MATH
Boys learn mathematics by doing mathematics. In an environment that encourages exploration and risk taking, boys are able to deepen their mathematical understanding. Third graders expand their fluency with whole number concepts and operations. They create and interpret tables and graphs; work with geometry concepts using polygons and solids; identify and understand the meanings and uses of fractions. They continue to develop and expand their problem-solving abilities.
LANGUAGE ARTS
In third grade, the focus of the language arts program is on deepening the understanding of what is read and includes reading, writing, and discussion of a wide variety of theme-related materials. The boys refine their ability to comprehend, sequence, draw inferences, compare and contrast, identify the main idea, and explore plot and character development. They read for pleasure both silently and by listening to literature read aloud by adults. They write original and experience-based stories. They gather and assess information from a variety of sources. They also learn to organize information into a coherent research assignment, and to be responsible for editing and organizing one’s work into a final draft. Basic spelling and grammar skills are reinforced.
SCIENCE
In third grade, boys meet with the science teacher twice a week for 60 minutes. During this time, boys engage in interactive science activities that connect with their classroom theme. The science teacher’s role is to plan experiences that enable students to ask questions, make discoveries, and practice skills necessary for inquiry-based science investigations. Key concepts and topics include the impact of cultures on the environment, ecosystems, constellations, latitude and longitude, plant life cycles, birds of prey, coral reefs, decomposition, food webs, Australian animals, geography, mapping, climate zones, rocks and minerals, rivers, nutrition and maple sugaring.