Third Grade
Third Grade invites students to explore pulleys, magnets, gravity, and motion; study habitats, life cycles, and animal survival; and investigate climates and natural disasters around the world. With a strong emphasis on ELA, children grow as readers, writers, and communicators. Their voices are valued, their growth nurtured, and their sense of community strengthened – preparing them for what comes next.
About Third Grade
Language arts, mathematics, and social sciences, coupled with technology, are the basis for this curriculum.
The language arts program emphasizes various methods of reading, comprehension, and skill development as well as offering many opportunities to gain experience with all forms of writing. Public speaking, independent reading, use of high-interest literature selections, and writing in a personal journal are a few methods used.
Blending problem solving and computational skills, the mathematics program includes advanced concepts in these areas and emphasis on word and logic problems. Hands-on activities provide opportunities for the children to explore and understand various mathematical concepts. Daily computational exercises in written and mental math help the students maintain accuracy and fluency that are so important to areas of higher mathematics, and these all enrich the students’ mathematical vocabularies and experiences.
The social studies program includes a review of map skills and expands upon the understanding of the global community in terms of culture, commerce, and geography. The children often engage in research projects. The science program contains a combination of topics from earth, physical, and life sciences. Classroom experiences include many hands-on activities and are often integrated with other academic areas. Major areas of study are life cycles, living things, matter, the solar system, and the Earth’s resources.
Throughout the year, the class heavily emphasizes critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Students are encouraged to approach challenges from various angles and think outside the box to find creative solutions. They engage in thought-provoking discussions and participate in hands-on activities to develop the ability to analyze complex problems, evaluate different perspectives, and generate innovative ideas. The class focuses on honing their decision-making skills by considering the potential consequences of each option and making informed choices. Through these practices, students not only become better problem solvers but also more confident and independent thinkers.
In addition to the traditional subject areas, students participate in fine arts, physical education, foreign language, and technology classes. An emphasis on the fine arts has been a part of the school since its inception. Biweekly classes in art and music are highlights in the children’s experiences. Daily physical education classes enhance physical development. Children learn to use both the classroom library and the computer as valuable resources for information.
Another significant aspect of the class’s learning philosophy is collaboration and effective communication. Students actively engage in group projects and discussions, learning the importance of working together to achieve common goals. They are encouraged to listen attentively to their peers, ask clarifying questions, and contribute their own ideas to foster a dynamic exchange of thoughts. By participating in collaborative activities, students learn to appreciate diverse perspectives, resolve conflicts amicably, and develop strong interpersonal skills.
Character development instruction highlighting respect, responsibility, trustworthiness, fairness, caring, and citizenship complements the academic offerings. Each teacher weaves this special program into the class’s regular curriculum.
Creativity and innovation are central themes throughout the year. The class provides opportunities for students to explore their creative potential and develop innovative approaches to problem-solving. They are encouraged to think imaginatively, challenge conventional ideas, and take risks in their projects and assignments. By fostering an environment that values and celebrates creativity, the class nurtures the students’ ability to think beyond boundaries, experiment with new ideas, and embrace failure as a stepping stone towards success.
While being part of the Wheeling Country Day School community, children prepare for an increasingly global, technological society with language and culture classes as well as technology instruction. Students explore the rich cultural heritage represented by the school’s families. Special school-wide and classroom activities throughout the year expand this understanding of the relationship between self and community. At the same time, students receive computer instruction preparing them for the world’s technology and their participation in it.
The class places a strong emphasis on research and information literacy skills. Students learn to evaluate and critically analyze various sources of information, distinguishing between reliable and biased resources. They are taught to conduct thorough research using credible databases and utilize appropriate methodologies to gather accurate data.
Third Grade Teachers & Staff
Madison McDonald
Third Grade
Paula Buck
Third Grade
