Curriculum Highlights
Third Grade
Curriculum Highlights
http://tea.texas.gov/curriculum/teks/
http://tea.texas.gov/curriculum/teks/
Reading
We encourage reading in a variety of books both fiction and
nonfiction, and we hope to instill a love of reading in our students. We concentrate not only on improving reading
fluency, but reading comprehension as well.
We want our students not only to learn to read but more importantly,
read to learn. We do this with
individual reading, buddy reading, shared reading, guided reading, and written
response to what is read. We also teach
reading strategies to improve comprehension.
The third graders in Texas are expected to pass the Reading STAAR test.
Writing
We encourage writing in a variety of modes (narrative,
persuasive, how-to letters, poetry, compare/contrast, &
classificatory). We hope to instill a
love of writing. These modes will be
taught and modeled in a variety of ways, and students will have the opportunity
to select their own topics, respond to a story or article, and write to a
prompt. Students will be guided through
the writing process and learn the important steps to a well-written piece. Much of this learning will be
individualized. Editing and revision
conferences will be held with the teacher, as well as, peers. The Six Traits of Good Writing (ideas,
organization, voice, word choice, sentence fluency, & conventions) will be
the target areas in revision. Cursive is
introduced during the 1st semester, and students will be given the
opportunity to read and write in cursive during the 2nd semester.
Spelling
Our spelling program, Words
Their Way, provides word lists that are tailored to meet each child’s
needs. We administered a spelling
inventory the 1st week of school to determine your child’s spelling
strengths and needs. The word lists will
become more difficult as your child progresses through each developmental stage
of spelling.
Spelling is part of each child’s weekly homework. Your child will select an activity of their
choice from the provided spelling menu to practice their weekly spelling words
at home.
Dictionary and computer spell-check skills will also be
taught and implemented. Students will
also keep personal dictionaries in their writing binders. These contain frequently misspelled words and
words that your child has requested the teacher spell.
Math
Problem solving is a major focus in math this year. Students are allowed to solve problems in a
variety of ways. This is encouraged to
increase understanding of math concepts.
Students share ideas during class and explain their thinking
process. Knowledge of math facts is also
very important. We hope that most third
graders know their basic addition and subtraction facts. Multiplication will be introduced early in
the year, and students will have the opportunity throughout the year to
memorize their multiplication facts to 12. Our goal is to have student be
fluent in these facts between 3rd and 5th grades. Study
at home is vital in this area, as each child learns at his or her own
pace. Third graders in Texas will be
taking the Math STAAR test .
Positive Norms in Mathematics
In Round Rock ISD, high quality math instruction begins with establishing a positive classroom culture and environment from the first day of the school year to the last. The following seven norms are critical to student success and greatly influence students' attitudes toward learning and doing mathematics. Click here for a one page summary of the norms. Click each norm for additional information and suggestions for how to implement them. (Source)
- Everyone can learn math to the highest levels.
- Mistakes are valuable.
- Questions are really important.
- Math is about creativity and making sense.
- Math is about connections and communicating.
- Depth is much more important than speed.
- Math class is about learning, not performing.
Goals of Mathematics in RRISD
The Round Rock ISD Mathematics Department has established five goals for each and every learner, PreK-12:
- Students learn to value mathematics.
- Students become confident in their ability to do mathematics.
- Students become mathematical problem solvers.
- Students learn to communicate mathematically.
- Students learn to reason mathematically.
These subjects will be rotated every few weeks throughout
the year. Students will be doing many
hands-on activities and working in small groups to complete experiments and
other projects. Specific units taught in
these subjects can be found in the TEKS (Texas Essential Knowledge and
Skills). These are listed on the
district’s website, as well as, TEA’s website.
Ways to Help Your Child at Home
- Read to and with your child every day.
- Encourage writing for real-life purposes (letters to friends, family, or favorite authors; invitations; or thank you notes).
Thank you for your support and cooperation! We are looking forward to working with your
child and helping them each reach their greatest potential.
Sincerely,
Third Grade Teachers