Third Grade

Language Arts

Reading and communicating independently is at the heart of the Lower School language arts learning at Prep. The Open Court Reading, Sadlier-Oxford Vocabulary Workshop, and the Houghton Mifflin English are used as the core texts in these grades. Additionally, use of the Accelerated Reading Program that utilizes computer technology motivates and monitors each student's independent reading progress for grades two through five. Cursive writing is expected on all assignments from third graders by the end of the year.

Mathematics

Mathematical learning is a balance of computational skills, conceptual understanding, and problem solving that connects mathematics activities to home, community, and student interests. Teachers often integrate projects using everyday instances such as graphing weather occurrences, participating in money management projects, or operating a school store. Being able to gain automaticity with the basic facts, or learning how to break down a complex problem to come to a solution are both valued and necessary. Sadlier-Oxford, Accelerated Math, and other supplemental materials are used to support and enrich instruction. These multiple avenues and resources help students apply their knowledge to real life situations while developing mathematical reasoning and critical-thinking skills.

Social Studies

Geographical and historical learning has a special emphasis on South Carolina history and communities at the third grade level. The classes visit Charleston, Columbia, our local Town Hall, and the Chamber of Commerce. Our third grade students feel very much a part of the community of Hilton Head and are active citizens as they find out about the state’s rich history and varied geography.

Science

Third graders learn about plant and animal life cycles. They plant and harvest peas, dissect flowers, and watch the metamorphosis of fruit flies, grain beetles, and butterflies. To study food chains, students construct terrariums and observe earthworms, crickets, and chameleons. Later units include a study of matter and water. The nearby Sea Pines water treatment plant is an interesting field trip at the conclusion of this unit. The third grade year concludes with construction fun using a variety of simple machines.

Specials

Students begin their study of Spanish in Kindergarten. The use of computers for instruction, research, and communication is integrated with the teaching of all subjects. The Arts--theatrical, visual, and musical--are a key part of each student’s daily experience at Prep. Music echoes through the halls as students learn new instruments, rehearse for Grandparents’ Day, or practice for plays and recitals. Physical education and recess give students a physical way to express themselves on a daily basis. The school’s counselor and nurse alternate from week-to-week giving character development lessons and health instruction. The KNS library is open daily for student access.