Our ninety-minute literacy block focuses on reading, writing and grammar skills. Reading consists of small groups, direct instruction, guided and paired reading through our Macmillan/McGraw-Hill series. The main skills emphasized are vocabulary development, phonics, main idea, supporting details, drawing conclusions, fact and opinion, cause and effect, author’s purpose and story mapping. Through the use of the Step Up to Writing model, students develop descriptive, expository, explanatory and narrative writing as well as beginning research skills. Daily spelling and grammar skills are integrated throughout the curriculum using the Rebecca Sitton Spelling Series and the McGraw-Hill Language Arts Series.

We implement the Everyday Math curriculum. Math concepts include addition and subtraction with regrouping, multiplication, division, estimation, place value, fractions, geometry, and graphing. In addition, students are challenged daily to problem solve and provide written responses in their math journal.

Our hands-on science kits are Earth Materials, Chemical Tests, Exploring Space, and Mammals. Third grade social studies units include Indians and Pioneers of the Pikes Peak Region, African-American History, Maps and Globes, and the country of comparison being Germany.