Grade Three Curriculum Picks
Note: These Grade Three Picks can be purchased from Homeschool Canada (order using the HCOS Curriculum Order Form). Some options may also be available to borrow from the Learning Commons Search Portal and/or via the OverDrive virtual eBook library.
Vendor websites are pick-and-choose. Some optional or alternate suggestions may be listed, so select your items with care.
Overview Of Grade 3 Curriculum Picks
Here is an overview of the curriculum picks that we suggest for Grade 3. Please note that some subjects provide more than one option. For more information about the curriculum, please refer to the information under Detailed Information for Grade 3 Curriculum Picks.
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English Language Arts (two options) |
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Mathematics (two options)
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Science (multiple options)
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General Science
Biology
Chemistry
Physics
Earth/Space
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Social Studies (three options) |
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Bible/Christian Studies |
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Optional Resources (not detailed below)
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Detailed Information for Grade 3 Curriculum Picks
English Language Arts
Language Lessons for a Living Education 3 with 101 Favorite Stories from the Bible
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Type of Resource: workbook Description: incorporates picture study, memorization, punctuation, spelling, vocabulary, observation, poems, psalms, letters, and practical application through creative writing – all working towards the mastery of reading and grammar, as well as the mechanics of communication and writing. Enjoy this story-based course featuring Claire and Micah, designed to engage your young learner and strengthen their reading and writing skills. Real-world examples and applications are the focus as they practice reading, apply grammatical skills, and increase their vocabulary. Complete with helpful illustrations and guides, this book will teach your student paragraph structure, compound words, contractions, sentence combining, helping verbs, prepositions, and more! This language arts series adapts Charlotte Mason's ideas for the modern homeschool student, complete with character-building themes. Each quarter has five stories, two picture studies (one of which is Bible-based), and two poems (one of which is a Psalm). Using the spelling words and the Dictionary Worksheets, students will create their very own dictionary as they move week by week through the material. Develops reading and narration skills as well as writing mastery of multisentence paragraphs. Continuing with what the student has learned in Level 2, Book 3 will add to their reading, communication and observation skills. They will begin to write paragraphs. They will review and refine lessons from Level 2 in addition to learning new skills. 101 Favorite Stories from the Bible is a required resource for this program. Website: https://www.masterbooks.com/language-lessons-for-a-living-education-3 Series Overview: https://www.masterbooks.com/language-lessons-for-a-living-education-series Placement Guide: https://www.masterbooks.com/mwdownloads/download/link/id/939/ Other Optional or Supplementary Resources Table of Contents: on this page under "Description" PDF Sample: https://www.masterbooks.com/mwdownloads/download/link/id/943/ |
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Type of Resource: fiction novel and workbook Description: Learn the value of courage and fortitude with this twist on the classic fairy tale. Our comprehensive resource has response questions and activities that are great for guided reading and independent work. Use clues to match vocabulary words from the novel to a crossword puzzle. Show an understanding of details from the book by answering short questions. Imagine the inner qualities Roscuro has by describing why he decides never to torture another prisoner again. Compare the expression, "not the sharpest knife in the drawer," with the character Mig. Organize a character's actions and thoughts as they happened in the story with a graphic organizer. Written to Bloom's Taxonomy; additional crossword, word search, comprehension quiz and answer key are also included. Website: https://classroomcompletepress.com/products/ccp2302 Free Bonus Worksheets: https://classroomcompletepress.com/products/cc2302d PDF Samples are available on their website here. |
Mathematics
Singapore Math Standards Edition edition is not mentioned here because as the grades progress, it is more difficult to "jump in" to this method of learning. It is still a strong option and can be considered for students looking for an academically rigorous curriculum. A placement test is strongly recommended before selecting a level.
Math U See is not mentioned here simply because it is not available from our Curriculum Pick provider(s), although it is a strong option, especially in the primary grades. Math-U-See can be ordered directly from the Canadian Distributor, Math Canda. Place an order by Phone: 250-590-6761 or Toll-Free: 1-888-854-6284.
Option 1: Math Lessons for a Living Education 3
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Type of Resource: workbook
Description: brings concepts to life through a Charlotte Mason flavour of engaging stories, copy work, oral narration, hands-on experience, and practical application. This story-based approach ensures math is exciting and enjoyable as students participate in the story, make mathematical connections, explore the world around them with Charlie & Charlotte, and learn how they can put math to work in their own lives Students learn math concepts such as column addition & subtraction, multiplication, division, and Roman numerals through exciting, real-world stories. As your student explores the world around them with Charlie & Charlotte, they discover how math is related to everyday life in exciting—and sometimes unexpected ways! Students are encouraged to explore the big picture and break it down into smaller pieces, discover important connections as they work out solutions, develop a better understanding, and strengthen their critical thinking skills. The course features an instructional blend of stories, copy work, oral narration, and hands-on experience to bring concepts to life. It includes a convenient Daily Schedule, short, engaging 15-30 minute lessons, full-colour worksheets, an answer key, and a manipulatives section. Students will learn:
Website: https://www.masterbooks.com/math-lessons-for-a-living-education-level-3 Placement Tests: https://www.masterbooks.com/amfile/file/download/file/750/product/2732/ Series Overview Video: https://youtu.be/JHlMs8kFp18 Series Overview Webpage: https://www.masterbooks.com/math-lessons-for-a-living-education-series/ Table of Contents: found on this page under "Description" PDF Sample Pages: https://www.masterbooks.com/mwdownloads/download/link/id/720/ |
Option 2: Jump Math New Canadian Edition 3.1 and 3.2 - Student Assessment & Practice (AP) Book 3 (Parts 1 and 2)
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Type of Resource: workbooks
Description: in conjunction with the New Canadian Edition of JUMP Math's teacher resources, Student Assessment & Practice (AP) Book 3 is designed to cover the curriculum for Grade 3 mathematics, with units on:
The New Canadian edition of AP Book 3 is printed in two parts, Book 3.1 and Book 3.2. In order to cover the full curriculum, students will need both parts. Please visit our samples page to view the table of contents of AP Book 3.
Website: https://jumpmath.org/jump/en/ap_new_cdn_3 Teacher Resource/Lesson Plans: free when you register online, https://jumpmath.org/jump/en/tg_3_new_Cdn Other Optional or Supplementary Resources
Table of Contents here Sample Pages |
Science
The Elementary Teacher's Big Book of Graphic Organizers, K-5 (OR 3-D Graphic Organizers)
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100 ready-to-use graphic organizers that help elementary students learn Type of Resource: workbook Description: graphic organizers are a powerful metacognitive teaching and learning tool. These graphic organizers can be used before learning, during learning, or after learning activities. This resource provides tools to help students understand relationships between facts, terms, and ideas.
Website: here |
Biology
God's Design for Chemistry and Ecology: Properties of Ecosystems
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Note: This resource will make up the bulk of the student work for Grade 3 science. The other branches of science addressing the other big ideas and content competencies are purposefully not addressed to the same level of depth. Type of Resource: softcover student home education resource book Description: take your student on a journey to discover grasslands and forests, aquatic and extreme ecosystems, animal behaviours, and even valuable lessons on conservation. At the end, sum up everything studied with exciting hands-on final projects. 35 lessons. Use this student textbook with the associated teacher guide for teacher instructions, answer keys, and resources. God’s Design Series Overview Elementary and middle schoolers will love the exciting, easy-to-understand, and easily taught lessons in the God’s Design textbooks by Debbie and Richard Lawrence. Best of all, God’s Design textbooks help you teach science from a biblical, creationist perspective, emphasizing God’s handiwork in the world around us. Using God’s Design curriculum from AiG will help strengthen your student’s faith by showing how science consistently supports the Bible’s written record. Students will learn to think critically and logically examine arguments presented by all sides in the creation/evolution debate. Note: this resource is suitable for Grades 3 - 8. There is a Challenge section in light green boxes throughout the book for students in grades 6-8. The description above refers to the full colour updated 4th Edition. Website: https://answersingenesis.org/store/product/gods-design-chemistry-ecology-ecosystem-2016/ Teacher's Supplement: provides an introduction on how to teach the curriculum, a supply list and answer key for each lesson, a resource guide containing suggested books, videos, and field trips, and a master supply list, student supplement worksheets and tests in an electronic form. Sample pages here, https://assets.answersingenesis.org/doc/prod/etc/sample/13-1-058_properties-ecosystems-teacher.pdf. Table of Contents and Sample Pages: https://assets.answersingenesis.org/doc/prod/etc/sample/13-1-057_properties-ecosystems-student.pdf |
Chemistry
Experiments with Materials by Isabel Thomas
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Type of Resource: nonfiction book Description: one of the titles in Capstone's Read and Experiment series, introducing children to scientific concepts. Explore the world of materials with clear text, real-world examples and fun, safe step-by-step experiments. This book brings materials science to life, explaining the concepts and encouraging children to be hands-on scientists.
Website: https://www.capstonepub.com/consumer/products/experiments-with-materials/ |
Physics
Heat and Temperature ScienceWiz Kit
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Type of Resource: Science kit including book and materials Description
Website: https://sciencewiz.com/product/heat-and-temperature/ |
Earth/Space
Use of The Elementary Teacher's Big Book of Graphic Organizers or 3-D Graphic Organizers with the resources in the section below is recommended, as the books below provide only a few ways to interact with the content.
Earth's Landforms and Bodies of Water by Natalie Hyde
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Use this book with one of the "Graphic Organizers" resources mentioned on this page to assist with learning and reinforcing key concepts. Type of Resource: nonfiction book
Description: This informative book explains how Earth is covered by landforms and bodies of water, all of which change shape over time. Interesting images feature landforms such as mountains, valleys, and sand dunes, as well as waterways such as oceans, rivers, and ponds. Children will learn how they develop and why they change. Teacher's Guide: see lesson 1, pages 4-5; 18 designed for a classroom, but can easily be adapted for a home setting. |
How Do Wind and Water Change Earth? by Natalie Hyde
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Use this book with one of the "Graphic Organizers" resources mentioned on this page to assist with learning and reinforcing key concepts. Type of Resource: nonfiction book Description: This fascinating book explains how the shape of Earth is changed by weathering and erosion—the breaking down of rocks and minerals which are then carried from one place to another by water, ice, wind, and gravity. It is this movement that carves out valleys, causes trees to topple over, and creates or destroys good farmland. Examples of changes to landforms help show young readers the effects of weathering and erosion, which can happen quickly or sometimes take centuries! Teacher’s Guide: see lesson 3, pages 8-11;19. Designed for a classroom, but can easily be adapted for a home setting. |
Social Studies
From Time Immemorial by Pacific Edge Publishing
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Type of Resource: full-colour student book Description: provides an honest survey of the history of the coastal First Nations from pre-contact to the present. From Time Immemorial has been recommended by the First Nations Education Steering Committee of BC as an “authentic First Peoples text that meets provincial standards and reflects First Peoples knowledge and perspectives in a respective way.” This book provides a broad overview of traditional ways common to a large number of diverse groups. It encourages readers to learn more about particular groups who, long ago, walked the shorelines and forest trails of the Pacific Northwest. While meeting the Learning Standards for the new BC Grade 3 Social Studies curriculum, it also addresses First Nations content for grades 4-8 (See Learning Standards Chart). Special features include:
Website: https://pacificedgepublishing.com/product/from-time-immemorial/ Other Optional or Supplementary Resources: teacher's guide Scope and Sequence: http://pacificedgepublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/From-Time-Immemorial-Learning-Standards-Chart-.pdf PDF Samples: http://pacificedgepublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/From-Time-Immemorial-Sample-Chapter.pdf |
Vanishing Cultures: Down Under
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Type of Resource: nonfiction book Description: Amprenula, a young Tiwi girl from an island off the Australian coast, gathers food with her mother. Amprenula lives closely with the land, just as her people have done for thousands of years, taking only what they need from the forest and the ocean around them. For the Tiwi and other Aborigines, the land is sacred. It connects them with their ancestors and the beginning of creation. As Amprenula combs through the forests and mangrove swamps, she is proud to travel along the same paths, sharing the same land, as her ancestors from centuries ago. Website: https://www.leeandlow.com/books/vanishing-cultures-down-under Other Optional or Supplementary Resources: Teacher’s Guide Sample Pages: available here (look under book cover image) |
Celebrate! Connections Among Cultures
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Type of Resource: Nonfiction book Description: Every culture has its own special traditions and reasons for celebrating. At first glance, these practices seem quite different from each other, but they are actually much more alike than most people may realize. In Celebrate! readers travel to communities near and far and explore the essence of celebrations the world over. With striking photographs and engaging text, photojournalist Jan Reynolds presents a refreshing look at the similarities among cultural traditions around the world. Readers will be captivated as they discover the universal connections people share when they celebrate. Website: https://www.leeandlow.com/books/celebrate-connections-among-cultures Other Optional or Supplementary Resources: Teacher’s Guide Sample Pages: available here (look under book cover image) |
Bible/Christian Studies
Growing With God Student Manual
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Type of Resource: workbook Description: Encourage the study of God’s Word with this full-colour workbook filled with approachable exercises that teach biblical truth and apply what is taught. This Student Manual includes
The lives of Abraham, Jacob, Joseph, and Daniel can teach us much about the rewards of living for God. Each of these men faced rejection, but by God’s grace, they all remained faithful. In this study, students will see examples of discipline and character, all while learning about the God that strengthens us.
Website: https://positiveaction.org/store/group/growing-with-god PDF Sample of Student Manual: https://positiveaction.org/documents/192/3rd_Grade_SM_Sample.pdf Other Optional or Supplementary Resources: free printable verse cards Teacher's Manual: equips teachers to help build a spiritual foundation for their students. With tools like a weekly schedule, target truths, teaching strategies, and read-aloud stories, you’ll have everything you need to help your students grow in their knowledge of God and His Word.
PDF Sample of Teacher Manual: https://positiveaction.org/documents/194/GWG-TM_Digital_Sample.pdf
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