Third Grade

Objectives and Goals

SPIRITUAL LIFE

We endeavor to train students spiritually, academically, and personally. Northshore integrates faith and learning as we educate and equip the whole child. The entire process of education is used by the Holy Spirit to bring students into fellowship with God and in character development, so that they can experience God’s purpose for their lives personally and vocationally.

Bible

The students will learn a chronological study of the life of Christ, the early Church, and missions from the time of Paul to the present. Students will be taught these concepts through the curriculum, Purposeful Design, , ACSI Grade 3 Bible. They will participate in a multi-sensory, activity-based Bible curriculum that allows each student to develop their own faith in Christ. Music and art are integrated into the lessons. As students develop a Christian worldview grounded in Scripture, it is our desire that students will also come to know and love our great God and choose Jesus to be Lord of their lives.

Bible Memorization

Students are encouraged to “hide God’s Word in their hearts” by memorizing a scripture passage each week, except the weeks students are working on memorizing their speech meet piece.

Chapel

One day each week, students attend Chapel with other classes. They enjoy worship through singing, Bible lessons, character trait awards, and student of the month awards. They are inspired to expand their faith and put into practice what they hear from guest speakers, who challenge them to live a Godly life.

Third Grade Teachers

At Northshore Christian Academy in the 3rd Grade Department, our students are blessed with incredible educators who are ACSI-accredited and/or have Washington State Teaching Certificates. Our teachers feel called to be exemplary educators and come from diverse and prominent teaching backgrounds that equip them with the tools necessary to meet the needs of each of our students.

As a Christian school, located in Everett, WA, we have the pleasure of partnering with families, local schools, and businesses to give our students a well-rounded education. Our program focuses not only on the exemplary academics and the spiritual development of each student, but also on their social and emotional development. Our program diligently works to support each of our students in their scholarly and personal endeavors as it helps shape and mold them into thriving members of our community.

Through collaborative teamwork, facilitated by our Professional Learning Community (PLC), our teachers are able to create an environment of dynamically different teaching styles and a strategically consistent curriculum. This allows our teachers to successfully impact our students by supporting all different learning styles. Northshore’s teamwork approach in evaluating data, such as our standardized testing, helps our program continue to be at the forefront of producing students ready to lead the world.

ACADEMIC LIFE

English Language Arts

In 3rd grade, students using Amplify CKLA continue to strengthen their reading and writing skills through engaging, knowledge-rich units that integrate history, science, and literature. As students read increasingly complex texts, they build vocabulary, deepen comprehension, and develop critical thinking skills. Through structured writing tasks and meaningful discussions, students learn to express their ideas clearly while growing as confident, thoughtful readers and communicators. Students also develop handwriting skills, including cursive writing, to support fluency and pride in their written work.

Math

Students participate in higher-order and critical thinking with content that focuses on student inquiry, Math Talk, and modeling of examples with practice. Math Expressions has three components: focus, coherence, and rigor. Content is focused on the essential learning of core concepts for Mathematics. Program content is organized into meaningful progressions that connect key topics between the grade levels. Content is presented for students to gain a deep conceptual understanding, fluency with procedures, and the ability to apply their understanding to solve problems.

Social Studies

Social Studies is presented in third grade through the use of the Heritage Studies 3 text, encompassing the history, geography, economics, culture, and government of early America after the War of Independence with the establishment of the Constitution. The units follow chronologically with the American Frontier and Westward expansion. Geography covers the regions of the United States. It applies knowledge of God and Christian character throughout each unit.

Science

In 3rd grade, students using Savvas Science engage in hands-on, inquiry-based learning that brings scientific concepts to life. Through interactive investigations and real-world connections, students explore topics such as forces and motion, ecosystems, and weather while developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills. With an emphasis on asking questions, gathering evidence, and thinking like scientists, students build a strong foundation in scientific understanding and curiosity about the world around them.

Specialists

Computers

In an ever-changing, technology-driven world, students build a strong foundation in digital skills through proper typing practice that improves accuracy and speed. They explore age-appropriate software applications and use technology to support learning across subjects like English, history, and science. Emphasis is placed on ethical and responsible technology use from a Christian perspective, along with developing problem-solving skills and safe internet practices.

Library

Students learn the Dewey Decimal system, fiction, nonfiction, and biography call numbers, and how to use dictionaries and encyclopedias. Poetry and fantasy genres are also covered.

Music

Grade 3 Music meets once a week and explores music through singing, listening, movement, and playing instruments. Students build skills in musical concepts, vocabulary, performance, and appreciation across a variety of genres. They are encouraged to use music as a form of expression and as a meaningful way to communicate with and honor God.

PE

The students will learn teamwork and sportsmanship and participate in a variety of athletic activities to facilitate the development of motor skills, coordination, and physical fitness. In addition, students will identify the importance of working as a member of a team and displaying good sportsmanship.

Spanish

Spanish classes at Northshore use the TPR Storytelling (TPRS) approach, guiding students through hearing, speaking, reading, and writing in a natural, engaging way. Through stories, songs, games, and skits, students build vocabulary and confidence as they listen, respond, and begin expressing their own ideas in Spanish. Meeting once a week, students explore topics like family, home, verbs, numbers, telling time, and worship songs while developing growing fluency.

Engineering – Project Lead the Way

Project Lead the Way (PLTW) provides hands-on STEM learning through design-based modules aligned to grade-level standards. In 3rd grade, students explore how aircraft fly while investigating forces and motion, gaining insight into aerospace engineering. They also learn sketching, basic geometry, and introductory computer-aided design, documenting their thinking and problem-solving in engineering notebooks.