Content Knowledge
Children in grade three engage in rich hands-on investigations,
discussions, and explorations of grade-level content. They continue
to exercise their independence in reading to explore interests
and learn content in a variety of disciplines. As a part of both
independent reading and content instruction children read books
that broaden their understanding of the world around them. They
select books and other text materials, including digital resources,
which pique their interest and spur sustained focus. See figure 4.26
for examples of books in social studies appropriate for grade three.
(See also the section on wide and independent reading in chapter 2
for a discussion.)
Figure 4.26. Books Related to Social Studies for Grade ThreePeople Who Made a Difference (social studies, writing, biography)
DK Biography: Marie Curie by Vicki Cobb (2008)
DK Biography: Gandhi by Primo Levi (2006)
DK Biography: Harriet Tubman by Kem Knapp Sawyer (2010)
Galileo for Kids: His Life, Ideas, and 25 Activities by Richard Panchyk (2005)
DK Biography: Gandhi by Primo Levi (2006)
History for Kids: The Illustrated Life of Alexander Graham Bell by Charles River Editors (2013)
Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom by Chris van Wyk (Ed.) (2009)
Odd Boy Out: Young Albert Einstein by Don Brown (2008)
Pocahontas: Young Peacemaker by Leslie Gourse (1996)Extensive Biography Series for Kids:
DK Biography
For Kids Series
Getting to Know the World’s Greatest Composers
Giants of Science
History for Kids
Picture Book BiographyChildren write about what they read on a regular basis and in connection with independent
research topics and subject matter experiences. Content instruction is an important part of the
instructional day in grade three not only for the knowledge and skills students gain, but also because
children use, and thereby strengthen, their reading, writing, discussing, and presenting skills in a
range of meaningful contexts.
Grade 3 Chapter 4 | 361