Third Grade

In third grade, children begin to make the transition from learning to read to reading to learn.
Rather than devoting a great deal of energy to decoding words and trying to comprehend what is being read, third graders begin to use reading as a tool for learning new concepts. Students are instructed how to read for learning and monitor their own comprehension.

Third graders also begin to develop their vocabularies. This is facilitated both through instruction in vocabulary as well as an increased amount of time spent reading, further exposing them to a greater variety of words.
The importance of the writing process is emphasized and practiced in third grade. Students write many compositions to further develop their understanding of the different stages of the writing process. Third graders also work on areas of grammar such as subject/verb agreement, correct use of pronouns and parts of speech. This is done through instruction as well as practice in context.

Lastly, students begin to take on more responsibility for their learning, including the need to diligently submit assignments on time.

At the beginning of third grade, children continue to use manuscript writing. During the course of the year, they begin the transition to cursive writing. Students receive regular instruction in this area and practice on a daily basis. While learning and using cursive, they also work to maintain a high level of quality in manuscript writing.

Skills taught in Third Grade include:
Developing a strong understanding of the following: estimating numbers; adding and subtracting single-digit and multi-digit numbers as well as multi-digit numbers with regrouping; multiplying single-digit numbers, multi-digit numbers by single-digit numbers, and multi-digit numbers by single-digit numbers with regrouping; dividing numbers both with and without remainders; telling time to the hour, half-hour, quarter-hour, five minutes and one minute; measuring lengths; calculating area and perimeter; measuring temperature in Fahrenheit and Celsius; counting combinations of money; making change for $1.00; knowing and using complex fractions such as 1/12; understanding place value; and identifying and making acute, right and obtuse angles.

Third Grade Assessments:
All NHA third graders take the Northwest Evaluation Association (NWEA) three times a year. This test provides objective, norm-referenced data to inform classroom instruction. Third graders also participate in state mandated testing called the MEAP test.