LOS ALTOS SCHOOL DISTRICT
201 Covington Road
Los Altos, CA
COURSE OF STUDY
Third Grade
Revised 8/06
Adopted Programs:
SRA Math Explorations and Applications 3
CSL Success with Math Coach 3
Houghton Mifflin, Math Steps
Replacement Unit: Multiplication
Creative Publications: The Problem Solver 3
By the end of third grade, students deepen their understanding of and skill with addition, subtraction, multiplication and division of whole numbers. They estimate, measure and describe objects in space. They use patterns to solve problems. They represent number relationships and conduct simple probability experiments.
Problem solving with students choosing their own strategies or thinking of multiple possibilities.
Manipulative materials used in lessons to introduce, help explain, and reinforce math concepts.
Cooperative learning activities fostered in small group situations.
Provision for a variety of experiences to develop number concepts and facility with facts. Examples include: real life situations, concrete experiences, applications, justification of reasonableness, and mental computation.
Estimation used frequently to promote a common sense attitude toward math.
Sequential lessons meeting the needs of all children presented from each of the following strands: number sense, algebra and functions, measurement and geometry, statistics (data analysis and probability), mathematical reasoning.
"The Los Altos School District believes that every child should have the opportunity to make continuous progress in mathematics. Children should be grouped for math based on an on-going assessment of individual student needs. To maintain a program of continuous progress, some children will be accelerated beyond their assigned grade placement. No later than 4th grade (fall placement), each school will establish a common math hour for their children. Based on past work history, learner characteristics, tests of 'essential understanding', and spring testing, each child will be grouped for math instruction in the leveled class best meeting his/her learning needs and level of concept mastery. (LASD K-8 Scope and Sequence, 1987; Continuous Progress Math Program, Philosophy Statement, 2002)"
Adopted Programs:
Houghton Mifflin, Reading
LASD Reading Standards
Word analysis, fluency, and systematic vocabulary development
Students understand the basic features of reading.
They select and know how to translate letter patterns into patterns into
spoken language to achieve fluent oral and silent reading.
Reading Comprehension
Students read and understand grade level appropriate material. They draw upon a variety of comprehension
strategies as needed, including generating and responding to essential
questions, making predictions, and comparing information from several sources.
Literary Response and Analysis
Students read and respond to a wide variety of significant works of children’s
literature. They distinguish between the
structural features of text and the literary terms or elements (i.e., theme,
plot, setting, and characters).
Adopted Programs:
Houghton Mifflin, Language
Language Arts: What We Teach (Gr. 3)
LASD Multisensory Program
Writing Strategies
Students write clear and coherent sentences and paragraphs that develop a central
idea. Their writing considers audience
and purpose. They successfully use the
stages of the writing process (i.e., pre-writing, drafting, revising, and editing
successive versions.)
Writing Applications (Genres & Their Characteristics)
Students write compositions that describe and
explain familiar objects, events, and experiences. Students writing
demonstrates a command of standard English and drafting, research, and
organizational strategies.
Written & Oral English Language Conventions
Students write and speak with a command of standard English conventions that are appropriate to grade
3.
Listening and Speaking Strategies
Students listen and respond critically to oral
communication. They speak in a manner
that guides and informs the listener’s understanding of key ideas, using
appropriate phrasing, pitch, and modulation.
Speaking Applications (Genres & Their
Characteristics)
Students deliver brief recitations and oral presentations about familiar experiences or
interests that are organized around a coherent guiding statement.
Adopted Programs:
The Solar System
LASD Science Program: Energy, Matter and Light
Habitats
Elementary Science Laboratory Program
Concepts and Content:
Plant growth and behavior
Planets, moons, asteroids, etc.
Animals and their environment
Sun as an energy source
Exploration of solar system
Rotation, revolution, gravity
Motion, force and work
Adopted Programs:
Local History: Los Altos
LocalHistory: Ohlones
Macmillan/McGraw-Hill,
California Communities
Concepts and Content:
Understanding time sequence
Study of Indian Societies
Development of Communities
Concept of Change
Transportation, communication, planning
History of Bay Area with emphasis on Los Altos
Map and globe skills
Geographical formations
Climates and seasons
Study of people through biography, story, folktale, and
legend
Related activities in music, art, and literature
Rules and laws
Children receive daily physical education, concentrating on development of eye-hand coordination, fine and gross motor skills, and ability to cooperate/participate in organized games. A P.E. specialist works with the children every week.
All primary students receive weekly instruction in art and music, plus dance and drama on a regular basis. The District provides trained volunteers through an Art Docent program and a site-based art aide. Some classes also use the trained volunteers provided by Music for Minors.
For children who qualify, the District offers programs for English as a Second Language, Gifted and Talented, Speech and Language Development, Special Education, Psychological Testing and Counseling, and Home Teaching.
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The Los Altos School District Course of Study describes a large portion of the basic curriculum which is presented at each grade level to all children.
Although there is no assurance that each child will master every area, a major effort will be made to ensure maximum understanding and mastery. Some children will master the concepts quickly and will be encouraged to move ahead to the next grade level's material.