Third grade instructional programs in Palo Alto schools are committed to helping each child meet the academic and intellectual competencies expected at this grade level and become active, engaged learners in a classroom setting. The following summary of the instructional program provides an overview of the third grade year. The third grade program builds on the skills and knowledge children have learned in preceding years. It encourages critical thinking, creativity and respect for self and others. The manner of instruction—motivation, grouping, pacing, reinforcing and reteaching—is determined by each teacher as he or she works to meet
individual student needs. Expectations are, of course, modified or expanded to meet a child’s needs and abilities.

Curriculum standards are what all grade-level students are expected to know and be able to do by the end of a school year. Key standards of third grade education are highlighted below. If you would like a summary description of PAUSD standards, you may download Curriculum Summary for Third Grade .

If you have questions about curriculum, please contact your child's classroom teacher.

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Reading-Language Arts  |  Mathematics  |  Science  |  Social Studies | Visual & Perfoming Arts  |  Physical Education | Library Media Program

In third grade, each student will . . .

Reading-Language Arts

Reading and Writing Skills

• Read for enjoyment and to gather information
• Read aloud with fluency
• Choose appropriate chapter books for literature and other reading materials
• Read grade-appropriate material with understanding
• Use knowledge of word analysis and comprehension strategies to decode unknown words
• Use context to predict the meaning of unknown words
• Comprehend grade-level literature and expository text
• Spell words from grade-level lists correctly
• Interpret and reflect upon reading
• Write independently with fluency
• Write personal narratives, friendly letters, responses to literature, fictional summaries
• Write a simple paragraph with a topic sentence and supporting details
• Revise content; apply grammar rules to written work; edit conventions for correct capitalization and punctuation
• Use cursive letter forms
• Begin to use word processing to write
• Write independently with fluency
  

• Follow complex directions and instructions
• Actively listen to a speaker
• Make relevant comments during discussion
• Support spoken ideas with evidence and examples

Mathematics

Number Sense
Students understand the place value of whole numbers:

• Count, read, and write whole numbers to 10,000.
• Compare and order whole numbers to 10,000.
  
• Identify the place value for each digit in numbers to 10,000.
• Round off numbers to 10,000 to the nearest ten, hundred, and thousand.
• Use expanded notation to represent numbers (e.g., 3,206 = 3,000 + 200 + 6).

Students calculate and solve problems involving addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division:

• Find the sum or difference of two whole numbers between 0 and 10,000.
• Memorize to automaticity the multiplication table for numbers between 1 and 10.
• Use the inverse relationship of multiplication and division to compute and check results.
• Solve simple problems involving multiplication of multidigit numbers by one-digit numbers (3,671 x 3 = __).
• Solve division problems in which a multidigit number is evenly divided by a one-digit number (135 ÷ 5 = __).
• Understand the special properties of 0 and 1 in multiplication and division.
• Determine the unit cost when given the total cost and number of units.
• Solve problems that require two or more of the skills mentioned above.

Students understand the relationship between whole numbers, simple fractions, and decimals:

• Compare fractions represented by drawings or concrete materials to show equivalency and to add and subtract simple fractions in context (e.g., 1/2 of a pizza is
the same amount as 2/4 of another pizza that is the same size; show that 3/8 is larger than 1/4).
• Add and subtract simple fractions (e.g., determine that 1/8 + 3/8 is the same as 1/2).
• Solve problems involving addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division of money amounts in decimal notation and multiply and divide money amounts in
decimal notation by using whole-number multipliers and divisors.
• Know and understand that fractions and decimals are two different representations of the same concept (e.g., 50 cents is 1/2 of a dollar, 75 cents is 3/4 of a dollar)

Algebra and Functions
Students select appropriate symbols, operations, and properties to represent, describe, simplify, and solve simple number relationships:

• Represent relationships of quantities in the form of mathematical expressions, equations, or inequalities.
• Solve problems involving numeric equations or inequalities.
• Select appropriate operational and relational symbols to make an expression true (e.g., if 4 __ 3 = 12, what operational symbol goes in the blank?).
• Express simple unit conversions in symbolic form (e.g., __ inches = __ feet x 12).
• Recognize and use the commutative and associative properties of multiplication (e.g., if 5 x 7 = 35, then what is 7 x 5? and if 5 x 7 x 3 = 105, then what is 7 x 3 x 5?).

Students represent simple functional relationships:

• Solve simple problems involving a functional relationship between two quantities (e.g., find the total cost of multiple items given the cost per unit).
• Extend and recognize a linear pattern by its rules (e.g., the number of legs on a given number of horses may be calculated by counting by 4s or by multiplying the number of horses by 4).

Measurement and Geometry
Students choose and use appropriate units and measurement tools to quantify the properties of objects:

• Choose the appropriate tools and units (metric and U.S.) and estimate and measure the length, liquid volume, and weight/mass of given objects.
• Estimate or determine the area and volume of solid figures by covering them with squares or by counting the number of cubes that would fill them.
• Find the perimeter of a polygon with integer sides.
• Carry out simple unit conversions within a system of measurement (e.g., centimeters and meters, hours and minutes).

Students describe and compare the attributes of plane and solid geometric figures and use their understanding to show relationships and solve problems:

• Identify, describe, and classify polygons (including pentagons, hexagons, and octagons).
• Identify attributes of triangles (e.g., two equal sides for the isosceles triangle, three equal sides for the equilateral triangle, right angle for the right triangle).
• Identify attributes of quadrilaterals (e.g., parallel sides for the parallelogram, right angles for the rectangle, equal sides and right angles for the square).
• Identify right angles in geometric figures or in appropriate objects and determine whether other angles are greater or less than a right angle.
• Identify, describe, and classify common three-dimensional geometric objects (e.g., cube, rectangular solid, sphere, prism, pyramid, cone, cylinder).
• Identify common solid objects that are the components needed to make a more complex solid object.

Statistics, Data Analysis, and Probability
Students conduct simple probability experiments by determining the number of possible outcomes and make simple predictions:

• Identify whether common events are certain, likely, unlikely, or improbable.
• Record the possible outcomes for a simple event (e.g., tossing a coin) and systematically keep track of the outcomes when the event is repeated many times.
• Summarize and display the results of probability experiments in a clear and organized way (e.g., use a bar graph or a line plot).
• Use the results of probability experiments to predict future events (e.g., use a line plot to predict the temperature forecast for the next day).

Mathematical Reasoning
Students make decisions about how to approach problems:

• Analyze problems by identifying relationships, distinguishing relevant from irrelevant information, sequencing and prioritizing information, and observing patterns.
• Determine when and how to break a problem into simpler parts.

Students use strategies, skills, and concepts in finding solutions:

• Use estimation to verify the reasonableness of calculated results.
• Apply strategies and results from simpler problems to more complex problems.
• Use a variety of methods, such as words, numbers, symbols, charts, graphs, tables, diagrams, and models, to explain mathematical reasoning.
• Express the solution clearly and logically by using the appropriate mathematical notation and terms and clear language; support solutions with evidence in both
verbal and symbolic work.
• Indicate the relative advantages of exact and approximate solutions to problems and give answers to a specified degree of accuracy.
• Make precise calculations and check the validity of the results from the context of the problem.

Students move beyond a particular problem by generalizing to other situations:

• Evaluate the reasonableness of the solution in the context of the original situation.
• Note the method of deriving the solution and demonstrate a conceptual understanding of the derivation by solving similar problems.
• Develop generalizations of the results obtained and apply them in other circumstances.

Science

Scientific Process Skills

• Differentiate evidence from opinion and know that scientists do not rely on claims or conclusions unless they are backed by observations that can be confirmed
• Use numerical data in describing and comparing objects, events, and measurements
• Predict the outcome of a simple investigation and compare the result with the prediction
• Collect data in an investigation and analyze those data to develop a logical conclusion
  

Physical, Life, and Earth, Science standards encountered through participation in units of study: Matter and Energy, Baylands/Structures of Life, and Sun, Moon and Stars

• Energy and matter have multiple forms and can be changed from one form to another
• Energy can be carried from one place to another by waves, such as water waves and sound waves, by electric current, and by moving objects
• Evaporation and melting are changes that occur when the objects are heated
• Light has a source and travels in a direction
  
• Adaptations in physical structure or behavior may improve an organism’s chance for survival
  
• Living things cause changes in the environment in which they live: some of these changes are detrimental to the organism or other organisms, and some are beneficial
  
• When the environment changes, some plants and animals survive and reproduce; others die or move to new locations
  
• Objects in the sky move in regular and predictable patterns
  
• The position of the Sun in the sky changes during the course of the day and from season to season
• The Moon’s appearance changes during the four-week lunar cycle

• Understand our nation as a democratic, pluralistic society through literature representing multiple perspectives and a wide range of people
• Describe physical and human geography and use maps, tables, graphs, photographs, and charts to organize information about people, places and environments
• Understand the ways in which physical geography, including climate, influences how the local Indian nations adapted to their natural environment
• Research and make timelines of local historical events
  
• Understand national identities, religious beliefs, customs, and various folklore traditions (with focus on the Ohlone Indians)

• Identify how foreground, middle ground, and background are used to create the illusion of space
• Mix and apply tempera paints to create tints, shades, and neutral colors
• Distinguish and describe, representational, abstract, and non representational works of art
• Compare and contrast selected works of art and describe them, using appropriate vocabulary of art

• Read, notate, listen to and describe music
• Sing songs with accuracy and use hand percussion instruments to play rhythmic and melodic ostinatos
• Sing and play songs from diverse cultures
• Make judgments about the quality of a musical performance
• Describe how music communicates ideas and moods

• Participate in running, skipping, jumping, hopping games, and activities
• Increase ball control capacity
• Participate in group games and folk dancing activities
• Demonstrate good health practices (e.g., nutrition, exercise, rest, health care)

• Information Literacy: Students learn to find, evaluate and use information in meaningful and responsible ways
• Library and Information Usage: Students learn to practice ethical and responsible behavior
• Literature Appreciation: Students learn to choose, enjoy and respond to a wide variety of literature