Third Grade Curriculum Map (2026-2027)
The Third Grade Curriculum Map provides families with a detailed overview of the academic learning, skill development, and enrichment opportunities students will experience throughout the school year. Organized by trimester, the curriculum is designed to build knowledge and skills progressively across all subject areas while supporting students' social-emotional growth and independence as learners. Throughout the year, students engage in rigorous and engaging instruction in reading, writing, mathematics, science, social studies, and social-emotional learning.
First Trimester (August - November)
The school year begins with a strong focus on establishing classroom expectations, routines, and procedures that help students become successful, independent learners. In literacy, students participate in a variety of text sets and begin developing comprehension, vocabulary, phonics, spelling, handwriting, and writing skills through the Into Reading curriculum and Word Wisdom studies. Mathematics instruction focuses on measurement, addition, subtraction, and the foundations of multiplication and division. In science, students investigate weather patterns through the *Stormy Skies* unit and explore the science of *Invisible Forces*. Social studies learning introduces students to geography and history concepts, helping them understand how people and places are connected.
Second Trimester (December - February)
During the second trimester, students expand their understanding of key academic concepts and apply previously learned skills in more complex ways. Literacy instruction continues through additional text sets and reading modules that strengthen comprehension, vocabulary acquisition, writing, grammar, and communication skills. Mathematics emphasizes multiplication, division, area, and data analysis, encouraging students to solve increasingly challenging problems and explain their mathematical thinking. In science, students study *Animals Through Time* and begin exploring *Fates of Traits*, learning how organisms adapt and how traits are inherited. Social studies instruction broadens to include economics and civics, helping students understand communities, government, and decision-making.
Third Trimester (March - May)
In the final trimester, students synthesize and extend their learning as they prepare for the transition to fourth grade. Reading and writing instruction continues to emphasize critical thinking, analysis, and effective communication through a variety of literary and informational texts. Mathematics focuses on fractions and geometry, allowing students to develop a deeper understanding of numbers, shapes, and relationships. Science instruction culminates with the *Circle of Life* unit, where students examine life cycles and ecosystems. Students continue their exploration of social studies concepts while applying the skills and knowledge gained throughout the year to real-world situations and collaborative projects.
Social-Emotional Learning
Social-emotional learning is embedded throughout the year through the Second Step program. Students develop essential life skills through lessons focused on growth mindset, goal-setting, emotion management, empathy, kindness, problem-solving, and bullying prevention. These experiences help students build positive relationships, strengthen self-awareness, and develop the resilience needed for success both in and out of the classroom.
This curriculum map serves as a valuable resource for families by providing insight into the learning journey of third-grade students and fostering a strong home-school partnership throughout the academic year.