1. ELEMENTARY CURRICULUM OVERVIEW THIRD

2. ELEMENTARY SCHEDULING GRADES 3 THROUGH 5 SubjectMinutesDescription ELAR 90 A comprehensive ELAR curriculum includes reading instruction, written expression, spelling, vocabulary, handwriting, and reading instruction. A 90 minute daily ELAR block with 45 minutes of Writing Workshop minimum 3 days per week. Social Studies 4545 minutes is the minimum per day of social studies instruction. In 3-5, effective social studies instruction should continue to implement effective literacy instructional strategies and materials. A strong foundational understanding of the social studies TEKS must be included. Mathematics 90The focus of math instruction is based upon conceptual understanding prior to the implementation of mathematical procedures (teaching of algorithms). A skills time within the 90 minute mathematics block, will allow time for differentiated instruction to meet student needs. Science 5555 minutes is the minimum per day for science instruction. Students should be exposed to non-fiction literature as well as having multiple hands-on lab opportunities. EMSISD

3. ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS AND READING

4. LITERACY INSTRUCTION Strategic and developmentally appropriate focus on: PHONICS FLUENCY VOCABULARY DEVELOPMENT READING COMPREHENSION CRITICAL WRITING 3RD GRADE ELAR

5. CLASSROOMS Our classrooms are designed to be collaborative, creative, and literacy rich. In our classrooms, you will find: Large/small group meeting areas. A classroom library filled with a variety of interests and levels. Individual book boxes or bags. Ample writing supplies and mentor texts. Areas to practice both independent and collaborative reading and writing. Teacher and student-created anchor charts. Resources to support a gradual release of responsibility (sound linking charts, word walls, writing folders, etc.). A display of student products that reflect recent work in the classroom. 3RD GRADE ELAR

6. READING AND WRITING WORKSHOP During the English Language Arts and Reading (ELAR) block, students will: Receive explicit instruction through mini lessons. Engage in purposeful student talk. Explore a variety of genres and participate in shared and modeled demonstrations of effective reading and writing strategies. Read and write independently for sustained periods of time. Explore how words work and apply what they learn in the context of reading and writing through small- group, peer, and individual conferences. Receive timely feedback and set future reading and writing goals. Share their work with others. 3RD GRADE ELAR

7. GRADE LEVEL FOCUS During the English Language Arts and Reading (ELAR) block, third grade students will focus on: Reading increasingly challenging texts with fluency and comprehension. Deepening understanding of text structure within a variety of genres. Using multiple sources of information to solve unknown words. Interpreting character motivations and twists in plot and supporting with evidence in text. Using underlying text structures to support understanding of challenging topics in informational text. Producing a variety of genres through composing and writing. Increasing command of writing craft, conventions, and presentation of ideas. 3RD GRADE ELAR

10. WHAT SHOULD YOUR CHILD BE BRINGING HOME? Self-selected library books EMSISD 3RD GRADE ELAR

11. MATHEMATICS EMSISD

12. THE LAST 4 PROCESS STANDARDS IT'S ALL ABOUT COMMUNICATION! (D) communicate mathematical ideas, reasoning, and their implications using multiple representations, including symbols, diagrams, graphs, and language as appropriate; (E)use mathematical relationships to generate solution and make connections and predictions. (F) analyze mathematical relationships to connect and communicate mathematical ideas. (G) display, explain, or justify mathematical ideas and arguments using precise mathematical language in written or oral communications. 3RD GRADE MATH EMSISD

13. STAAR MATH REPORTING CATEGORIES Category 1: Numerical Representations and Relationships Category 2: Computations and Algebraic Relationships Category 3: Geometry and Measurement Category 4: Data Analysis and Personal Financial Literacy EMSISD 3RD GRADE MATH

14. FOCAL POINTS FOR THIRD GRADE Understand and apply place value and properties of operations to solve problems involving addition and subtraction of whole numbers within 1,000 Solve problems with multiplication and division within 100 Understand fractions as numbers and represent equivalent fractions Describe characteristics of 2-D and 3-D geometric figures, including measurable attributes 3RD GRADE MATH EMSISD

15. STRATEGIES IN PARENT LETTERS EMSISD 3RD GRADE MATH

16. GUIDING PRINCIPLES Support students to make sense of mathematics and learn that they can be mathematical thinkers. Focus on computational fluency with whole numbers. Emphasize reasoning about mathematical ideas. Engage all learners in understanding mathematics. 3RD GRADE MATH EMSISD

17. SOCIAL STUDIES EMSISD We the People of the United States of America

18. 3rd GRADE SOCIAL STUDIES Throughout social studies in Kindergarten-Grade 12, students build a foundation in history; geography; economics; government; citizenship; culture; science, technology, and society; and social studies skills. The content, as appropriate for the grade level, enables students to understand the importance of patriotism, function in a free enterprise society, and appreciate the basic democratic values of our state and nation. EMSISD

19. In Grade 3, students learn how diverse individuals have changed their communities and world. Throughout Grade 3, students develop an understanding of the economic, cultural, and scientific contributions made by individuals. 3rd GRADE SOCIAL STUDIES EMSISD

20. Third graders receive instruction through units that continue to build a foundation in history; geography; economics; government; citizenship; culture; science, technology, and society; and social studies skills: Unit 1: Community Development Unit 2: Citizen Responsibility/Citizen Heroes/Hispanic Hertitage Celebrate Freedom Week Unit 3: Government/Presidential Election/Veteran's Day Unit 4: Native American Heritage Unit 5: Holidays/Cultural Celebrations Unit 6: Explorations Unit 7: Geography Unit 8: Citizen Heroes/Black History Enrichment Unit Unit 9: Texas History Enrichment Unit Unit 10: Women's History Enrichment Unit Unit 11: Foundations of Economics & Free Enterprise Unit 12: Inventors Unit 13: Writers & Artists/Local History Enrichment Unit 3rd GRADE SOCIAL STUDIES EMSISD

21. ELEMENTARY SCIENCE: LEARNING THROUGH INQUIRY

22. WHAT IS SCIENTIFIC INQUIRY? Scientific inquiry allows students to take an active role in understanding science content and processes. Scientific inquiry transforms learning from teacher centered to student centered learning. Scientific inquiry engages students in problem solving and critical thinking. Scientific inquiry is the active construction of ideas and forming connections. 3RD GRADE SCIENCE

23. WHAT ARE THE ESSENTIAL FEATURES OF A STUDENT CENTERED SCIENCE CLASSROOM? Learners are engaged in scientifically oriented questions. Learners give priority to evidence, which allows them to develop and evaluate explanations that address scientifically oriented questions. Learners formulate and evaluate explanations from evidence to address scientifically oriented questions. Learners communicate and justify their proposed explanations. 3 RD GRADE SCIENCE

24. WHAT ARE THE ESSENTIAL FEATURES OF A STUDENT-CENTERED SCIENCE CLASSROOM? Learners are engaged in scientifically oriented questions. Learners give priority to evidence, which allows them to develop and evaluate explanations that address scientifically oriented questions. Learners formulate and evaluate explanations from evidence to address scientifically oriented questions. Learners communicate and justify their proposed explanations. 3 RD GRADE SCIENCE

25. WHAT IS THE STUDENT’S ROLE? Ask a question about objects, organisms and events in the world around them. Plan and conduct a simple investigation. Employ simple equipment and tools to gather data and extend the senses. Use data to construct a reasonable explanation. Communicate investigations and explanations. 3 RD GRADE SCIENCE

26. SCIENCE NOTEBOOKS IN EVERY CLASSROOM Integrates science and language arts skills Helps students develop cognitive knowledge of science content and processes Enhances writing skills Serves as an assessment tool to gather information on students’ thinking 3 RD GRADE SCIENCE

27. EMS-ISD K-5 GIFTED AND TALENTED PROGRAM What is PACE? Educational program which serves identified gifted/talented students in grades K-5 2 hour pull-out program for 2 nd – 5 th graders Kindergarten and 1 st grade students served in classroom with differentiated instructional strategies Learning Opportunities for GT Students Students work on a differentiated curriculum with extended activities Instructional goals focus on helping students to develop critical thinking skills, communicate effectively, reason and solve problems, and value diversity. Lessons span across all curriculum areas and incorporate a research component in the spring semester The depth of projects builds as the students progress to the upper grades EMSISD PACE

28. STATE ASSESSMENT Third grade students will take the state-mandated STAAR Reading and Math exam at the end of this year.