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THIRD GRADE
Age 8 by September 30 or successful completion of Second Grade
THIRD GRADE LEARNING GOALS
In Third Grade, students make a key transition from foundational learning to deeper academic independence. Children continue to ask questions and explore the world around them while strengthening communication skills in both written and oral English. Literacy instruction focuses on developing strong writers and thoughtful readers as students learn the difference between sentence fragments and complete sentences, write organized paragraphs, and expand to five‑paragraph essays using the full writing process of brainstorming, drafting, editing, revising, and publishing. Students experiment with descriptive, narrative, and persuasive writing, respond to texts through inference questions, and read and evaluate a variety of genres. Third graders fully transition from learning to read to reading to learn, while also mastering cursive handwriting and developing a clear, legible signature.
In math, students solidify multiplication facts (0–12), learn the steps of multi‑digit multiplication, and begin basic division. They strengthen fraction understanding, including numerators, denominators, and equivalent fractions, and apply math skills through computation and word problems. Science learning is inquiry‑based and hands‑on, with students investigating topics through experiments and observation. Social studies comes alive as students explore states, the economy, and people through engaging, project‑based learning experiences.
LEARNING, DISCOVERY, AND FUN IN THIRD GRADE
Third Grade at Hale Keiki blends academic challenge with memorable, meaningful experiences. Students enjoy weekly enrichment classes such as art, music, physical education, and library, along with twice‑daily recess for play and movement. Highlights include field trips—featuring an on‑island overnight camping experience—along with novel studies, read‑alouds of engaging books, math games and centers, and weekly science activities. Students participate in hands‑on projects such as the Wax Museum, U.S. States Travel Expo, Hawaiian Animal Research Project, and STEAM‑based learning. Additional experiences include learning keyboarding skills, Reading Buddies with a younger classroom, and schoolwide traditions such as the Halloween Celebration, Thanksgiving Feast, winter and spring programs, and parent involvement events. The year concludes with joyful end‑of‑year celebrations, including the Talent Show and Spelling Bee, that showcase confidence, creativity, and growth.
GETTING READY FOR
THIRD GRADE
To begin Third Grade, students should bring a backpack, a reusable water bottle, a lunch (packed from home or provided through our school vendor), and a change of clothes to keep at school. Students should have successfully completed a Second Grade curriculum and come ready to learn with a respectful attitude, curiosity, and enthusiasm. All classroom and school supplies are provided by Hale Keiki School.
OUR APPROACH AT HKS
At Hale Keiki School, we focus on developmentally appropriate instruction and meeting each student where they are. Our dedicated teachers design curriculum around individual strengths, interests, and needs, ensuring students are supported while appropriately challenged. This personalized approach allows each child to shine academically, socially, and creatively while building the skills and confidence needed to become a lifelong learner.
