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Grade Three Curriculum Picks

These Grade Three Picks can be purchased from Anchor Academic (using your PO#), or from one of our comprehensive vendors listed on this page. Some options may also be available to borrow from the Learning Commons Search Portal , or purchase from our Used Bookstore, and/or via the Sora/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 (further down this page).

English Language Arts


  • Rigorous Approach (Option A): Lightning Literature Gr 3 Student Workbook and Teacher's Guide with poetry book and readers

OR

  • Lighter Approach (Option B): Language Lessons for a Living Education 3 with 101 Favorite Stories from the Bible AND The Tale of Despereaux novel with Literature Kit by Classroom Complete Press (or alternate)

Mathematics


 

  • Math Lessons for a Living Education 3
  • Singapore Math 2022 Edition 3A and 3B Student Books and Home Instructor Guides
  • Jump Math New Canadian Edition 3.1 and 3.2

Science


 

  • The Elementary Teacher's Big Book of Graphic Organizers OR 3-D Graphic Organizers

Biology

  • Adventures on Planet Earth: Level 3 by MasterBooks

Chemistry

  • Exploring Creation with Chemistry and Physics Textbook and Notebooking Journal (Jeannie Fulbright) Chapters 1 and 3 

Physics

  • Exploring Creation with Chemistry and Physics Textbook and Notebooking Journal (Jeannie Fulbright) - Chapter 11

Earth/Space

  • How Do Wind and Water Change Earth Natalie Hyde
  • Earth's Landforms and Bodies of Water by Natalie Hyde

Social Studies

(three options)

  • From Time Immemorial by Pacific Edge Publishing
  • Vanishing Cultures: Down Under
  • Celebrate! Connections Among Cultures

Bible/Christian Studies

  • Growing with God Student Manual by Positive Action for Christ

Optional Resources

(not detailed below)

 

  • Canadian Handwriting Book C (English Language Arts)
  • Healthy Habits for Healthy Kids Grades 3-4  by Teacher Created Resources (Health Education)

    Detailed Information for Grade 3 Curriculum Picks 

    English Language Arts

    OPTION A: Lightning Literature Gr 3 Student Workbook and Teacher's Guide with poetry books and readers

    Type of Resource: Home Education Curriculum

    Description: Lightning Literature is a language arts curriculum designed to instill a love of literature in students, expand their ability to read intelligently and deeply, and prepare them for more advanced language arts concepts. The key components of this series are literature, grammar and mechanics, and composition. The Teacher Guide provides scripted questions for comprehension with answers, teaching tips, and daily schedules. The Workbook and Guide can be purchased separately, in a set together, or in two different packs, one with and one without Random House Book of Poetry for Children. The author’s goal in writing this series is to “instill a love of great literature in children, expand their ability to read intelligently and deeply, improve their communication abilities, and prepare them for more advanced language arts concepts.” The three key components to this series are literature, grammar and mechanics, and composition. The Student Workbook explains the lesson’s concept for the child and includes Reading Journal Pages, Dictionary Pages, and Sentence Puzzle Pages. Workbook answers are in the Teacher’s Guide. The Workbook and Guide can be purchased separately, in a set together, or in two different packs, one with and one without Random House Book of Poetry for Children. You’ll need something else for teaching spelling, learning to read, and penmanship.

     

    Website

    Review

     

    Samples: Teacher Intro, Teacher's Sample, Student Workbook Sample

    Other Optional or Supplementary Resources: Worksheets

    OPTION B: Language Lessons for a Living Education 3 with 101 Favorite Stories from the Bible AND The Tale of Despereaux novel with Literature Kit by Classroom Complete Press (or alternate) 

    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 multi sentence 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

    Series Overview

    Placement Guide

    Review

     

    Other Optional or Supplementary Resources

    Scope & Sequence and PDF Samples

    PDF Sample

    The Tale of Despereaux novel with Classroom Complete Press Literature Kit (or another grade-appropriate book)

    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.

    About the novel: a story of a special mouse who is on a dangerous quest to rescue the princess. Despereaux falls in love with a princess, even though mice and humans are not supposed to! Caught, Despereaux is sentenced to the dungeon; however, he escapes and goes looking for his beloved princess. Unfortunately, the Princess has already been tricked and has been taken to the dungeon. Despereaux must save his love, and together with the help of his friends, eventually rescues her. As his quest comes to a close, Despereaux realizes that he still cannot marry the Princess, but they become friends. The story ends with the King, the Princess and Despereaux eating a feast and living happily together forever. Other options for picture book literature kits can be found here.


    Website

    Free Bonus Worksheets

    PDF Samples (to the left of the cover image)

    Mathematics

    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 Canada. Place an order by Phone: 250-590-6761 or Toll-Free: 1-888-854-6284.

    Option 1: Math Lessons for a Living Education 3
    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:

    • Column Addition & Subtraction
    • Rounding to 10s, 100s, & 1000s
    • Adding & Subtracting Money
    • Multiplication
    • Division
    • Area of Rectangles & Squares
    • Estimation
    • Inequalities

    Website

    Placement Tests

    Series Overview Video

    Series Overview Webpage

    Review

    Scope & Sequence and PDF Sample Pages

    PDF Sample Pages

    Option 2: Singapore Math 2022 Edition 3A and 3B Student Books and Home Instructor Guide

    Note: This program is advanced compared to our BC curriculum standards,, making placement tests more important than perhaps other programs. The long term goal would be to complete book 6B by the end of Grade 7. Books should be completed at the student's pace, which means the grade level on the cover may not correspond with the student's actual grade level.

    Description: epitomizes what educators love about the Singapore math approach, including the CPA progression, number bonds, bar modeling, and a strong focus on mental math. It's a no-fuss, straightforward program that balances supervised learning and independent practice. The recently released Primary Mathematics 2022 Edition uses the same approach as previous Primary Mathematics editions, but features entirely new content and lesson structures.


    Website

    Placement Tests

    Review

    Scope and Sequence

    PDF Samples

     

    Additional Support: Singapore Math Live offers instruction, encouragement, and support for parents and students

    Option 3: Jump Math New Canadian Edition 3.1 and 3.2 - Student Assessment & Practice (AP) Book 3 (Parts 1 and 2) 
    Type of Resource: workbooks

    Description: 

    in conjunction with the JUMP Math's teacher resources, Student Assessment & Practice (AP) Book 4 is designed to cover the curriculum for Grade 4 mathematics, with units on:

    • Number Sense
    • Patterns and Algebra
    • Geometry
    • Measurement
    • Probability and Data Management

    The New Canadian edition of AP Book 4 is printed in two parts, Book 4.1 and Book 4.2. In order to cover the full curriculum, students will need both parts. 

     

    Note from Curriculum Consultant: The multi-modal approaches to solving math problems presented in this resource can be a benefit to some students, but other students may find this approach confusing and would be better served with a program that presents a consistent approach to solving problems.


    Website

    On pages where there are multiple grade options, choose the correct grade from the dropdown menu.

    Teacher Resource/Lesson Plans  (free when you register for an educator account)

    Other Optional or Supplementary Resources (register for an educator account for access):

    Sample Pages 

    •  

    Science

    The Elementary Teacher's Big Book of Graphic Organizers, K-5 (OR 3-D Graphic Organizers)

    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.

    Note from Curriculum Consultant: this resource can be utilized where resources do not provide a way to interact with the material presented. Teachers and students can pick and choose organizers that appeal to them and are readily adaptable to the material they are learning. It is a recommended pick for grades 2 - 5 and can be used again year after year.

    Website

    Biology

    Adventures on Planet Earth: Level 3 by MasterBooks

    Type of Resource: softcover student home education resource book

    Description: Earth science is the perfect study for budding young scientists. This curriculum is packed with fun activities and adventures to help your student learn about God’s creation of biomes, the food chain, climate, trees, and so much more. Each lesson offers Hidden Treasures to help the student see the biblical connection of the scientific facts and build a deeper relationship with God.


    Website

    Sample Pages

    Chemistry and Physics 

    Exploring Creation with Chemistry and Physics Textbook by Jeannie Fulbright and Junior Notebooking Journal 

    Chapters 1 and 3 address grade three chemistry standards; chapter 11 addresses grade three physics standards.

    The Junior Notebooking Journal is recommended, but students who have mastered handwriting, can take notes, and enjoy upper elementary-level activities may prefer the Regular Notebooking Journal.

    A full correlation of Exploring Creation with Chemistry and Physics to BC's Gr 3 - 6 science standards can be found here.

    Type of Resource: home education curriculum

     

    Description: Exploring Creation with Chemistry and Physics is part of Apologia’s award-winning Young Explorer Series and a curriculum specifically designed for elementary students. From the laws of motion to electricity and magnetism to the very building blocks of creation, this course is a God-honoring study about some of the most impactful scientific principles that are at work all around us. As your student works through this course, their scientific curiosity and confidence will explode as they engage with the vivid graphics, thought-provoking lessons, and hands-on experiments that will bring theory to life.

     

    Curriculum Overview

    We believe that your child’s education is at their best when their learning begins with curiosity. That’s why this course was designed for elementary students with no prerequisite. We use the practical concepts and things in their world to help them to learn and experience that science isn’t just a class–it’s a means for them to discover their world! 

     

    Apologia’s Exploring Creation with Chemistry and Physics course is written in a conversational tone, and takes complex and abstract concepts and makes them approachable for curious young minds. As your student engages with the lessons, projects, and experiments, they will better understand the fascinating world of chemistry and physics, and the Master Designer who created it all. 


    Throughout this course, they’ll study and explore the basic building blocks of creation, atoms and molecules, simple chemicals, the laws of motion, energy in its many forms, as well as concepts of electricity and magnetism. Your student will get to put their learning to work as they have fun making a bouncy ball, developing a smoke bomb, building a solar oven, constructing a working periscope, fashioning a miniature motor, and creating a lava lamp! 


    Lesson Plans and Materials
    There are 14 lessons in this one-year chemistry and physics course.  Detailed lesson plans as well as a suggested daily schedule are included in the student notebooking journal (sold separately). This will set you and your student up for success as they work through the course, while also providing flexibility to meet the needs of your student and your family.


    Packed with vivid photos and a variety of hands-on activities and experiments that bring chemistry and physics to life, the student textbook and provides engaging hands-on activities to help solidify the concepts learned. The hard-cover textbook and notebooking journals (sold separately) are recommended for your student to make the most of this course. 


    All of the activities and experiments use easy-to-obtain household items and truly make the lessons come alive!


    Website

    Preview and Table of Contents

    Resource Extras

    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

    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.


    Website

    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

    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!


    Website

    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 

    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:

    • Before You Read: suggests pre-reading activities
    • Looking Ahead: provides an overview of the content of the chapter
    • First Nations Today: raises awareness of the issues facing First Nations in the present
    • Ask the Elders: encourages students to learn about the unique characteristics of local First Nations
    • Stories: First Nation’s stories based on traditional values
    • What Do You Think: invites students to express their opinions about relevant issues
    • Looking Back: summarizes the content of the chapter
    • After You Read: suggest activities that review or extend the content of the chapter
    • 121 Illustrations and Photos: illustrate the culture and lifestyle of the West Coast First Nations.

    Website

    Other Optional or Supplementary Resources: Teacher's Guide (Print) & (PDF)

    Scope and Sequence

    PDF Samples

    Vanishing Cultures: Down Under

    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

    Teacher’s Guide

    Sample Pages (under book cover image)

    Celebrate! Connections Among Cultures 

    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

    Teacher’s Guide

    Sample Pages (under book cover image)

    Bible/Christian Studies

    Growing With God Student Manual

    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 

    • Engaging Design—full-colour activity pages with original artwork, puzzles, and maps
    • Vocabulary Sections—key terms from Scripture
    • Music Curriculum—hymn and chorus lyrics included in the back of the book
    • Life Applications—activities to encourage self-reflection and character development

    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

    Review

    PDF Sample of Student Manual

    Other Optional or Supplementary Resources

    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.

    Note from curriculum consultant: the teacher’s manual contains (among other things) a story for each lesson which helps create interest. Although it is recommended to use the teacher manual with this resource, students should be able to use the student manual alone with minor adjustments. 

    PDF Sample of Teacher Manual