Teachers:
		Lindsay Karzon Teacher				Sandy Taylor Instructional Support

Welcome to third grade! It’s sure to be a fun-filled year.

Environment and Ecology/Science
We kick off the year by studying farming communities, agriculture, and the origins of food. We will then examine how raw foods become produce as well as studying the food groups and the importance of nutrition. In December, we turn our attention to space and the planets. Second semester we will focus on the physics of sound, the forest habitat, and birds.

Social Studies
Along with our study of farm communities, students will study similarities and differences between urban, rural, and suburban communities. Next we step beyond local communities to explore the history of our state and nation. We will explore the purpose of laws and our government as well as the rights and responsibilities of citizenship. We then study famous people and their contributions to society as well as ways that we as individuals can make a difference. Students will become detectives as they engage in historical research.

Language Arts
Reading and writing workshops will help students hone their skills as both readers and writers. In addition, we will strive to improve our vocabulary each week with our word wall words. In our writing, we will focus on sentence structure, grammar, and mechanics. In addition, we will work on structure and organization as our writing assignments become more extensive. Throughout the year we will explore different text conventions and literary genres such as informational texts, fables, and biographies.

Wow! What an exciting year third grade had! The third grade All-Star team worked hard, practiced many skills, and shined in many areas. With critical thinking, they tackled numerous problems, projects, and experiments. Students completed eleven units of math and enhanced their problem solving skills and operations. Using different genres of writing such as poetry, short stories, letters and informational pieces, students have learned to write analytically as well as creatively. They even published a hardbound class book of poems.

In the winter months, third graders studied the physics of sound, conducting many hands-on experiments. Students mastered concepts such as sound discrimination, pitch, volume, mediums, and sound amplification. To celebrate black history month third graders attended “Black Journey” at the Perelman Theater and read biographies about individuals who fought for freedom and equality. History came alive when students performed three inspirational plays: “The Railroad to Freedom, Speaking out for Justice: Dr Martin Luther King,” and ”K.C’s Dream.” Hats off to a wonderful cast and fabulous production!

In the spring, the third graders had a blast studying the solar system. Students created detailed and informative planet reports using their research and writing skills. Many visitors enjoyed viewing our classroom exhibits on Museum Night. Acrostic planet poems, planet posters, space aliens, star scopes, and water bottle rockets were featured within the space exhibit. Students wrote and performed a space alien puppet show featuring a tour of the solar system entitled “We’re out of this World”.

Looking through the third grade window or through binoculars, students observed many birds. Students studied bird behavior, adaptations, feathers, nesting habits, and reproduction. Students heard Owl in the Shower as a read aloud and read articles about the owl/lumberjack controversy. They wrote persuasive pieces taking the side of the spotted owl or the logger in preparation for a lively in-class debate. To complement our ornithology study, students embarked on a memorable field trip to the Dupont Nature Center and Slaughter Beach to learn more about shore birds.

Like the birds, time has flown by. Good luck third graders, as you spread your wings and soar off to 4th grade. Best wishes for a safe and fun summer!