During this year, students learn even more about their Catholic faith and how to express their own growth in faith. Moreover, they are given the opportunity to experience community and learn the many ways in which we can show our love to God and our neighbors.

Continuing with the same series of magazine-style units used in previous years, students cover an abundance of subjects. Key areas of study include multiplication and division, measurement, time, decimals, fractions, problem solving, and geometry.

In third grade, students elevate their reading skills to a more advanced level by reading for comprehension. Language and vocabulary continue to play a key role, and reference materials become an important study tool. Students also spend time learning grammar, including sentence structure and sentence parts.

In phonics, students explore compound and two-syllable words, suffixes, vowel pairs, consonant-vowel blending, diphthongs, prefixes, and syllabication. In tandem, third graders practice spelling words with long and short vowels, the vowel-consonant /e/ pattern, the long /o/ sound, unexpected consonant patterns, and the /k/ and /kw/ sounds. In addition, neater handwriting is emphasized.

The music series begun in kindergarten and progressing through grade eight emphasizes rhythm, tone color, form, melody, harmony, listening, and music appreciation. During class, students enjoy singing, playing rhythm instruments and musical games, dancing, listening for enjoyment, and listening for analysis.

Children in third grade participate in the Christmas Musical.

In the primary grades, the emphasis in gym is on rhythmical activities, including spatial awareness and exercises, tumbling, athletic skills, such as throwing, catching, kicking, and striking, and games like tag, relay, and ball games.

Using guidelines established by the Diocese of Pittsburgh, teachers introduce students to the many uses of computers in our schools, businesses, and government. In addition, students become familiar with the keyboard and practice spelling.

The key word in third grade science is "observation." Students focus on observing plants and animals, observing our earth and its neighbors, observing matter and energy, and observing our health. The DASH program, a hands-on approach to the subject area is implemented.

Cities are a primary focus of social studies in the third grade, exploring city life, building cities, and changing cities. Students also talk about living on the land and working together. In addition, they review their map and globe skills, learn to understand graphs, charts, and diagrams, and learn the capital cities of our states.

Students in third grade have the opportunity to participate in the Pizza Hut Book-It Program, Book Chat, Scouts, and Brownies.

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Page last updated on June 25, 2010
St Valentines - 2709 Mesta St - Bethel Park, PA 15102
"So Very Special"