What We’re Doing for Third Grade Homeschool for 2024-2025

Mr 8’s third grade year share some curriclum with the second grader, so some of the curricula choices will look the same. Mr. 8 wanted to do Japanese this year, and we start Latin in third grade, so I’ll share some of those choices as well.

Language Arts

Mr. 8 is already a fluent reader, so we won’t be doing phonics for grade 3.

Spelling

We’re using MCP Spelling Workout again this year, and we’ll be aiming to finish up Spelling Workout C and make it about halfway through Spelling Workout D if we keep on pace with what we’ve been doing.

Grammar

We’re using First Langauge Lessons, and our goal is to wrap up with First Language Lessons level 3 by the end of the school year.

Writing

I’m using Zaner-Bloser Penmanship 3 with the third grader this year. In our learning journey, we’ll explore writing using Brave Writer’s Jot It Down and Darts. Our reading list includes Dragons in a Bag by Zetta Elliot, A Bear Called Paddington by Michael Bond, and The One and Only Ivan by Kathleen Applegate. Additionally, we’ll craft fairy tales, compile mini-lists, embark on an art museum scavenger hunt, and engage in more exciting activities.

Literature and Poetry

Our literature and poetry curriculum combines Blossom and Root Level 1, Build Your Library Levels 0 and 1, and Torchlight Levels K and 1. We’ll delve into captivating tales and mythology from around the world. Our reading list includes The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo, Wishtree by Katherine Applegate, and Poppy by Avi, among other engaging books. We’ll also be learning about myths and folktales from around the world. Additionally, we’ll explore selections from the National Geographic Book of Nature Poetry, The Poetry of Science: The Poetry Friday Anthology for Science for Kids by Sylvia Vardell, and The National Geographic Book of Animal Poetry. On Tuesdays, we’ll enjoy Poetry Tea time, and Wednesdays will be dedicated to Movie Madness, where we analyze literary elements in film.

Mathematics

We’re using Singapore Math Primary Math US Standards Edition. Our goal for this year is to complete 3B and move into 4A. I also want to add in some real world math and math problem solving for this year. I have a variety of materials for this, but haven’t scheduled it out yet.

World Languages

Latin

We’re using Memoria Press Charter’s Introduction to Grammar School Latin this year. While this is a religion-free version of Memoria Press’s Prima Latina curriculum, Memoria Press is a Christian publisher. I just haven’t found another publisher that has as rigorous an introduction to Latin for this age that works with the way my kids learn. Depending on how things go, we may try the Exploratory Latin Exam in the spring.

Japanese and Japanese Culture

When asked what he wanted to learn, this was the big answer for Mr. 8 who loves all things sushi, Manga, and Pokemon. Since there’s much more to learn about Japan and Japanese Culture, we’ll be doing a deep dive. We’re using Japanese From Zero 1 and 2 and Duolingo for language instruction. We’ll read Abby Denson’s books Cool Japan Guide and Uniquely Japan to start with in learning about contemporary Japanese culture.

Social Studies

Election Unit Study

We will complete the Build Your Library Election 2024 Election Unit Study leading to November’s election.

Geography and Cultural Studies

I’m combining Build Your Library Level 0 “Around the World” with Torchlight Level K “Worldly Wise” following the order taught in Build Your Library. We’ll tour the globe, learning about different countries and cultures. We’ll cook meals from each country and read stories from those countries. We’ll also follow the geography studies near the end of Blossom and Root Langauge Arts 1.

Ancient History

I’m combining Build Your Library Level 1, “The Ancient World,” with Torchlight Level 1, “Myth and Magic.” We’ll follow the pacing and chapters of Curiosity Chronicles and Torchlight for this. I also purchased the updated chapters for Curiosity Chronicles, and we will add those into our studies. Mr. 8 is really looking forward to the time we’ll spend on ancient Japanese culture, so I may add some additional padding in there for him.

Science

We’re merging the nature study components from Build Your Library Level 1 and Blossom and Root. Additionally, we’ll explore Wonders of the Earth and Sky for our science studies. Furthermore, our science curriculum will include content from Torchlight, Scientific Connections through Inquiry Level 1, and Real Science Odyssey Biology 1. Throughout the year, we’ll delve into health topics, focusing on understanding how our bodies function, especially as we explore the human body.

Arts and Music

We’ll be studying opera and music styles from around the world this year. For art, we’re using a combination of Glitterbombers, Blossom and Root’s Exploring the Art in Math, and the arts projects suggested in both Torchlight and Build Your Library as appropriate.

Technology

We’ll use typing.com’s Grade Three curriculum as well as code.org’s levels C and D for coding instruction. In adddition, Mr. 8 wants to work through projects in some fo the coding books we have and his Thames and Kosmos Coding and Robotics kit.

Extracurricular Activities

We’ll continue with Cub Scouts. Mr. 8 is now a Bear. He’s asked to take martial arts and basketball, so we will look into that for the fall. He also wants to explore taking a pottery class.

There you have it, it’s a full year, but packed with a lot of fun. I’m excited that he’s excited about the different subjects we’ll study.