If you ask third graders what they remember from the year, chances are they will say, “Projects!” From terrariums to map-making, the third grade year is packed full of exciting learning experiences. Science plays a big role in the third grade curriculum. Students learn about the water cycle, nutrition, digestion, and food chains as they work in large and small groups. A field trip to the Cranbrook Planetarium introduces astronomy. The Henry Ford Museum and IMAX Theater, as well as live plays, take learning from the classroom into the community. They also study habitats, with some thrilling hands-on experiences with worms, crickets, and owl pellets. A highlight of the year is when the class reads How to Eat Fried Worms, an all-time favorite book. Science spills over into the other subjects; in social studies, the study of habitats takes a different form as the students learn about geography, Indian nations, and the first U.S. settlers. The class attends a Native American presentation, and literature comes into play as well. The students read classic stories such as Sign of the Beaver, Pedro’s Journal, Robinson Crusoe, and If You Sailed on the Mayflower in 1620.

Students begin research this year with animal reports. They also work in a writing workshop setting, improving their understanding of the writing process, learning to use paragraphs, and writing stories. They write in many formats for both language arts and the other subject areas: poetry, journals, letters, autobiographies, and articles.

Handwriting and phonics are also continued. In reading, students are introduced to fantasy, poetry, folklore, historical fiction, biographies, and nonfiction. Reading skills focus on decoding new words by using syllables, word parts and context clues. Comprehension is reinforced through main ideas, cause and effect, drawing conclusions and making inferences.

In math, students learn their multiplication and division facts and apply them to regular book problems as well as using problem solving skills in real life situations. Other important skills are taught, such as oral presentations with storytelling and puppet projects that help with public speaking skills. Organization and good listening skills are cultivated. As students study the life of Christ, they memorize scripture and put it into practice through outreach programs like caroling at nursing homes and going to a mission facility to feed homeless people. Specials include library, Spanish, art, music, and physical education.