Third Grade

building independent learners in Third Grade

With five years of teaching experience—four of which have been dedicated to the All Saints community—Ms. Alexa Capone specializes in guiding students through the pivotal transition of third grade. Her educational philosophy is rooted in the belief that every child deserves a tailored learning experience. By meeting students exactly where they are through small groups and tiered instruction, she ensures that every "Third Grade Leader" builds the confidence needed to tackle more complex academic challenges.

The "Soft Start" Morning

In Ms. Capone’s classroom, the day begins with intention. Rather than rushing into a heavy lecture, students participate in a "Soft Start."

• Morning Work: Students engage in focused activities that reinforce current lessons. This might include a multiplication review, a creative writing prompt, or a deep dive into the morning’s reading story.

• Transitioning with Ease: This approach allows students to settle in, sharpen their focus, and prepare their minds for a day of rigorous core instruction.

A Focus on Individualized Mastery

Third grade is a foundational year for Reading, Phonics, and Math. Ms. Capone uses a data-driven, small-group approach to ensure no student is left behind and advanced learners remain challenged.

• Tiered Spelling Lists: Recognizing that students progress at different speeds, Ms. Capone provides three distinct word lists: Emerging, On-Level, and Advanced. This ensures every child is working with vocabulary that is "just right" for their current level.

• Leveled Reading Groups: Reading instruction is broken down into small, leveled groups, allowing for intimate phonics work and targeted comprehension strategies.

• Small-Group Math: Math lessons are reinforced through small-group rotations, where Ms. Capone can provide one-on-one support for tricky concepts like multiplication, division, and fractions.

Technology as a Tool for Engagement

Ms. Capone balances traditional hands-on learning with purposeful digital tools that make learning interactive and measurable.

• Lexia & IXL: Students use these platforms to sharpen their literacy and math skills through individualized paths that adapt to their specific needs.

• Kahoot! Reviews: To prepare for upcoming tests and quizzes, the class uses Kahoot!—a gamified platform that turns review sessions into an exciting, competitive team activity.

• The Balance: While screens provide valuable data and engagement, they are balanced with physical manipulatives in math and handwritten journals during the morning "Soft Start."

Instruction Rooted in Faith

As a Catholic educator, Ms. Capone integrates faith into the very fabric of the classroom environment.

• Faith in Content: Whether through the themes of a reading story or the wonders of the natural world in science, Ms. Capone helps students see the hand of God in their daily lessons.

• Living the Values: The classroom environment is built on the Gospel values of kindness and respect, encouraging students to treat their peers with the same grace they receive.

What to Expect in Third Grade

Parents can expect a year of significant academic and personal growth. By the end of the year, Ms. Capone’s goal is for students to be independent thinkers who are confident in their foundational math and literacy skills.