Program Overview:
The third grade classroom provides a stable and structured environment in which the children feel comfortable to express themselves and to ask questions. Students work in ways that encourage the development of cooperation and mutual respect. Learning experiences are presented according to the students‘ learning levels in order to provide challenges without frustrations. Students are challenged to think critically, to problem solve, and to relate their education to their everyday lives. Students are encouraged to develop their sense of independence and to become self-learners with an enthusiasm for learning. The development of organizational skills and study skills is stressed as an essential aspect of student growth.
Language Arts:
The Language Arts program includes speaking, listening, writing, and reading from a variety of genres to develop more sophisticated comprehension and interpretive reasoning skills. The students‘ development of reading fluency, vocabulary, grammar and spelling skills is monitored as well. The program includes the use of an individualized spelling program, to ensure the needs of all students are met, the specific teaching and understanding of the writing process (the 6 traits), novel studies, poetry, and writing for a variety of audiences. Readers’ theater and drama are emphasized, to encourage the students to have the confidence to prepare for, and enjoy being involved in a variety of performances. The Language Arts program is integrated into other areas of the curriculum, where ongoing cross-curricular projects provide an opportunity for the students to utilize and to develop their language art skills.
Mathematics:
The Mathematics program is based on the AERO standards using materials from a wide variety of sources. The mathematics program is designed to be challenging, but also includes opportunities to review previous skills. It incorporates the development of students‘ logical reasoning and problem solving skills. Units taught are: numeration and place value, numbers and number operations, number patterns and number theory, integers, statistics, fractions and decimals, expressions and equations, geometry and symmetry, measurement, and probability. Differentiated materials ensure that the needs of all students are met.
Science:
The Science program covers topics in the physical, earth and life sciences. The units are thematic and integrated into the math, social studies, and language arts program. Topics studied are The Scientific Method and Measurement, Biomes, Ecology, Magnetism and Electricity, and Ideas and Inventions. The ‘hands on,‘ inquiry based investigations help to develop critical thinking skills, to develop an understanding of the use and application of the science processes, and to encourage scientific thought. Students enjoy reflections, sharing discoveries, and presenting information learned through classroom displays and science fairs.
Social Studies:
The Social Studies program encourages the acquisition of information through inquiry. Audio-visual and Information Technology skills are incorporated into this program. Themes studied are Friendship, Maps and Globe and Communities Around the World. Ideas and Inventions, Biomes, and Ecology are studied both from a social and science perspective. All themes integrate with the Language Arts program. Class, group, and individual projects/ presentations are methods used for the students to review and to display information learned.
Additional Subjects:
The following classes are taught to JAIS students by specialist teachers: physical education, music, art, Spanish or French and swimming.
Click HERE for a link to the JAIS curriculum.