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PROGRAM
OVERVIEW
In Grade Three, Teachers:- Work with each student at his/her own developmental level, recognizing
and accounting for different learning styles.
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Provide a nurturing atmosphere that supports the student’s emotional
well being and positive social interaction in a multicultural setting.
- Provide an environment that encourages the development of a love for
learning.
- Challenge each student to work towards his/her full potential.
Social and Personal Growth and Development
It is our desire that our students achieve their full potential
socially, intellectually, technically, artistically and physically. We
encourage our children to learn and demonstrate social skills and
manners necessary to enable them to show respect for self, respect for
others and respect for the environment.
We assist our students to learn to follow directions, be attentive and
work within a group setting and independently. We also expect that our
students will learn how to accept responsibility, show self-confidence
and cooperate with peers and adults. As these are life skills necessary
for success, we incorporate them into each subject area to make learning
more meaningful and authentic.
Language Arts - Reading, Writing, Listening,
Speaking
In our Language Arts program, speaking, listening, reading, writing,
spelling, grammar, punctuation and usage, as well as handwriting are all
integrated. We involve our students in a wide variety of literature
including the study of several full length novels. Students respond to
reading through writing, drawing, acting and projects. Students are
expected to discuss what they have read in both whole group and small
group settings. Individual growth is encouraged through independent
reading. Reading skills include inference, deduction and drawing on
previous reading experiences to find and appreciate meaning beyond the
literal. Students in Grade Three are also expected to read and extract
information from a variety of sources.
Mathematics
The mathematics curriculum in third grade is designed to help students
broaden their understanding of mathematical concepts and skills.
Manipulatives are used in whole group, small group and individual
instruction time to promote understanding of basic concepts and
operations. Mathematical games are also used to help students master
basic facts and concepts. Students are expected to apply the concepts
they learn to real-world situations. Some of the math skills and
concepts students develop in Grade Three include: place value,
multiplication and division facts, fractions and decimal concepts,
geometry, measurement and probability.
Science and Social Studies
In Grade Three we teach Science and Social Studies skills and concepts
through themes, which are integrated into the Language Arts program. The
class also follows a cycle of themes, which rotate through Science and
Social Studies. We use these themes as the framework for introducing,
developing and mastering skills and concepts.
Students participate in “process” science. This is an investigative,
hands-on approach which allows students to develop the necessary skills
to observe, classify, predict and infer. Grade Three students study
themes that include the life cycles of animals and plants, forms of
energy and the solar system.
Mapping and Geography are integral parts of all Grade Three Social
Studies curriculum. We provide students with the opportunity to compare
and contrast different cultures and to understand how ancient
civilization has impacted the present. In Grade Three, students study
the topics of leadership, responsibility for the environment and family
cultures within the framework of communities around the world.
Technology
We encourage students to value computers as a necessary tool in our
daily lives. Our goal is to facilitate a better understanding of
computer technology and software by integrating and reinforcing concepts
learned in the classroom. In Grade Three, students learn more advanced
tools in Microsoft Word, Power Point, and Publisher, along with the
internet and CD-Roms in various activities and projects. Students are
also encouraged to have more independence by creating their own web
pages. By developing their skills in a range of computer programs,
students will become technologically competent and productive computer
users.
Art and Music
To help our students become aesthetically (artistically) aware and
involved persons, we develop creative expression as well as basic skill
acquisition through art, music drama, dance and movement.
In Art Class, students have the opportunity to develop skills in the
elements and principles of design as well as experience a variety of
different media. They also gain skills in art appreciation by through
observation and discussion about the artists and their work.
In Music Class, the basic musical elements are explored in more depth
and considered by the children whilst listening, improvising, composing
and performing various pieces. They study other musical structures for
organizing music and evaluate their own and others work. They use
instruments with care and control, develop their singing skills and read
and write some standard musical notation.
Physical Education and Swimming
We strive to help our students become physically fit and prepared young
people. Students participate in two PE classes in the gym each week.
Students learn and practice locomotion, coordination and total body PE
skills. PE is an opportune time to further develop and refine both gross
and fine motor skills. Students also learn how to play games as a team,
which enhances cooperation skills.
Grade Three students have weekly swimming lessons, where they review
pool rules, water safety and swimming strokes already learned. Swimming
techniques are further refined and strengthened. Ability-based swim
tests are given at this level.
Library
Weekly trips to the library allow time for third grade students to check
out books to take home, as well as listen to stories presented by the
librarian. They learn where Easy Reading Fiction, Nonfiction, Fiction
and Reference sections are located in the Library. Third graders also
are introduced to the Dewey Decimal System.
ESL (English as a Second Language)
Recognizing the multicultural nature of International Schools, NISC has
incorporated ESL as an integral part of its curriculum. The aim is to
enable new English speakers to become involved in the social, cultural
and academic life of the school. The program uses a holistic approach
with the four language areas of speaking, listening, reading and writing
being taught in an integrated manner, with special attention to
individual and changing needs. In the early stages, students are “pulled
out” for concentrated periods in order to get their language to a
functional level. However, as time goes by, they receive more and more
in class support, the ultimate goal being, full integration into the
mainstream curriculum.
Resource Program
Students from Grades One to Five who need extra support in reading,
writing, math or other academic areas, may be pulled out of the regular
classroom for individual or small group instruction. Classroom teachers,
together with the Resource teacher plan for the extra help based on the
individual needs of the students.
Foreign Language
Students who do not need ESL have the opportunity to choose a foreign
language, either French or Khmer. At this level, students are able to
use and understand short sentences of basic conversation in French or
Khmer as well as comprehend short conversations containing the learned
vocabulary. They learn new vocabulary and expressions through games,
picture stories and songs which are presented in task based activities.
Cambodian Culture
We desire our students to develop an understanding and appreciation for
Cambodia and its people. The study of Cambodia is incorporated into
Grade Three through the use of themes of geography, daily life, family,
art, customs and exploring Phnom Penh. Field trips are part of the
Cambodian study curriculum.
After School Program
NISC offers a wide variety of after school activities at minimum cost to
the students. The ASA Program offers age-appropriate activities for all
students. ASA classes offered to Grade Three students may include: music
lessons, karate, dance, swimming, cooking, jewelry making , basketball
and horseback riding, depending on availability.
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