third Grade Curriculum

The third grade child is beginning to develop as an independent learner. They have already acquired basic skills in the areas of reading, writing, and mathematics. These basic skills will continue to develop as they study literature, math, social studies and science as an upper primary grade level student. Our goal is to meet the spiritual, developmental, academic, and social needs of our students. City Tree Christian School has adopted grade level standards in each subject area. Bellow you will find a summary of the main third grade curriculum materials we use as well as classroom and special school-wide activities which enhance our students' learning experiences.

Language Arts: 

• ABeka Reading Program – Phonics based curriculum
• Teacher selected literature with comprehension and writing activities
• Research-based Report Writing
• Creative Writing
• ABeka Spelling and Language Programs
• Oral presentations and written reports based on genre
• Weekly visits to the school library
• Association of Christian Schools International’s Speech Meet
• Association of Christian Schools International Spelling Bee (biannually)

Math:

• Excel Math worksheets
• Hands on lessons
• Association of Christian Schools International’s Math Olympics (biannually)

Science:

• Christian Schools International science program - A hands on science curriculum
• Hands-on experiments
• Subject related field trips
• School-wide Science Fair- using the scientific method, younger students participate through class experiments and older students submit their own individual projects

Social Studies:

• McMillan/McGraw-Hill Social Studies Program- "California Communities"
• School-wide Multicultural Fair – each classroom does an in-depth study of a particular country or culture and shares their knowledge with others

Christian Education:  

• Association of Christian School International Program - "Christ and His Church”
• Chapel - each Friday 10:35-11:10am
• Memory Verse Program-an optional memory verse program where students memorize verses related to chapel lessons
• Bible reading, prayer, and devotions daily

Physical Education:

• SPARK Program (Sports, Play and Active Recreation for Kids) – a physical education program
• Presidential Fitness Program and testing
• Climbing Wall activities
• Physical Education in the park – a weekly trip for special activities

Technology:

• Students visit the computer lab four days a week
• Skills taught include: keyboarding, word processing and Internet research
• Skills practiced include: language arts, math, science, spelling, and social studies

Art:

• Elements of art emphasis: Shape
• Art projects using various mediums
• San Diego Museum of Art: Two, week-long programs integrating art, math, and language arts

Spanish:           

• Specialist meets with students two days a week
• Basic vocabulary, building on previous years experience (food, sports, body parts, weather)
• Conversation practice
• Spanish songs
• Hispanic culture

Music:             

• Specialist meets with students two days a week
• Singing
• Movement (emphasis on creative movement to music)
• Orff instruments
• Multicultural instruments and songs
• Music appreciation (composers, classics, and instruments)
• Basic music theory and note reading
• School-wide Christmas and Spring Programs

School Sponsored Extra Curricular Activities:

• Choir, practice two days a week after school
• School newspaper, meets once a week
• Book-of-the-Month Club