Although third grade is at primary level, it is a time of transition toward more responsibility for future learning. Throughout the year, grade 3 addresses organizational and study skills, social skills, and educational growth. Each student is encouraged to perform as best as he or she is able—both inside and outside of the classroom so as to always set a good example for others in the community.

Reading & Language Arts Third grade reading is primarily basal-based, blending selections from the CORE Literature List that includes a variety of genres with the goal to advance reading vocabulary and understanding of written language. These skills are closely tied to the Language Arts program that encompasses cursive writing, spelling, and process writing. Language arts portfolios are kept for assessment and to show a child's progress throughout the year. Our primary goal is to develop critical thinking skills and the ability to express these thoughts in proper written language using correct spelling, punctuation, and other skills.

Mathematics Introduction of concepts through hands-on activities helps to build confidence in each child for movement from concrete to the abstract. Many manipulatives are available at this level. Place value, problem solving, regrouping, addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, time measurement, money, graphing, decimals, geometry, and fractions are all covered in level three. The third grade incorporates the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) standards into the math curriculum.

Social Studies The new third grade curriculum is a survey of American History from the beginning to the present with a focus on Massachusetts and local history. Attention is placed on the chronological order of events, persons, and holidays. Special units focusing on the writings of Laura Ingalls Wilder and the American Girl Collection of books address changes in America and American schools. Map skills include globes, community, county, USA, and world maps.

Science Third grade science is taught following the learning standards presented in the Massachusetts Department of Education Science and Technology Curriculum Framework. The domains include Physical Sciences, Life Sciences, and Earth and Space Sciences. Units include The Body Systems, Nutrition, Geology/Erosion, Solar System, Simple Machines/Motion & Change, Ocean Life, and Animals and Habitats. We tap the natural curiosity of this age group using hands-on activities, experiments, and related literature.

Health and Safety A special unit on Health and Drug Awareness is covered by the Physical Education teacher. A DARE officer has a 5-week program at this level, and we have a special program from Daybreak Resources for Women and Children, Inc., The Child Assault Prevention Project of Greater Worcester, that addresses abuse. Problem solving techniques and self-awareness are addressed continuously throughout the year.

Computer Technology Each third grade has two personal computers in the room. There is a weekly computer class in the computer lab plus a bi-weekly class in the classroom or lab that further connects curriculum and computer technology.

General Throughout the year, grade 3 addresses organizational and study skills, social skills, and educational growth. Each student is encouraged to perform as best as he or she is able—both inside and outside of the classroom so as to always set a good example for others in the community.

Homework Regular homework assignments in spelling and math are part of the third grade curriculum. From time to time there will be projects and other tasks assigned to reinforce other skills and lessons. Each student will have an envelope to use to transport assignments to and from school. Children are encouraged to establish good organizational habits. Returning finished assignments to the envelope, putting the envelope into their bag, and placing the bag in the same convenient place near the door every day is a good habit to develop.