Third Grade

Third Grade Core

H301: History: Middle Ages/European Geography

SC301: 3rd Grade Science

M301: 3rd Grade Math

SWR301: 3rd Grade Spell to Write and Read

GW301: 3rd Grade Grammar and Writing

LIT301: 3rd Grade Literature

SSL202: Song School Latin II (part 2)

Also includes Visual Art III, Music III, Joyful Discovery III, PE III, and Lit/Drama III which can be taken also as individual courses

Parent Role: Co-teacher

Prerequisites: Second grade or equivalent

Third Grade-language arts (SWR201, GW301, Lit301)

Writing: Students continue cursive using Handwriting Without Tears (HWOT) cursive, developing good writing habits which are essential foundation for upcoming years. They will continue with Writing with Ease (WWE) working on narration, dictation, and original sentences using literature excerpts.

Spelling and Grammar: The world of words opens up to students as they master, blend and manipulate phonemes gaining competency and fluency with spelling and reading. First Language Lessons continues to build mastery of parts of speech, sentence parts, and introduces diagramming sentences. The beauty of language is emphasized as students not only memorize grammar definitions but also poems such as: The Land of Nod, A Tragic Story, I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud, A Time to Talk, The Bells, and A Slash of Blue.

Literature: Living books are incorporated into every aspect of learning, but the joy of reading is also emphasized with read -aloud, discussing writing techniques such as the development of setting, plot, and characters. Titles include: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, Prince Caspian, The Phantom Tollbooth, and Homer Price.


Third graders continue to develop a deep understanding of foundational math concepts as they increase their understanding of place value, mastery of the four basic operations, fractions, measurement and geometry concepts. They use mental math strategies and model drawing to solve more difficult world problems, connecting math to every day life.


Students will continue studying history chronologically with the second year of the history cycle, The Middle Ages. Through story, activities (such as building castles and medieval feasts), geography, and literature they will explore cultures during the middle ages. Students will see God’s hand in the scope and flow of history through story, re-enactments, and activities to make history memorable and meaningful. Alongside studying the historical geography, students will study the modern geography of Europe.


Using a classical,  Charlotte Mason approach third graders will to explore astronomy and the physical sciences. Students will use living books, experimentation, memory work, biographies of scientists, and hands-on actives to appreciate the amazing world around them.

Third GRADE-Song School Latin II (part 2)

Third graders will complete the second half of Song School Latin Book 2, an engaging introduction to Latin. Weekly lessons include songs, chants, new and review vocabulary, an introduction to grammar and derivatives, and many engaging illustrations, stories, games, and activities.

Individual Courses
(also included in Core)

Music III (MU301)

History: In depth exposure to the music of the Baroque and Classical Periods including the aural recognition of key features and prominent composers of each period. Students will be encouraged to make connections between the visual arts and music of the times. Performance/Theory: Students will sing melodies from the Baroque and Classical Periods, as well as hymns and other Christian songs, and use musical vocabulary to describe the music they hear and play. Recorders II – Students will perform more advanced melodic and rhythmic material. Fundamentals of Harmony I – Students will gain a basic understanding of key/scale structure as an extension of the work they have done with solfeggio syllable singing.

Parent Role: Motivator/encourager

Prerequisites: None

Visual Art III (A301)

In Visual art, students will develop an appreciation and understanding of art as they are introduced to great artists throughout history, each year beginning with a basic timeline to gain an appreciation of art history. Student will develop an appreciation of beauty, creativity, color, line, texture, composition as they are exposed to different art mediums and techniques. They will have fun and be inspired as they enjoy art in its various forms.

Students will deepen their understanding and mastery of the seven basic elements of art as well as learning the principles of design. They will integrate what they are learning in history with art as they learn from great artists, emphasizing the Middle Ages and early modern times. They will grow in their appreciation for art, continue to explore the techniques and mediums of the masters, and begin specific drawing lessons as we start to work through Drawing with Children by Mona Brookes.

Parent Role: Motivator/encourager

Prerequisites: None

Joyful Discovery III (JD301)

Joyful Discovery is a hands on, interactive course using a variety of units to nourish a child’s natural curiosity and to encourage a love for learning. Students will…

Make observations in nature and discuss how they display God’s goodness and beauty.

Learn how other cultures around the world live.

Learn about food choices and food preparation.

Develop skills in handiworks such as sewing, woodworking or other craft.

Parent Role: Motivator/encourager


Literature/Drama III (L/D301)

Students will deepen their understanding of fiction as they learn about characterization, basic plot, cause and effect, setting, and theme. Using poetry, speeches and autobiographical missionary accounts, students will learn how to express themselves using various genres of literature. Students will develop an appreciation for theater as they study play production, costuming and props through drama. Students will have the opportunity to explore as they take the pages of a story to the stage. Parent Role: Motivator/encourager

Prerequisites: None

Physical Education III (P301)

Students will continue to build basic fitness skills while also gain an understanding of common games and sports. They will develop a joy of play as they learn to work in teams and use good sportsmanship.

Parent Role: Motivator/encourager

Prerequisites: None