The typical course of study for third grade involves more silent reading, along with reading aloud more genres of prose and poetry. Third grades will practice their dictionary, indexing and alphabetizing skills. They'll study spelling, and identify synonyms, antonyms and homonyms. They'll either begin or increase the use of cursive writing while also learning how to write properly punctuated sentences in a paragraph. Third graders will also practice their creative writing skills and do oral presentations in front of the classroom.
Third grade math includes expanding knowledge of adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing. Third graders will learn their addition and subtraction facts to 25 and their multiplication and division facts to 100. They'll learn to read and write numbers up to five places and begin to read Roman numerals. Math scholastic requirements for third grade also entail rounding numbers; using positive and negative numbers; and figuring perimeter, area and volume using standard and metric measurements. In geometry, they'll construct geometric shapes and learn about solid and congruent figures. They'll also learn to tell time to the minutes, become more familiar with using charts and graphs, and complete word problems that ask them to estimate outcomes and strengthen their problem-solving skills.
Third graders study Native Americans, explorers and pioneers. They'll learn about other cultures and religions and how their own community developed. They'll continue learning about the development of transportation and communication, and the importance of citizenship and social responsibility. For geography, third graders learn about topographical U.S. maps and regions plus the location of continents on flat maps and globes.
In science, third graders study the life cycles and conservation of plants and animals. They'll also study the Earth's weather, climate and changing surface. They'll be able to experiment with magnets, electricity, gravity, light, color and simple machines. Third graders will use the scientific method to draw conclusions about the moon, stars and satellites.
Third graders will learn the importance of health and safety by studying dental health, nutrition, and eye and ear care. They'll learn about the relationship of health to food, shelter and clothing, as well as how to balance physical activity with leisure activities. They'll learn more about the parts of the body and how to prevent and control diseases; will be taught how to stay safe in their home, at school and in the community; and will learn simple first aid.