Third Grade

Every year is an exciting year at CCS, and third grade is no exception!

Bible  

Calling of God's Tribe is written and published by Christian Schools International. Students study the life of the Israelites as slaves, nomads, and conquerors of Canaan.  Students work on projects and participate in various activities to make these Bible stories come alive and be relevant to their young lives.  Bible memory is assigned each week. 

Math

Everyday Mathematics

This curriculum inspires both teachers and students to break through traditional Math barriers and explore math concepts that aren't usually taught at their respective grade levels.  This program teaches "habits of mind" that students will use when confronted with a mathematics problem.  Students start by developing easy strategies, and then move on to more sophisticated methods of solving problems.  By the end of third grade students:

  • Add and subtract four digit numbers
  • Know multiplication facts
  • Multiply two and three digit numbers
  • Divide two digit by one digit number, with and without remainders
  • Write fractions, mixed numerals, and equivalent fractions
  • Add and subtract decimals, including money problems
  • Identify and analyze two and three dimensional shapes, lines, line segments, rays, and right angels
  • Measure perimeter, area, and volume; estimate, measure, and be familiar with length, capacity, weight, mass, and temperature.
  • Identify and count money up to $100.00

Language Arts

Scott Foresman - incorporates reading, writing, spelling, grammar, and phonics.  Our goal in language arts is to foster a love for reading, increase facility with written expression, and strengthen the students' ability to communicate verbally.  Language and writing are gifts from God.  God wants us to communicate with    Him and with each other.         

            Reading:  Along with the Scott Foresman basal, students read novels such as, Mr. Popper's Penguins, Trumpet of the Swan, and Chocolate Touch.  Students become familiar with the following target skills: plot, characters, setting, sequence, fact, opinion, realistic, and fantasy.

            Grammar:  Publisher McGraw-Hill.  Students demonstrate an understanding of and also proper use of:  Proper sentence structure, word order, statements, questions, parts of a sentence (subject and   predicate), nouns (singular and plural), and verbs.

            Spelling:  Words are based on a phonics skill taught in their reading .  Students who display knowledge of these words will receive a more challenging list of words.

            Handwriting: Handwriting without Tears.  Students receive instruction in cursive handwriting with an emphasis on   readability.

            Creative Writing: During the course of the year, the students create their own writing through various avenues such as poetry, stories, book reviews, and other forms of written communication.  Students "publish" their written work and share their pieces with the class.  Students also have a journal with writing prompts that they write in once a week.  Students become familiar with:

  • Letters
  • How to pieces
  • Personal narratives
  • Persuasive writing
  • Descriptive
  • Compare/ contrast
  • Research

Social Studies

Students explore God's world through geographical and cultural studies.  Third grade focuses on the United States.  Students explore the four different regions, learning about its people, geography, landmarks, history, and states.

Science

A student inquiry curriculum developed by the Battle Creek Area Mathematics and Science Center.  Guided inquiry instruction takes advantage of the students' natural curiosity and thinking ability to focus their learning.  Students learn from thinking about their own experiences, using research-based materials, and teacher guidance.  God's power, creativity, and design are revealed to third graders in:

  • The five senses
  • Solids, liquids and gases
  • Our changing earth
  • Flowering plants

Art, Music, Physical Education, Computer, and Library Time are also offered as part of the curriculum.