Grade 3 Curriculum Overview

Social Studies
Students explore the rich tapestry of human history through storytelling. Hebrew stories from ancient history are shared alongside local Native American tales, offering an understanding of diverse cultures and traditions.

English and Grammar
Students begin to explore the building blocks of language. They learn the structure of sentences and the function of different types of words: verbs (doing words), nouns (name words), adjectives (descriptive words), and basic punctuation. Students practice language skills through dictation, writing simple sentences and paragraphs, and spelling familiar words. They also write simple descriptions of what they have seen, heard, and read in lessons. Speech work and class plays further strengthen these concepts in an engaging and creative way.

Geography
The study of local geography is deeply connected to practical life skills. Students engage in hands-on activities such as shelter building, farming, and clothing-making, all of which foster a sense of self-sufficiency, resourcefulness, and willpower.

Sciences
The curriculum reflects an anthropological perspective on the history of humanity, tracing our journey from nomadic life to modern homes. Practical scientific work includes simple physics experiments and hands-on building with materials like brick, wood, and stone. Students also explore the natural world, learning about soils, farm life, and cultivating vegetables—especially root, leaf, and stem varieties. A continuing focus on the cycles of nature and the care of the class garden deepens their connection to their local environment.

Mathematics
Mathematics instruction focuses on whole numbers, times tables, number patterns, measurement, and basic concepts like carrying and borrowing. Students also engage with time-related problems and begin exploring prime numbers. Rhythm, movement, and song are interwoven into the math lessons to keep the learning experience dynamic and engaging, ensuring a holistic approach to numeracy.

Drawing
Drawing lessons emphasize form drawings, where students explore the relationship between inner and outer shapes and structures. The use of finer drawing instruments, such as pencils, is introduced, allowing students to develop their artistic skills in more detail.

Painting
In painting, students work with luster colors and begin to explore the process of painting in connection with their main lesson work. A particular focus is placed on understanding how colors interact with each other, fostering a deeper appreciation of color theory, which will develop into fine arts in the upper grades.

Handwork
Handwork classes introduce students to crochet, where they create larger items such as bags or small animals. This skill helps develop creativity, manual dexterity, patience, and willpower.

Sculptural Arts
Beeswax modeling becomes integral to the main lesson work. Through sculpting with beeswax, students engage in creative expression and strengthen their understanding of form and structure.

Music
Music education explores tonality through singing and recorder playing, with students beginning to understand music notation and playing simple songs. Students learn to play in parts as they progress, laying the foundation for future ensemble playing in the upper grades strings orchestra.

Games and Movement
In games and movement class, the focus shifts to games that develop finer dexterity and coordination and introduce teamwork. These games often incorporate song and rhythm while helping students refine hand-eye coordination. Activities like balancing while throwing or catching are integrated, which will later build into circus arts in the upper grades.