We are looking forward to a wonderful year with our classes as they grow in many ways. As the year progresses, we will see the children become more responsible, independent and self-confident. The philosophy of the third grade team recognizes each student’s potential, both academic and social, while respecting the needs of the individual. The students in the third grade are divided into heterogeneous classrooms. Each class is working from the third grade Common Core curriculum, making adaptations according to the needs of the students. Our goal is to continually work towards an environment that emphasizes critical thinking and cooperative learning as tools for discovery. An interdisciplinary approach is used to achieve and enhance skill development. We welcome your interest and look forward to answering any questions you may have.
Mrs. Duchane, Mrs. Henebury, Mrs. Kelleher, Ms. Kelly, Mrs. Lehane, & Mrs. McClean
Literacy
Woodward School is proud to have the distinct honor of receiving the Exemplary Reading Award from the International Reading Association in 2011.
Reading goals for third grade include further development of comprehension, critical thinking, phonics, sequencing, fluency, vocabulary, listening, and a general enjoyment of reading. Students are explicitly taught skills and strategies in comprehending fiction and nonfiction text. Teachers provide whole class strategy lessons, small group reading instruction using the Wit and Wisdom Curriculum. The modules of studies include; The Sea, Space, A New Home, and Artists Make Art.
Writing
Here at the Woodward School, the third graders are taught to use a process writing approach. The steps for process writing include: brainstorming, drafting, revising, editing, and publishing. Through the Wit and Wisdom curriculum third grade students learn the necessary skills to develop a multi-paragraph essay on a chosen topic. Editing skills reinforced include sentence structure, punctuation, and capitalization. Students apply these skills through informative, opinion, and narrative, writing opportunities connected to the reading modules.
Spelling
Third graders are using Project Read to teach spelling rules and patterns. The goal is to improve spelling accuracy in everyday writing, while learning spelling rules.
Handwriting
Cursive skills are introduced using the Zaner - Bloser method. By the end of the year, all students will be exposed to all lowercase and uppercase letters.
Mathematics
Grade 3 – Units of Any Number
Understanding Multiplication and Division
Third grade is a major turning point in the Story of Units, as students are introduced to multiplication and division. They learn to see numbers in equal groups and explore patterns in multiplication facts, helping them build fluency and understanding. Place value work now extends to the thousands, and students use it to round numbers and perform multi-digit addition and subtraction. They also explore area, fractions as numbers, and more complex data and measurement tasks. Math becomes a powerful tool for solving problems, and students begin to see themselves as mathematicians.
Teachers use a variety of programs to help students become fluent in multiplication and division math facts. Daily practice is individualized for each student.
STMath is an online math website that the third grade students have access to for the school year. This website allows students to reinforce and extend their math skills in the classroom and at home.
Science
Our goal for third graders is to further develop their inquiring minds and to acquaint them with the scientific method. We use an interdisciplinary approach, integrating hands-on activities and literature.
Third grade units include:
● Life in Ecosystems
● Weather & Climate Patterns
● Force & Interactions
● Catching the Wind - Engineering is Elementary
Social Studies
Children are exposed to research skills and historical events through literature and hands-on materials. The third grade topics include:
● Pilgrims, Wampanoags, and other Native Tribes of New England
● Colonial Times
● American Revolution
● Massachusetts
● Southborough
Homework
Homework is an extension of the day and is used to reinforce and supplement skills. Typically homework is a math and grammar review assignment. In addition, each child should read at least 15 minutes per night. All students are given a Woodward School Home-School folder. We hope that this will help our students keep track of their homework assignment and other classroom activities.
Student Support Services
The purpose of the Building Based Support Team (BBST) is to assist all children in maximizing their learning potential. This team includes the Principal, School Psychologist, Reading Specialist, Inclusion Specialist, Speech and Language Therapist, and Behavioral Specialist. The needs of some children at the Woodward School are specified in Individual Education Plans (IEP’s), outlined in Chapter 776 as part of IDEA 97, or in a 504 Plan, outlined in The Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Some students, other than those on an IEP or 504, benefit from remedial services to further develop their learning. Whenever possible, education goals are met in general education classrooms. In these environments, members of the BBST work with both general and special education students. The ultimate goal of the team is to give each child the confidence and competence to function successfully in the general classroom.
MCAS
All third grade students in Massachusetts will take the reading and math MCAS in the spring.
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