Academics

Caruth Photo Exhibition

Conversation

Each spring, Dallas philanthropist W.W. Caruth, III visits St. John’s, bringing exotic photographs and tales of his extensive travels. From a camel fair in India to Carnivale in Venice, he charms students with his stories, pictures and presence.

View the catalog and purchase a signed photograph from the exhibition of Alaska: The Last Frontier.

The Conversation by William Caruth above

Third Grade Academic Program

Language Arts

The third grade language arts curriculum teaches students to read and write critically by exposing them to well-crafted literature and guiding them to express their own thoughts clearly in written form. Students read historical fiction as an extension of their study of pioneer life in social studies, natural disaster books that deepen their understanding of science instruction, and multi-cultural short stories collected by Junior Great Books. Reader's Workshop guides students in the choice of books to read independently to strengthen fluency, comprehension, and vocabulary. Students study the elements of good writing and practice extensively by writing memoirs, narrative tales, writing plays, science fiction, research papers, and responses to literature. By the end of the year they are expected to write complete sentences, write strong beginning and closing paragraphs, use correct punctuation, and express their ideas clearly.

Math

Third Grade math reviews and extends addition and subtraction problems. Increased attention is given to multiplication, and long division is introduced. Math facts are practiced and committed to memory. Additional attention is given to Measurement (calculating elapsed time, measuring lengths to the nearest ½ inch, ¼ inch, 1/8 inch, centimeter, millimeter, finding perimeter and area of polygons, time to the nearest minute); Fractions (identifying, comparing and ordering); Numeration (reading and writing numbers to the millions); Problem Solving Skills (number models, strategies); Place Value (to the millions, tenths, hundredths, and introduce thousandths); Geometry (shapes and attributes); Patterns, Functions, and Algebra (patterns on the number grid, Frames and Arrows puzzles having two rules, variations of “What's My Rule?” activities, using parenthesis in number models).

Science

The third grade utilizes a hands-on, minds-on comprehensive curriculum. The five units of study are habitats, light, health/nutrition, magnets, and the solar system. This program uses science to help build core reading, writing, and mathematical skills.

Social Studies

Third grade social studies focuses on different regions of our country, highlighting the people, history, products and land of each. We read first-hand accounts of the life and times of the people we study. Students complete research projects, independent projects, and use technology in their studies. We also learn map skills and discover how our country fits in with the rest of the world.