3rd Grade

Welcome third grade families!

Your third grade teachers are:
Nicole Gutnayer, Nicole_Gutnayer@dpsk12.org
Matt Fisher, Matthew_Fisher@dpsk12.org
Whitney Hamlin, Whitney_Hamlin@dpsk12.org
Alicia Polston, Alicia_Polton@dpsk12.org

As students move into the third grade they begin making deeper connections in the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme Units of Inquiry and Learner Profile attributes.

IB is guided by inquiry, which is defined as a search for knowledge. It moves students from their current level of understanding to a new and deeper level. The IB Primary Years Programme emphasizes the importance of students being inquirers. Through the units of inquiry, teachers are constantly encouraging curiosity. Lessons are developed in ways that allow students to wonder, ask questions and identify problems. Third graders are provided with opportunities to make connections between school learning and life outside of school.

The third grade units of inquiry are:
Who We Are: Central Idea:
Characteristics of heroes in various cultures showcase virtues.

Where We Are In Place and Time: Central Idea:
Ancient civilizations contribute to modern day societies and technologies.

How We Express Ourselves: Central Idea:
Mood and perspective are shared through creative expression.

How the World Works: Central Idea:
Scientific models explain how the Earth’s physical features change.

How We Organize Ourselves:
Economic systems empower people to manage and organize themselves through the exchange of goods and service.

Sharing the Planet:
Living things interconnect, adapt and change in predictable patterns and cycles.

The Primary Years Programme ensures that all learning is significant, relevant, engaging and challenging. Your child can reflect on the connections between life in school, life at home and life in the world. By helping your child make these connections and see that all learning is connected to life, the PYP at Brown establishes a strong foundation for your child’s future.

For more information regarding the 3rd grade Program of InquiryTimeline for Units 3rd Grade 17-18 for website

Check out the grade 3 website for the units of inquiry resources.