabulary
*Solve problems and analyze information using a variety of tools, models, and techniques
*Create, solve, and explain the processes involved in solving word problems
*Demonstrate oral and written proficiency in using basic addition and subtraction facts through 18
*Multiply and divide by 1 digit numbers
Demonstrate number sense by comparing ordering and expanding whole numbers through 9,999
Solve addition and subtraction problems with 2-digit and 3-digit numbers with and without regrouping
Demonstrate elapsed time with calendars and clocks
Use coins to make change to $1
Social Studies
*Use map and globe skills
Describe physical characteristics of various places on Earth
Science/Health
Relate plant structures to their functions and classify by their features
Describe the life cycle and needs of plants
Explain how fossils provide evidence of prehistoric plant life
Recognize helpful and harmful effects of plants
Explain environmental conditions that effect plant growth and survival in different habitats
Identify useful products that are the results of recycling plants
Describe causes of common infectious and/or noninfectious diseases and personal practices that minimize disease and
illness
Character Education Topics
School Pride, Punctuality, Honesty, Patriotism, Courage, Loyalty, Compassion, and Sportsmanship
*Ongoing skills taught throughout the school year
SECOND NINE WEEKS: (October 18 – December 17)
Reading/Language
Refer to First Nine Weeks ongoing skills
Math
Refer to First Nine Weeks ongoing skills
Complete a given numeric or geometric pattern
Multiply whole numbers with and without regrouping using single digit multipliers
Divide whole numbers using 2-digit dividends and one digit divisors
Recognize data as categorical or numerical
Use probability strategies in simple experiment
Identify geometric representations for points, lines, angles and rays
Specify locations on a coordinate grid
Social Studies
Identify various ecosystems
Science/Health
Recognize the effects of weather and use weather instruments
Describe the water cycle
Describe star patterns, constellations and the movement of other objects in the solar system
Distinguish between proper and improper use of medications and their effect on a healthy life
Character Education Topics
Perseverance, Courtesy, Kindness, Generosity, Patience, Self-Control, Cleanliness, Cooperation, and Self-Respect
THIRD NINE WEEKS: (January 5 – March 11)
Reading/Language
Refer to First Nine Weeks ongoing skills
*Demonstrate an ability to communicate in cursive writing
*Organize paragraphs
Math
Refer to First Nine Weeks ongoing skills
Model equivalent fractions
Measure length in metric units
Social Studies
Identify geographic characteristics between Alabama and other states
Identify trading patterns of the United States
Identify conflicts and cooperation between different geographic areas
Identify causes of the population shifts in the Western Hemisphere
Describe the relationship between geographic location and resources
Science/Health
Describe the characteristics of matter
Describe how force changes motion
Explain the different sources of energy and how they are useful
Character Education Topics
Punctuality, Diligence, Respect for Environment, Respect for Others, Tolerance, Self-Control, Fairness, and Courtesy
FOURTH NINE WEEKS: (March 14 – May 26)
Reading/Language
Refer to ongoing skills from previous grading period
Math
Refer to First Nine Weeks ongoing skills
Divide whole numbers using 2-digit dividends and single digit divisors
Social Studies
Identify ways to prepare for natural disasters
Identify significant historical sights in Alabama
Science/Health
Compare the amount of force required to do work with and without the use of simple tools
Name the ways of practicing health-enhancing behaviors within the family
Discuss the emotional, mental, social, and spiritual aspects of health and wellness
Demonstrate positive ways to respond to conflict
Character Education
Honesty, Citizenship, Respect for Others, Fairness, Creativity, Diligence, Perseverance, Self-Control, Respect for Environment, and Sportsmanship
Mid-term Reports / Report CardsSeptember 9 / October 21
November 18 / January 6
February 10 / March 17
April 21 / May 26
Visit www.alsde.edu for a detailed listing of the Alabama Course of Study objectives for the third grade.
*It is the policy of the Calhoun County Board of Education that no person shall, on the grounds of race, color, disability, sex, religion, creed, national origin or age, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program, activity or employment.