Application

Fine Arts

Movement and Physical Education

Music

Third Grade Curriculum

The ongoing commitment of the Berry College Elementary School and Middle School is to provide a model of the best in educational practice for children, the college, and the community. In collaboration with the Berry College Charter School of Education and Human Sciences, the school serves children by providing a quality education which will enable the fullest development of their potential in a child-centered program. An integrated curriculum and discovery-oriented activities reflect the child's decisions and interests. A collaborative environment provides opportunities for the child to construct a personal knowledge of the world.

Language Arts: At BCES we understand that not all children develop language fluency at the same time or at the same rate. Consequently, the language arts curriculum in our primary grades is organized to meet the unique needs of each student.

Our 1-3 primary grade teachers work collaboratively to deliver reading, writing, and language instruction through multiage literacy focus groups, skills groups, interest groups, whole groups, and reading/writing workshops. Young readers in our multiage program are introduced to and immersed in the reading of literary works that represent a variety of notable children’s authors and genres. Through these works, students identify strategies authors use to capture the reader’s attention, develop the setting/characters/theme, create suspense, and bring the story to a satisfying ending.

Each piece of exemplary literature that is under analysis serves to model ideas and strategies that students can apply to their own process writing. In writing workshop, students experiment with writing a variety of genres for diverse audiences. Each written piece is developed to published form using the steps of the writing process. Self-assessment, peer-assessment, and student/teacher conferencing are means through which students improve and take responsibility for their writing. Students have opportunities to assume progressively more difficult writing challenges as they advance through the writing stages. When ready, students begin to write from different points of view and apply more sophisticated writing styles such as foreshadowing. Reading strategies, vocabulary, phonics, and language skills are taught through mini-lessons using the context of the literature students are reading. Teaching skills in context helps students make meaningful connections between language and their immediate experiences.

In addition to the multiage program, third grade students are engaged in daily classroom activities such as journal writing, D’nealian handwriting and daily oral language in which grammar, spelling, and writing are routinely practiced .

Mathematics: Math instruction is delivered using the scope and sequence of the Everyday Mathematics program. This program helps students apply mathematics to real world situations and encourages them to become critical thinkers and problem-solvers. The daily problem solving challenges incorporated in this program require the application of basic numeration, measurement, and geometry skills that are presented and reinforced in whole group, small group, partner, and individual activities. Students are required to communicate their understandings in math through writing or speaking. Writing in math then, is used as a tool for clarifying and organizing thinking. The Everyday Mathematics program integrates the use of technology as a learning and thinking tool. (http://everdaymath.uchicago.edu)

Specific third grade units of study include: Adding and subtracting whole numbers, linear measures and areas, multiplication and division, place value in whole numbers and decimals, geometry, fractions, measurement and data, and probability.

Science: The elementary science program strives to create an environment in which the students are provided the opportunity to learn concepts though discovery and inquiry-based instruction. Third graders discuss the importance of the scientific method and apply the method in hands-on, minds-on activities.

Specific units covered in third grade include: simple machines, heat and energy, life cycles and processes, cells, rocks and minerals, fossils, and soils.

Social Studies: The third grade social studies program focuses on the development and history of our community beginning with the Native Americans, specifically the Cherokee and Creek tribes that have so richly affected the origin of Rome. Students further develop map skills by studying regions of Georgia. Third graders study landforms, continents, oceans, hemispheres and rivers. Students are also provided with opportunities to understand the basic rights and responsibilities of citizens and Georgia history, including the state’s leaders and symbols.

Economics: Economic education is based on the precept that every student is part of a greater community. Thus, students gain experience with the basic ideas of producing, consuming, exchanging, investing and specializing within their classroom community. Expanding studies focus on scarcity through human and natural resources, supply and demand, and basic opportunity costs. Hands-on experiences allow children to build understanding within our comprehensive program that builds upon prior knowledge.

Art: The elementary art curriculum centers on the study of the Principles of Design and the Elements of Art, and is supported by our textbook Portfolios by Barrett Kendal Publishing. The students utilize various equipment and media such as graphite and color pencil, watercolor and tempera paint, clay and concrete. Proper techniques for using these mediums are introduced and practiced. Through reading and discussion of our text, students are exposed to the elements of art and principles of design as they apply to the appreciation and criticism of works of art. We also study various artists and artistic movements in the history of art and the importance of art in the cultures of our world.

Library: The Berry College Elementary School Library holds a rich and diverse collection of children's materials, including approximately 10,000 children's books. The library and its staff serve students, teachers, and parents. It supports both the school's curriculum and children's individual interests. Students are encouraged to explore and discover during scheduled class visits and at other times throughout the school day with their teachers' permission. A master storyteller introduces children to a variety of books and stories during their library visits. Members of the library staff provide a comfortable, nurturing environment in which an early love of books is developed and nourished. Here, the imagination of children is captured and stirred, journey freely through new worlds introduced in literature.

Music: The elementary school music curriculum emphasizes the understanding of musical skills such as technique, playing, creating, singing, reading and listening. Students also explore the musical concepts of dynamics, tone color, temp, rhythm, harmony and melody. Learners demonstrate their knowledge of music through performance, listening, and appreciation of a variety of styles of music from different periods and cultures.

Physical Education: The focus of the elementary physical education program is the introduction and exploration of physical education skills and concepts. Physical education emphasizes the total development of the child (i.e. physical, motor, cognitive, social, and emotional development. At the elementary level students are guided through a series of developmentally appropriate experiences and activities that promote a desire to engage in physical activities, create a sense of self worth, encourage cooperation, self control, and lead to choices that promote a healthy life style. Physical education instruction includes vigorous physical activity, diagnosis and learning of neuromuscular skills, information about physical activity and fitness, and time to enjoy the application of skills and knowledge.

Spanish: Our Spanish curriculum fosters an appreciation and enthusiasm for the study of foreign language and culture. Emphasis is on communication which is taught authentically by a native Spanish speaker through songs, games, rhymes, and other activities. Grade specific themes are integrated into Spanish vocabulary study and activities.