3rd Grade Overview

Third grade is a pivotal year! Students transition from learning to read to reading to learn. They are learning many new things, the biggest being how to take responsibility for their learning and their materials; to help foster this, students are being taught organizational strategies, transitioning between subjects with ease, and taking ownership of their choices.

Welcome to Third Grade!

Mrs. Mary McCloskey

I love the St. Matthew community and sharing my faith. The students and families are kind, supportive, generous, and faith-filled

Background
Bachelor of Science from University of Santa Clara
Teaching certification from University of Santa Barbara

Started at St. Matthew School in 1983

Fun Facts

Mrs. McCloskey loves going camping and building BIG campfires.  She is from a family of educators.  She is 1 out of 8 kids in her family, 6 of whom became teachers or worked in schools.

Favorite Kid’s Book

The Wild Robot by Peter Brown and The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C. S. Lewis

Curriculum

Social Studies

  • Three units
    • First nations of North America-
    • Culture of North America
    • Geography
  • Focus of social studies:
    • History
    • Geography
    • Economics
    • Civics

Math

  • Text-McGraw-Hill, My Math Grade 3
  • Common Core Mathematical Standards
  • Big Concepts:
    • Multiplication, division, geometry, and fractions
    • Check points/ assessments
    • Multi-step Problem Solving

English and Language Arts

  • Test-Houghton Mifflin Reading
  • Leveled Book Clubs
  • Charlotte’s Web (Introduction to novel studies)
  • Common Core State Standards
  • Read Alouds: Matilda, Because of Winn Dixie, Stuart Little
  • Persuasive, Narrative, and Informational Writing Units

Religion

  • Blest Are We RCL Benziger
  • Following the outline designed by the Seattle Archdiocese
  • Topics: Knowledge of Faith, Liturgical Education, Moral Education, Prayer, Church History, Missionary Spirit

Specialists

  • Music twice a week
  • PE twice a week
  • Art once a month through an art docent program
  • Library once a week

Science

  • Earth Science: Foss Kit, Mystery Science, Weather
  • Life Science: Foss Kit, Mystery Science, Environments
  • Physical Science: Foss Kit, Mystery Science, Motion and Matter
  • Next Generation Science Standards