Third Grade

Language Arts:

Reading: Literature and phonics approach includes listening, writing, oral expression activities, poetry, and “a lifelong love for reading.” A reader of the month is an incentive to all children to read as many books as possible, and completion of a story map, bookmark organizer and paragraph stating what they enjoyed most about the book read is required for all books.
Grammar: Includes usage and mechanics concentrating on capitalization, punctuation, nouns, verbs, dictionary and research skills, composition and creative writing. I observe the students practicing these skills everyday through various assessments including paragraph writing, homework, written tests and class work.
Spelling: Pre-tests on Mondays and tests on Fridays. Students also work daily on writing in their journals, different writing assignments during the day, fifteen minutes of silent reading as well as oral reading with the class for all subjects.

Math:
Concentration of math vocabulary, concepts of numbers, numeration, place value, rounding, estimation, computation in addition and subtraction, (with and without regrouping), multiplication, division, time, money, measurement, problem solving, and critical thinking. A strong foundation in basic math facts will ensure a successful year.

Religion:
The curriculum includes understanding the structure of the Mass, prayer and prayer services, Church doctrine, moral values in everyday life, and conflict resolution skills.

Social Studies:
The integrated approach utilizes literature, maps, charts, graphs, geographical themes, how the lives of the people of the past influence our lives today, critical thinking skills, and decision making.

Homework Log:
The homework log is the most important communication tool between the parent, student, and teacher. It should be signed nightly by whoever is overseeing the homework for that evening. All homework assignments are collected in the morning. If an assignment is missing, the student will complete it during his/her recess time. Nightly reading of 20 minutes must be recorded every night in the Reading Log folder.

Technology Based:
Within the third grade classrooms the Internet is used on a television monitor to enhance student learning. Some examples include discussions of the traveling route of the Mayflower, Martin Luther King Junior, an exploration of the Planets, information on books, web quests, the continents as well as many other aspects across the curriculum.

Significant Projects

Through our Technology Partnership with the University of Richmond and Boston University and School Technology Programs, we offer a fully integrated technology based curriculum, which introduces students to a wide variety of fun and active projects.

Newspaper book reports: After finishing a book of their choice, students create their very own newspaper! They name it, add advertisements, comics and of course include a headline story chosen from a chapter of their choice. They also rate the book and include a full summary of the entire book!

Web quest of the Seven Continents: We take a wild quest on the Internet to find information about the continents. We then locate a country within each continent and make an alphabet book in which each student writes a summary about that country after researching and gathering information on it. We also create a map and give an oral presentation to the class.

The Planets: We take a short tour of our solar system through our state-of-the-art computer lab. Students work in groups to discuss the many wonders of our solar system and create a life-size picture of the planet to which they are assigned.

The Mystery of third grade! We each write our very own mystery story with clues, and we as a class figure out how to solve the mystery.

One religion project concerns recycling, becoming responsible stewards of God's earth. We collect used ink cartridges and cell phones from students and families so that we can recycle them and protect our earth.

Iona College
B.A. Communications
M.S. Elementary Education
Connecticut and New York State Certification
in Elementary Education

In her second year at Saint Ann School, Lisa brings with her an enormous amount of energy and personality as well as the desire and passion to be the finest teacher she can be.

Lisa was married on July 29, 2006 in her native city, New Rochelle, New York. Her husband Tim is a New Rochelle Firefighter and a veteran of the United States Navy. Both Tim and Lisa are enjoying Connecticut’s beautiful beaches and the many attractions the Nutmeg State has to offer.

Lisa enjoys the outdoors, especially skiing in the winter, rollerblading and going on walks in the summer. Her other favorite pastimes are reading, gardening and working on projects in her new home.

Goals

Curriculum

Significant Projects