Third Grade

Team:  Jill Jesch and Stacey Sweeney

Philosophy and Goals:  

The philosophy we adhere to in third grade drives our program. We believe that as educators we must provide a stimulating environment, we must work in partnership with the home, and we believe that students must take an active role in their own learning.

In third grade Colorado Academic Standards are addressed through:  

• Reading instruction based on seven comprehension strategies (Pearson and Dole)
• Writing instruction that addresses multiple objectives (Narrative, Expository, Persuasive, and Written Responses to Reading)
• Math instruction that provides for a wide range of abilities from basic skills to higher level math applications. (Bridges Math​ and Problem Solvers)
• Instruction that addresses the varied ways that students learn
• Hands-on learning
• Technology embedded in curriculum
• Management styles that foster independence in students
• An approach to discipline that puts students in charge of finding solutions
• Teachers that seek the latest educational research and are life-long learners

Program Highlights:  

Area:  Social Studies/Science/Language Arts

Our study of the rain forest incorporates geography, life sciences, non-fiction reading and writing, and the arts. While engaged in our study, students research the Amazonian rain forest, visit Tropical Discovery at the zoo, and conduct fund raising projects to protect acres of tropical rain forest.

Area:  Science

Our focus in Science is the scientific process through science notebooking and hands-on experiments. Children study Soil, Rocks, and Landforms; Structures of Life; and Matter and Energy

Area:  Social Studies/Language Arts

Students participate in the Social Studies Alive: Regions of our Country program