For the Parents of Third Graders

You will find below, the things that a third grader is expected to learn. In addition you will find ways to help your child learn. The links below will jump you to the appropriate section, or just scroll down the page.

• Third Grade Mathematics
• Third Grade Reading and Language Arts Skill Expectations
• Third Grade Science
• Third Grade Social Studies
• Things I can do to Help my Third Grader

Third Grade Mathematics

Working toward the goals of the Essential Learnings in mathematics, each third grader will understand concepts and apply procedures in the following areas:

Number Sense:

• Explores and represents whole numbers up to 100,000 and fractions (1/2-1/10).
• Adds and subtracts whole numbers up to 100,000 and decimals (money).
• Knows multiplication facts (0-9); expands multiplication to 3-digit number by 1-digit number; and multiples by power of 10.
• Explores the concept of division and relationship between multiplication and division.
• Compares, sequences and orders numbers up to 100,000.
• Selects and uses tools appropriately.
• Estimates and determines reasonableness of results.
• Develops, analyzes , and explains procedures for computation.
• Understands the relationships between numbers, number systems and symbols.

Measurement:

• Expands estimates and measures to include perimeter, area and volume.
• Makes change for a varied amount of money.
• Tells time to the nearest minute.
• Uses calendar and clock to measure elapsed time
• Uses estimates to predict reasonableness of measurement.
• Expands measurement and comparison of characteristics of objects.
• Selects and uses appropriate tools for measurement.

Spatial Sense:

• Copies and constructs 2 and 3-dimensional shapes (plane and space).
• Demonstrates location of objects by using directional words.
• Expands symmetry and similarity of geometric objects.
• Explores parallel and perpendicular lines and congruency.
• Creates geometric shapes using manipulatives.

Probability and Statistics:

• Recognizes difference between certain and uncertain events.
• Conducts experiments.
• Successfully collects, organizes, records, and graphs data using numerical and
• pictorial symbols.
• Expands the use of median and mode and introduces mean to describe data.
• Makes simple inferences from charts and graphs.
• Predicts outcomes of simple activities and compares the predictions to results of
• experiments.

Functions & Relationships:

• recognizes and creates patterns of objects and numbers.
• practices using guess and check in the search for patterns.
• represents number patterns using manipulatives and symbols.
• uses standard notation to read and write number sentences.
• Solves simple equations at the concrete level.

Third Grade Reading and Language Arts Skill Expectations

Working toward the goals of reading with comprehension, writing with skill, and communicating effectively and responsibly, each third grader will learn to:

Reading:

• Read to learn vs, learning to read (as he/she did in previous grades).
• Build vocabulary through listening to a variety of readings.
• See reading as a source of information and as a leisure-time activity.
• Extend phonics by applying word-attack skills to new or complex words.
• Use non-fiction sources (encyclopedias, biographies, software, etc.).
• Identify and read different types of fiction (folk tales and poems).
• Read with fluency and expression which demonstrates understanding of the story.
• Identify the critical elements of the story (characters, setting, and theme, plot, climax, and ending).
• Build vocabulary by using context clues, dictionaries, glossaries, and thesaurus.

Reading Quick Check: Does your child:

• Use a variety of skills flexibly and confidently?
• Think and talk about the author’s intended purpose?
• Pursue interests through the written word?
• Make time to read for pleasure?
• Summarize text with clarity and well supported opinions?

Writing:

• Use legible cursive writing in daily assignments as taught at school.
• Use the writing process: plan, draft, revise, edit and publish.
• Consistently spell frequently used words correctly.
• Write a paragraph using a topic sentence supported by details.
• Improve effectiveness of writing by using descriptive language, while varying sentence type and length (fluency).
• Use a variety of writing forms (poetry, letters, etc.)
• Use technology as appropriate.
• Keyboarding (Hertzog method to build on alphabet skills).
• Assess writing for strengths and weaknesses in the areas of voice and word choice.
• Identify and use nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, and pronouns, in context.
• Use editing marks to revise written work.

Communication:

• Give informal oral presentations (current events).
• Continue developing listening and communications skills.
• Integrate reading, writing, and communication skills to produce projects and/or oral presentations on topics covered in math, science, and social studies.

Third grade Science

Your child will learn:

Classifying Living Things: Scale and Structure

(Environmental Science)

• Understand how organisms can be classified into groups based on similar structures.
• Rocks and Soil: Patterns of Change

(Earth Science)

• Understand that the earth is constantly changing.
• Sound: Scale and Structure

(Physical Science)

• Recognize that sound energy is produced in waves by vibrating objects and travel through matter.
• Support Systems: Scale and Structure

(Health and Wellness)

• Understand that the human body has structures that support and move it.

Third Grade Social Studies

Your child will learn:

Knowledge and Skill:

• Identify map terms and concepts.

Heritage:

• Develop awareness of place and common memory.
• Develop awareness of contributions of individuals through the study of the history and traditions of Grays Harbor County.
• Identify and understand importance of US holidays.
• Examine customs and traditions that express the heritage of different groups.

Citizenship:

• Recognize, examine and understand structure and process of US Government through the study of the government of Grays Harbor County and the City of Aberdeen.
• Recognize that there are often 2 points of view.
• See relationship between volunteering and being a good citizen.

Diversity:

• Understand the role of immigrants and develop a multicultural perspective that includes local Native American cultures and that of settlers in Grays Harbor.

Interdependence:

• Participate with other in making a group decision.
• Analyze issues and ideas from current events.
• Recognize the importance of having rules and laws.
• Appreciate the value of working together.

Change:

• Examine the cause and effect of social and economic change in Grays Harbor County.
• Explain the impact of technological change in history.
• Appreciate the value of studying the past to help understand the future.

Things I Can Do to Help My Third Grade Child

• Show your child that learning is important. Provide a quiet place in your home for reading, writing and study. Make sure that place is always available to your child.
• Help your child become a reader and a writer. Provide a variety of books, children's magazines and writing materials, for your child to explore.
• Read to your child and have him/her read to you. Ask questions about what was read. Discuss the material. "Why do whales live in groups?" "Do you think whales should be kept in captivity?" "Why or why not?" "What part of the story did you like best?" "What could Charlie have done differently?" "If you could write the ending to the book, how would you change it?" Third graders regularly use critical thinking skills in their daily lives. You can encourage and strengthen them by asking questions, similar to those above, listening to your child’s responses and discussing their viewpoints.
• Read and discuss non-fiction materials as well as fiction. Children are naturally curious about the world around them. Reading non-fiction teaches children that books are a source of information and will help them become skilled technical readers.
• Let your child catch YOU reading regularly! Research tells us that children read more and read a variety of materials when they see their parents and older siblings reading. Make sure you read for information and pleasure!
• Continue to use family outings as learning opportunities. Trips to the grocery store, mall, parks, vacations, excursions on buses, planes, trains, all provide material for discussion. Continue to ask your child questions about what they see, feel, hear, etc. What did they enjoy most about their experiences, and what did they find less enjoyable? Listen to their responses and let them know their opinions are important. Discussing their thoughts with you lets your child practice oral communication skills.
• Encourage hobbies such as crafts and model-building. These require following directions - another technical reading skill.
• Help with math skills by: playing games which involve counting, adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing: Uno, Yahtzee, etc. Cooking is a great way to teach measurement, proportions, fractions, more/less, and many other math concepts we all use in our daily lives.
• Continue to give your child choices of activities, chores, ways to spend time, or foods. "Would you rather have spaghetti or tacos for dinner?" "Would you like to read to me or do flash cards right now?" Would you rather set the table or fold the clothes?" These are decisions 8-9 year olds can and should make. In these situations, the adult is clearly in charge, yet the child is able to have some control. The choices described give children feelings of independence and teach them responsibility.
• Provide for your child to play with others, to share, and cooperate. This will help him/her make friends, as well as learn to work together cooperatively with classmates. Remind him/her to treat others with respect, understanding and acceptance.
• Volunteer at school!
• Limit and monitor TV watching!
• Remember that YOU are your child’s first teacher. The impact of your words and actions are the most important!