Third Grade

St. Paul’s third graders begin more intensive academic studies. This is also the first year where students take the Educational Records Bureau (ERB) test as an independent evaluation of student progress. Several subjects are taught by a homeroom teacher with an intern teacher who is shared between both sections. Each day begins with Morning Meeting. The curriculum includes individual and group projects in all subjects. Several long-term projects cross disciplines and include written, creative and oral portions. Field trips include the students’ first overnight, where they travel to the California Gold Country as part of an extensive study.

Third grade is the first year of the three-year Parent Educator Program (PEP) in which trained St. Paul’s parents work with the students to help them learn responsible decision-making and resistance skills and develop self-esteem, particularly with regard to age-appropriate information regarding alcohol, tobacco, and drugs. They also work on positive peer interaction including specific conflict resolution skills. Third graders work with specialists in art, computers, music/performing arts, and physical education. Third graders perform at concerts and events in the Third Grade Choir. All third graders participate in service learning and cross-grade activities. In St. Paul’s Buddy Program, they provide buddy support to younger students and receive it from older ones. Like all other grades, third graders lead Chapel twice each year. Third graders receive written evaluations on their progress each quarter.

Following is a brief list of content items in the third grade curriculum:

• Multicultural literature: Native American legends, African American, and Gold Rush (Chinese, African, American, and Native American)

• Creative writing: dialogue, similes, and poetry

• California Gold Rush interactive simulation unit with overnight

• Geometry: two and three dimensional shapes, lines, angles, area, perimeter, and volume

• Solar System

• Bird anatomy, habitats, and migratory habits

• Using multimedia documents for class presentations

• Papiér mâche bat sculptures

• Music theory at the keyboard

• Staging stories from many other cultures weaving movement, drama, music, language, and visual arts together

• Apply similar movement concepts to a variety of skills and activities