Students also practice jump rope routines, master basic stunts and tumbling routines, and explore and practice on the Cook Road gymnasium’s rock climbing wall and ladder challenges. Students utilize the expansive facilities at our disposal. Students also continue to develop their ice skating skills through lessons on the ice at the McCann Ice Arena. Science Third graders dig deeper into our world by utilizing math skills and problem solving through engineering. They work on asking questions and building critical thinking through topics of their interest and choosing. They move from concrete to abstract ideas and develop answers to their questions. Experiences and topics in the classroom are guided by student interest. The curriculum builds on the skills of the prior grade. Content is taught through an inquiry-based lens that involves critical thinking through hands-on projects. First Lego League Explore continues in third grade. This program introduces science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) to children through authentic learning. Participants gain real-world problem solving experience through a guided, global robotics program, helping today’s students and teachers build a better future together. This level focuses on the fundamentals of engineering and the exploration of real-world issues of engineering and the exploration of real-world issues. Students learn to design, code, and create solutions with the use of Lego robotics. Visual Art Projects in third grade provide students with more independence. Art criticism, art discussion, and art appreciation are introduced, allowing for students to give feedback to their peers in more meaningful ways. Students practice more detailed drawing and painting skills, apply color theory to projects, weave on a loom, and learn more intricate clay hand-building techniques. Michigan history and nature are incorporated into certain projects throughout the year. A third grade project might include, but is not limited to, tile sculpting with clay inspired by native Michigan plants and animals. Built to Thrive The Built to Thrive program meets twice a month for all third grade students. This program enhances social-emotional intelligence through literature, play, and reflection. Built to Thrive provides thoughtful activities to practice students’ social-emotional learning, develop empathy for others, and practice problem- solving skills. Children also work on identifying and managing their own and others’ emotions.
cooperatively and analyze primary and secondary sources in order to explore our world. Project Work Students use the Project Approach to gain knowledge of what they think they know and begin to ask questions for what they want to know. Through research and discovery, students document their learning. Learning is shared and documented in a variety of ways including 3-dimensional models, drawings, video, and writing. Presentations are frequently prepared and given to various audiences as a culmination of project work. These presentations come in many formats. Project topics vary from year to year depending on student interest. Some examples of third grade projects from previous years include: • Penguins and Antarctica • Fish of the deep: bioluminescence • Construction • Michigan boating and the Great Lakes Music Through a study of a wide variety of cultural folk music students find commonalities in forms and experience the diverse beauty of each tradition. Students learn to compose their own accompaniments for folk melodies using each of the classroom instruments. The year ends with an in-depth study of jazz and its roots. Orchestra In the first year of Lower School orchestra, students are educated about the similarities and differences of the string instruments violin, viola, and cello. They explore the instruments and choose one to journey with them throughout the next three years. Students learn technique fundamentals of posture, basic coordination, notes of the D major scale, and learn responsibilities such as instrument care and practice routine. Physical Education The third grade physical education program offers a diverse range of activities designed to develop well-rounded student-athletes. Students focus on mastering fundamental skills like throwing, catching, striking, kicking, and dribbling, preparing them for participation in various sports. Students refine their locomotor skills – running, jumping, skipping, sliding – and conquer challenging obstacle courses that test their agility and balance. Students are then introduced to different games and activities that promote teamwork and sportsmanship both in the gymnasium and on the school’s eight turf fields.
23
Lower School | Third Grade
Made with FlippingBook - Online Brochure Maker