Welcome to Third Grade
In Third Grade, the students are fully immersed in their learning journey and are eager participants in their studies. Their teachers encourage their love for reading by reading class novels aloud; these include Sarah Plain and Tall, Stone Fox and Charlotte’s Web. Math concepts and skills are strengthened through interactive math games. Students enjoy collaborating with their seventh grade buddies once a month; working on fun holiday projects and building a sense of community and friendship between the two grades. Field trips include a visit to a farmers market and local farm, and hiking through China Camp. These experiences provide fun nature based hands-on learning opportunities and broaden horizons.
Third Grade Curriculum
English Language Arts (ELA)
The third grade ELA program focuses on literature and students being able to ask and answer questions to demonstrate understanding of the text. Students are exposed to a variety of literature and encouraged to explore the setting, characters and plot to gain knowledge. Third graders read five class novels throughout the year and really enjoy reading them during class time. One of my favorite books that we read is Charlotte’s Web by E. B. White. Students have the opportunity to write both informational essays and their own opinion essays. Students take information and put it into their own words, creating written pieces that follow a structure and specific writing purpose. To further support reading, writing, and the use of language, students continue to strengthen their vocabulary and grammar. Students develop a deeper understanding of communication through speaking and listening, and continue to build upon these skills by engaging in collaborative conversations on topics and texts. Students work on improving comprehension by determining the main ideas and supporting details of texts read aloud and other information presented in various media and formats.
Math
The third grade Common Core Math program focuses on the concepts and skills required for multiplication and division of whole numbers and understanding fractions. Students learn strategies for using multiplication and division to solve real world math problems. Students are then able to explain why a formula works and why an answer is correct. They continue to learn and practice calculating quickly and accurately. Additionally, students learn concepts in measurement and interpreting data as well as about shapes and their attributes.
Social Studies
The third grade Social Studies program focuses on “Past to Present”. Students learn about the physical and cultural landscape of California, including the study of American Indians, the subsequent arrival of immigrants, and the impact they have had in forming the character of our modern society. Students learn more about our connections to the past and the ways in which they have affected local, regional and national government and the traditions which have left their marks on current society. Students also explore and learn about age-appropriate current events to help make and deepen their connections to the peoples of our world and our shared environment.
Science
The K-6 science curriculum at Saint Isabella School is designed to promote an understanding of nature and an appreciation of its methods and mysteries. The program prepares each student for the future by providing opportunities to investigate, explore and evaluate the world we live in. Kindergarten through grade six study Earth Science, Physical Science and Life Science. These 3 subjects include the study of native California plants, the life cycle of a Monarch butterfly, and experiments with magnets and forces.
Religion
The third grade Religion program focuses on students learning and practicing religious rituals, Catholic Masses, and prayer services as a community. Students learn the Prayer to Saint Michael, responses for the masses, the ritual and process of the Rosary, and begin to learn about the Blessed Trinity. Throughout the school year, students celebrate the seasons of the Liturgical year, Holy Days of Obligation, and the various Saints’ feasts days.
Ms. Danielle Boland
Third Grade Teacher
Danielle Boland is so excited to be back at Saint Isabella School as the third grade teacher. Ms. Boland grew up in Lucas Valley and is a proud alumnus of Saint Isabella School, graduating in 2001. Ms. Boland knew that she wanted to become a teacher since she was in Mrs. McGuinn’s 4th grade class. After graduating, Ms. Boland attended Marin Catholic High School, continued her education at Whittier College in Southern California, where she received a B.A. in Child Development. Once Ms. Boland completed her B.A, she attended Dominican University and received her Dual Teaching Credential with Multiple Subjects and an Educational Specialist Credential. After a few years of teaching, Ms.Boland decided to go back to school and received her Master’s Degree in Education from Dominican University in May 2016.
Prior to teaching at Saint Isabella School, Ms.Boland spent six years teaching at Saint Brigid School in San Francisco. She taught first grade for five years and was the Resource teacher for one year. Ms.Boland absolutely loves teaching third grade and loves taking her students on field trips to explore the community around them. Some of her favorite field trips include hiking at China Camp, visiting the Farmer’s Market, and visiting a local farm in Bolinas. Ms. Boland also loves to read and shares her passion for reading with her students.