THIRD GRADE

The third grade classroom at King’s Gate is filled with learning, inspiration, teamwork, and creativity. Our teachers understand that each student is unique and made in the image of God. They promote optimal learning by teaching to all learning styles. Our students learn through hands-on, student-centered activities and experiences.

The students begin each day with Bible and prayer. They learn the importance of God’s Word and what it means to be part of the body of Christ. Two service projects are part of the Bible curriculum. The students have the opportunity to choose the project and then lead the other students in participation. These experiences help build a foundation for a life of service to others.

The math curriculum used in third grade is Everyday Math. This curriculum not only helps students learn math, but also enjoy math. The hands-on approach keeps students engaged and interested in what they are learning. As with every subject taught at King’s Gate, each child is given individualized support from the teacher to ensure comprehension.

Handwriting Without Tears is continued in the third grade. This program helps our students thrive as they learn about cursive writing. The success of the students is clearly evident and they take much pride in their work.

The atmosphere at King’s Gate truly fosters a love of reading. Together the class reads one chapter book per month. Our students use predictions and higher-level thinking to anticipate the next chapter. These works of literature are supplemented with vocabulary lists, creative writing, and art projects. In addition to these chapter books, our students use the Reading A-Z program to read individualized leveled readers and to build reading comprehension skills.

Science class at King’s Gate provides our students with the opportunity to explore God’s creation and His purpose for our lives. The science themes in third grade include life science, the human body, sound and light, ecology, and astronomy. The students experience the world as an incredible miracle of God, formed and working together.

Easy Grammar is used to teach the parts of speech as well as how to write fluent sentences and paragraphs. Our teachers use the techniques provided in this program as a foundation for teaching creative writing. Throughout the year, students will have the opportunity to write research papers, fictional narratives, persuasive essays, and friendly letters, as well as put together an informational class newspaper.

Social Studies is taught using Core Knowledge. This program ties together all areas of learning, allowing students to connect new knowledge to what they already know. In third grade students explore the age of the Vikings, Ancient Rome and the Byzantine Civilization, Native Americans, and the thirteen colonies, as well as learn about world geography and map skills.

The fundamentals of art are also taught using Core Knowledge, and art is incorporated into every subject at King’s Gate. Students learn about the elements of art and study major works of art and artists from the past and present. Every child is encouraged to be creative in his or her own unique way.

Foreign language plays a large role in developing problem solving skills and higher-level thinking in children. At King’s Gate, each child has the opportunity to have Spanish daily. Our curriculum ¡Viva el Español! allows students to experience the culture of Spanish speaking countries, as well as teaches them to speak, interpret, read, and write the language. The students learn through music, games, group activities, ethnic foods, and books. Our children learn to appreciate people of all cultures and backgrounds and are given a better understanding of our global community.

The third graders at King’s Gate also have Physical Education and Health weekly. They learn how to take care of their bodies and have fun at the same time! Healthy choices are encouraged as the students are taught how their bodies are temples of the Lord.

It is an exciting time to be in third grade at King’s Gate! Our students are provided with every opportunity possible to help them grow into the people God created them to be.