3rd grade Overview
The Spanish curriculum for grades 3-5, using McGraw Hill’s "Así se Dice", introduces students to the fundamentals of the Spanish language through structured levels of progression. The program focuses on building vocabulary, developing conversational skills, and fostering cultural awareness with age-appropriate lessons and interactive activities.
Students in 3rd grade will begin by learning basic vocabulary such as colors, numbers, days of the week, and months of the year. They will practice simple greetings and introductions, learning how to say their name, age, and basic preferences. Through songs, games, and group activities, students will gain confidence in speaking and recognizing essential Spanish words and phrases.
English Language Arts Overview
The English Language Arts curriculum, built on the Savvas Realize program and My View Literacy, develops students' proficiency in key areas of language and communication. Through engaging lessons and activities, students explore reading by analyzing a wide range of literary and informational texts to enhance comprehension and critical thinking. In writing, they learn to craft clear and coherent texts with strong organization and detailed support for their ideas.
The curriculum also emphasizes research skills, teaching students to locate, evaluate, and synthesize information from diverse sources, presenting their findings effectively. In listening and speaking, students practice active listening and engage in thoughtful discussions, contributing their ideas in both individual and group settings. Additionally, oral and written conventions focus on mastering the rules of the English language to ensure accuracy and clarity in communication. This comprehensive program nurtures literacy and prepares students for academic and lifelong success.
Social Studies Overview
The Social Studies curriculum, guided by Savvas Realize and My World Interactive, encourages students to explore their world, expand their thinking, and deepen their college, career, and civic awareness. Through engaging lessons, students develop the knowledge and skills needed to become active, responsible citizens who can make a meaningful difference in their communities and beyond.
Students learn about topics such as the environment, economics, government, and the role of communities in building a nation. They explore landmarks, symbols, citizenship, civic engagement, and the diversity of cultures that contribute to growing nations. Emphasizing literacy skills, the curriculum integrates reading, writing, and critical thinking, helping students analyze texts and apply their understanding to real-world contexts. With explicit instruction, students build competence in critical literacy, fostering comprehension and thoughtful engagement with social studies topics. This comprehensive approach prepares students to understand their role in society and actively participate in shaping the future.
3rd Grade Math Curriculum
The 3rd Grade Math curriculum at Horizon Leadership Academy, based on Savvas enVision Mathematics and aligned with TEKS standards, focuses on advancing foundational skills and introducing more complex mathematical concepts. Students explore multiplication, division, fractions, and data analysis while continuing to build problem-solving abilities.
Key areas include understanding and applying multiplication and division, working with fractions to represent parts of a whole, and exploring geometric concepts such as area, perimeter, and the attributes of two- and three-dimensional shapes. Students also interpret data using graphs and solve problems involving time, capacity, and mass. This curriculum ensures students are well-prepared for the challenges of fourth-grade math and fosters confidence in their mathematical reasoning.
3rd Grade Science Curriculum
The 3rd Grade Science curriculum, powered by Savvas Elevate Science, expands on foundational concepts with hands-on inquiry and real-world investigations. Students delve into physical science topics like states of matter, energy forms, and forces such as magnetism and gravity. They explore mixtures, classify materials, and differentiate between physical and chemical changes.
Life science units focus on ecosystems, inherited traits, and the life cycles of plants and animals, while Earth science introduces rocks, minerals, fossils, and weather patterns. With a focus on the 5E Learning Cycle, students also engage in engineering practices, applying scientific principles to solve problems. The curriculum emphasizes observation, data collection, and analysis, preparing students for advanced scientific exploration and critical thinking.
3rd Grade Technology Curriculum
At Horizon Leadership Academy, the 3rd Grade Technology curriculum, aligned with TEKS and delivered through Learning.com, equips students with essential digital skills for success in today’s technology-driven world. The program emphasizes digital literacy, safe and ethical online behavior, and problem-solving through interactive, real-world applications, laying a strong foundation for future academic and personal achievements.
Students refine their keyboarding skills, focusing on accuracy, speed, and proper posture, while also mastering basic computer operations such as file management and word processing. They practice responsible digital citizenship by learning to protect personal information and respect intellectual property. The curriculum introduces coding through visual programming exercises, fostering computational thinking and creativity. These skills empower students to navigate and thrive in digital environments confidently and responsibly.
3rd Grade Fine Arts Curriculum
The 3rd Grade Fine Arts curriculum at Horizon Leadership Academy builds on foundational art skills while encouraging creativity and self-expression. Students explore the use of horizontal and vertical lines to structure compositions and fill spaces with patterns. They learn to identify and work with both geometric and organic shapes, using these elements to enhance their artwork.
Key concepts include creating value with color, distinguishing between warm and cool colors, and using color to establish contrast. Students explore techniques such as using size to create the illusion of space, directing lines to convey movement, and incorporating implied texture into their drawings. This curriculum fosters artistic growth and confidence, preparing students for more advanced artistic exploration.
