3rd Grade Highlights
In third grade, the study of Native Americans is emphasized through research and report writing, native arts and crafts, and augmented with a day at Indian Hills Camp where students experience life as part of a Kumeyaay Tribe. Students take a nature walk to learn about native plants, practice native craftsmanship, learn archery, and hear folklore around a campfire.
A simulation of pioneer life is performed giving students insight into the history and beginnings of the school system, complete with the teacher in character as students replicate the school experience in a one room school house in the 1850's. Students are given a new identity to demonstrate how families and students of all ages went to school together. The simulation separates the boys and girls, has students do math facts on “slates”, as well as read orally and take oral spelling tests, experience the consequences of poor behavior with a dunce cap, perform music and songs from the time, make food from the day, and learn reading, writing, and arithmetic! Students read literature from the time, Little House in the Big Woods, and write about the pioneer experience.
A trip to San Diego Bay to experience the Marine Science Floating Lab is a highlight of 3rd Grade. This ecosystem provides a rich learning environment. In teams, students manipulate oceanographic equipment, make observations, and gather data and specimens from the ocean waters and sea bottom.
Students spend February learning about famous African Americans who have had an impact on our history and have been role models for many. The biographies read and researched culminate with a performance in the form of a Wax Museum for the rest of the school.
Third Graders spend the spring learning various forms of poetry from Haiku to Quatrains to Limericks and spend many hours laughing at the silliness of many, like Shel Silverstein. We conclude our poetry unit with a Poetry Recital for parents in which all students memorize and perform at least a 20 line poem of their choice.
A simulation of pioneer life is performed giving students insight into the history and beginnings of the school system, complete with the teacher in character as students replicate the school experience in a one room school house in the 1850's. Students are given a new identity to demonstrate how families and students of all ages went to school together. The simulation separates the boys and girls, has students do math facts on “slates”, as well as read orally and take oral spelling tests, experience the consequences of poor behavior with a dunce cap, perform music and songs from the time, make food from the day, and learn reading, writing, and arithmetic! Students read literature from the time, Little House in the Big Woods, and write about the pioneer experience.
A trip to San Diego Bay to experience the Marine Science Floating Lab is a highlight of 3rd Grade. This ecosystem provides a rich learning environment. In teams, students manipulate oceanographic equipment, make observations, and gather data and specimens from the ocean waters and sea bottom.
Students spend February learning about famous African Americans who have had an impact on our history and have been role models for many. The biographies read and researched culminate with a performance in the form of a Wax Museum for the rest of the school.
Third Graders spend the spring learning various forms of poetry from Haiku to Quatrains to Limericks and spend many hours laughing at the silliness of many, like Shel Silverstein. We conclude our poetry unit with a Poetry Recital for parents in which all students memorize and perform at least a 20 line poem of their choice.