2024-2025 School Year
3rd Grade Geography GVL
Course Description
One Day Model:
Map Skills/Geography for 3rd grade focuses on the foundations of Geography with basic map skills by using various resources alongside hands-on activities and geography terms and vocabulary using Geography From A to Z for the fall semester. During the spring semester, students use the My Worldwide GeoJourney book to study Geography around the world and record their travels and findings. A $20 supply fee for the Fall Map Skills packet and Spring World Geography Packet is included in this course.
Two Day Model:
Geography for 3rd grade will focus on an in-depth study of the 50 states of America using Notgrass Our 50 States. Students will learn geographic terms in relation to the topography of each state, all while practicing map skills. The curriculum includes two lessons per state, which includes facts about the history, physical features, population, and hands-on activities. Notgrass literature selections will also add to the depth of this comprehensive geography curriculum. Textbooks for the two day model do not need to be purchased for home use unless a parent wants their own copy at home.
Homework will vary depending on if your child is signed up for the one day or two day model. See table below for more information.
To be successful in this class:
Listen and participate in class; complete assigned work on time; and follow instructions.
Grades: 3rd Grade
Fees: One Day Model: $450 for 3rd grade package of 4 classes plus a $20 Geography class supply fee
Two Day Model: $900 for 3rd grade package of 4 classes
Plus the following fees:
- $140 enrollment fee per child
- $70 security fee per family
- $10 per student portrait/ID fee
Prerequisites:
Must be 8 by September 1st
Sections Offered: 3rd- Green Cedar (Mondays- One Day Model) 3rd- Red Oak (Wednesdays- One Day Model) 3rd- Yellow Birch (Mondays & Wednesdays- Two Day Model) 3rd- Blue Spruce (Mondays & Wednesdays- Two Day Model)
Required Materials
Textbooks:
- One Day Model:
- A Children’s World Atlas (One per family)- can be any children’s world atlas.
- Geography from A to Z: A Picture Glossary (one per 3rd grade family needed for Fall semester).
- Two Day Model:
- Recommended Literature- the following list of books will be read during the corresponding units. You may choose to purchase these books anywhere or check them out from the library when you need them:
- The Adventures of Paddy the Beaver by Thornton Burgess
- The Cabin Faced West by Jean Fritz
- Soft Rain by Cornelia Cornelissen
- The Story of George Washington Carver by Eva Moore
- Recommended Literature- the following list of books will be read during the corresponding units. You may choose to purchase these books anywhere or check them out from the library when you need them:
Other Materials:
Each class has a supply list of required materials parents must purchase and send to class with their student. Find supply lists here.
Homework Table Examples:
The following tables are just examples meant to help you compare in class and homework assignments per model. The assignments listed below are a general representation and not from a specific teacher.
One Day Model:
| Concepts | Day at UHC | Day 1 HW | Day 2 HW |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reading road maps and learning how to use maps to plan trips. | Students will learn how to read road maps. They will learn key signage on road maps, how to read a grid and legend, and how to map out a trip | Choose one of these 3 pages from your binder: Road Maps (started in class), How Far? or How Many Miles to Go? The numbers below the roads on 1st and 3rd options represent MILEAGE. You will need to add numbers up for total distances.
Vocab Words—delta, swamp, marsh. Keep working on words! Review them as you can so you will be prepared for Pictionary–either this week or next, depending on time. |
ALGERIA: Look at the road map of Algeria from class. Notice the KEY. Trace ONE highway on your map with yellow. Add any major cities onto your map that the highway goes through with a black dot and the name. Add a black dot for “Major cities” and a yellow symbol for “major highways” onto your MAP KEY. |
Two Day Model:
| Concepts | Monday at UHC | Day 1 HW | Wednesday at UHC | Day 2 HW |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exploring the 50 States:The South-Unit 9 | North Carolina- taught from Lesson 33-34 in textbook; Hands-on activities and videos about North Carolina | Begin reading literature book for this unit: Soft Rain. You will have 5 weeks to read this chapter book.
Listen to the song to review states and capitals. |
South Carolina- taught from Lesson 35-36 in textbook; Hands-on activities and videos about South Carolina | No Homework |
3rd- Green Cedar (Mondays- One Day Model)
Meet Alyssa Lancaster
Education: Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Meredith College; post-graduate work at International School of Theology
Teaching experience:
- Directed ENRICH homeschool co-op for four years
- Taught general science labs for four years
- Homeschooled children since 2004
UHC courses taught: Geography
Began teaching Geography at UHC in 2012
3rd- Red Oak (Wednesdays- One Day Model)
Meet Alyssa Lancaster
Education: Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Meredith College; post-graduate work at International School of Theology
Teaching experience:
- Directed ENRICH homeschool co-op for four years
- Taught general science labs for four years
- Homeschooled children since 2004
UHC courses taught: Geography
Began teaching Geography at UHC in 2012
3rd- Yellow Birch (Mondays & Wednesdays- Two Day Model)
Meet Kimberly Greene
Education:
- BA in Bible with an emphasis in Elementary Education
- MA in teaching elementary education
Teaching Experience: Taught 4th grade for 3 years
Certifications: SC Professional Teaching Certificate
Homeschool Experience: 15+ years homeschooling; 2 graduates
UHC Courses Taught:
- 3rd Geography
Began teaching at UHC in 2023.
3rd- Blue Spruce (Mondays & Wednesdays- Two Day Model)
Meet Kimberly Greene
Education:
- BA in Bible with an emphasis in Elementary Education
- MA in teaching elementary education
Teaching Experience: Taught 4th grade for 3 years
Certifications: SC Professional Teaching Certificate
Homeschool Experience: 15+ years homeschooling; 2 graduates
UHC Courses Taught:
- 3rd Geography
Began teaching at UHC in 2023.