Grade 3 Arts, Music & PE Curriculum Supplement

About This Supplement

This 36-week curriculum supplement for 3rd grade in Visual Art, Music, and Physical Education is designed to further develop skills, introduce more complex concepts, and encourage independent creative thought. It aligns with the general principles and content areas found in the standards of New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Massachusetts, fostering deeper engagement and understanding in each discipline.

Third-grade students have developed greater fine motor skills, longer attention spans, and a deeper capacity for critical thinking, allowing for more challenging projects and increased independence in their learning.

Curriculum Assumptions

Time Allocation: Each category (Visual Art, Music, Physical Education) will have approximately 90 minutes of dedicated instruction per week.
Supplemental Focus: This is a supplement that builds upon or enhances a core curriculum, offering additional depth and resources.
Resources Required: The curriculum assumes access to a classroom, gymnasium/outdoor space, and basic art and music supplies.

Curriculum Overview

Visual Art

Master elements of art and principles of design while developing observational drawing skills and exploring art in historical and cultural contexts.

Overarching Themes

Mastering the Elements of Art and Applying Principles of Design (Balance, Emphasis, Movement, Contrast)
Developing Observational and Expressive Drawing/Painting
Exploring Art in Historical and Cultural Contexts
Using Art to Communicate More Complex Ideas and Personal Perspectives

Weeks 1-6: Advanced Drawing and Composition

Weeks 7-12: Painting Techniques and Expressive Color

Weeks 13-18: Sculpture and 3D Design

Weeks 19-24: Printmaking and Reproduction

Weeks 25-30: Art History and Cultural Influence

Weeks 31-36: Connecting Art to the World and Personal Identity

Music

Read and write basic music notation, understand more complex rhythmic and melodic concepts, and develop collaborative performance skills.

Overarching Themes

Reading and Writing Basic Music Notation
Understanding More Complex Rhythmic and Melodic Concepts
Exploring the Orchestra and Instrument Families in Depth
Developing Collaborative Performance Skills and Creative Expression

Weeks 1-6: Reading and Writing Rhythm Notation

Weeks 7-12: Melodic Reading and Writing on the Staff

Weeks 13-18: Harmony and Form in Music

Weeks 19-24: Instrument Families and Orchestral Music

Weeks 25-30: World Music and Cultural Influences

Weeks 31-36: Music Composition and Performance

Physical Education

Combine and apply fundamental motor skills in cooperative games, understand fitness components, and develop strategic thinking in movement contexts.

Overarching Themes

Combining and Applying Fundamental Motor Skills in Cooperative Games and Sport-Like Activities
Understanding and Improving Health-Related Fitness Components
Developing Strategic Thinking and Problem-Solving in Movement Contexts
Reinforcing Sportsmanship, Fair Play, and Respect for Rules and Peers

Weeks 1-6: Advanced Locomotor and Movement Patterns

Weeks 7-12: Enhanced Balance and Coordination

Weeks 13-18: Manipulative Skills (Accuracy and Force)

Weeks 19-24: Manipulative Skills (Dribbling and Striking with Implements)

Weeks 25-30: Introduction to Team Sports Concepts and Fitness Application

Weeks 31-36: Lifelong Fitness and Responsible Participation

Visual Art Detailed Curriculum

Weeks 1-6: Advanced Drawing and Composition

Focus: Line quality and emotion; creating depth through overlapping, size, and placement; introduction to rule of thirds for composition; drawing from observation (still life, nature).

Activities:

Drawing objects from direct observation, focusing on lines and shapes.
Creating landscape drawings with a clear sense of foreground, middle ground, and background, using atmospheric perspective (lighter colors for distant objects).
Practicing drawing symmetrical and asymmetrical objects.
Introducing the concept of "rule of thirds" for more interesting compositions.

Resources:

Books:

Drawing: A Complete Guide by Giovanni Civardi (simplified concepts for teacher)
The Usborne Complete Book of Drawing

Supplies:

Variety of drawing pencils (HB, 2B), kneaded erasers, drawing paper, sketchbooks (optional), objects for still life.

Multimedia/Online:

Videos on observational drawing for kids.
Examples of still life and landscape paintings from art history.

Weeks 7-12: Painting Techniques and Expressive Color

Focus: Watercolor techniques (wash, wet-on-wet, dry brush); acrylic painting basics (layering, blending); using color to evoke mood and emotion; understanding complementary colors for contrast.

Activities:

Experimenting with various watercolor techniques.
Creating paintings that express specific emotions (e.g., happy colors, calm colors).
Painting a picture using only complementary colors to create vibrant contrast.
Introduction to basic acrylic painting (e.g., painting a simple scene with layered colors).

Resources:

Books:

The Magic Paintbrush by Laurence Yep (art and creativity)
Chalk by Bill Thomson (imagination and drawing)

Supplies:

Watercolor sets, watercolor paper, acrylic paints, paintbrushes (various sizes), palettes, water containers.

Multimedia/Online:

Videos demonstrating watercolor and acrylic techniques for beginners.
Examples of Expressionist and Impressionist paintings for color inspiration.

Weeks 13-18: Sculpture and 3D Design

Focus: Additive and subtractive sculpture; creating more complex forms with balance and stability; working with clay (pinch pot, coil, slab methods); constructing with recycled materials.

Activities:

Creating small pinch pots or coil vessels from air-dry clay.
Building sculptures from cardboard and recycled materials, focusing on joining techniques (tabs, slots, glue).
Exploring subtractive sculpture with soap or floral foam (with supervision).
Designing and building a "habitat" for an imaginary creature.

Resources:

Books:

Beautiful Oops! by Barney Saltzberg (embracing mistakes in art)

Supplies:

Air-dry clay, modeling tools, cardboard, scissors, glue guns (low-temp, supervised) or strong craft glue, recycled boxes/containers.

Multimedia/Online:

Videos on basic clay techniques (pinch, coil).
Examples of contemporary sculpture and land art.

Weeks 19-24: Printmaking and Reproduction

Focus: Introduction to printmaking concepts (multiples, mirror image); creating simple relief prints (e.g., foam prints); understanding stenciling.

Activities:

Creating relief prints using craft foam and washable markers/paint.
Experimenting with monotypes (drawing on a smooth surface and pressing paper).
Designing and cutting stencils for repeating patterns.
Exploring frottage (rubbings of textured surfaces).

Resources:

Books:

Linnea in Monet's Garden by Christina Björk (can introduce art reproduction concepts)

Supplies:

Craft foam sheets, brayers (small rollers), washable block printing ink or tempera paint, printing paper, stenciling paper, sponges, textured objects.

Multimedia/Online:

Videos demonstrating simple printmaking techniques for kids.
Examples of historical prints (e.g., Japanese woodblock prints).

Weeks 25-30: Art History and Cultural Influence

Focus: Exploring art from ancient civilizations (e.g., Egyptian hieroglyphics, Greek pottery designs, Roman mosaics); understanding how art reflects beliefs and daily life; recognizing cultural symbols in art.

Activities:

Creating artwork inspired by Egyptian hieroglyphs or tomb paintings.
Designing "Greek vases" with geometric patterns or mythological figures.
Making paper mosaics inspired by Roman or Byzantine art.
Researching and presenting on a specific art form from an ancient culture.

Resources:

Books:

Mummies Made in Egypt by Aliki (can inspire Egyptian art projects)
You Wouldn't Want to Be a Roman Gladiator! by John Malam (historical context for Roman art)

Supplies:

Drawing paper, colored pencils, markers, gold/silver paint, construction paper for mosaics, glue.

Multimedia/Online:

Virtual tours of museums with ancient art collections (e.g., British Museum, Met).
Documentaries on ancient civilizations focusing on their art.

Weeks 31-36: Connecting Art to the World and Personal Identity

Focus: Art as a reflection of self and community; art for social commentary or environmental awareness; understanding art careers; creating a personal art portfolio.

Activities:

Creating self-portraits that express personal identity or aspirations.
Designing "public art" (e.g., a mural design for the school, a sculpture for a garden).
Creating art that conveys a message about the environment or community.
Organizing and reflecting on their own art portfolio from the year.

Resources:

Books:

The Art Lesson by Tomie dePaola (following your own artistic path)

Supplies:

Variety of art materials used throughout the year, portfolio folders.

Multimedia/Online:

Videos showcasing different art careers.
Examples of public art and street art with messages.

Music Detailed Curriculum

Weeks 1-6: Reading and Writing Rhythm Notation

Focus: Identifying and performing quarter notes, eighth notes, half notes, whole notes, and corresponding rests; understanding 4/4, 3/4, and 2/4 time signatures; creating and notating simple rhythmic phrases.

Activities:

Clapping, speaking, and playing rhythmic patterns from notation.
Composing 4-beat or 8-beat rhythm patterns and writing them on a whiteboard or staff paper.
Playing rhythm games involving reading and echoing written rhythms.
Identifying the time signature of simple songs.

Resources:

Books:

Shake, Rattle, and Roll: The World in a Song by Neil Gaiman (focus on rhythm and sound)

Supplies:

Rhythm instruments (tambourines, wood blocks, maracas), whiteboards, markers, staff paper.

Multimedia/Online:

YouTube: "Music Reading for Kids" videos focusing on note values.
Online rhythm pattern generators and games.

Weeks 7-12: Melodic Reading and Writing on the Staff

Focus: Identifying and drawing notes on the treble clef staff (C, D, E, F, G, A, B); understanding step and skip intervals; singing and playing simple melodies from notation.

Activities:

Practicing identifying note names on the staff.
Playing simple melodies on pitched instruments (xylophone, glockenspiel) from written notation.
Singing familiar songs while tracking the melody on the staff.
Composing short 4-measure melodies using learned notes.

Resources:

Books:

Meet the Orchestra by Ann Hayes

Supplies:

Classroom set of pitched instruments, large staff board, magnetic notes (optional).

Multimedia/Online:

Online note-reading games (e.g., from Music Theory Kids).
Virtual piano/keyboard apps for note identification.

Weeks 13-18: Harmony and Form in Music

Focus: Introduction to chords (major/minor feel); understanding simple harmonic progressions (e.g., I-V-I); identifying more complex musical forms (ABA, Rondo, Theme and Variations).

Activities:

Listening to music and identifying major vs. minor sounds.
Singing in simple two-part harmony or rounds.
Identifying sections in a piece of music (e.g., A section, B section, A section return).
Playing simple chord accompaniments on a keyboard or ukulele (if available).

Resources:

Books:

The Story of the Orchestra: Listen While You Learn by Meredith Hamilton

Supplies:

Classroom keyboard/piano, recordings of pieces with clear forms.

Multimedia/Online:

Classics for Kids website (exploring musical form).
Videos demonstrating basic chord sounds.

Weeks 19-24: Instrument Families and Orchestral Music

Focus: In-depth study of the four instrument families (strings, woodwinds, brass, percussion); identifying specific instruments by sound; understanding the role of the conductor.

Activities:

Listening to and identifying instruments from each family.
Drawing instruments and labeling their family.
Discussing how instruments produce sound.
Watching videos of orchestral performances, focusing on different sections.

Resources:

Books:

The Composer Is Dead by Lemony Snicket (introduces orchestra instruments)

Supplies:

Recordings of orchestral music, instrument flashcards.

Multimedia/Online:

San Francisco Symphony Kids (SFSKids) website.
Berlin Philharmonic Education (Digital Concert Hall excerpts).
YouTube: "Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra" by Benjamin Britten.

Weeks 25-30: World Music and Cultural Influences

Focus: Exploring music, instruments, and traditions from diverse global cultures with greater depth (e.g., Gamelan, Reggae, Bollywood, Native American drumming); understanding how music expresses cultural identity.

Activities:

Listening to and comparing music from different continents.
Learning simple songs or rhythmic patterns from various cultures.
Discussing how cultural context influences music.
Researching a specific cultural instrument or music style.

Resources:

Books:

Handel Who Knew What God Knew by Jean Fritz (introducing diverse composers)

Supplies:

World music recordings, maps, globe.

Multimedia/Online:

Smithsonian Folkways Recordings (online collection of world music).
Cultural music videos from PBS LearningMedia.

Weeks 31-36: Music Composition and Performance

Focus: Composing more complex rhythmic and melodic pieces using notation; improvising simple melodies or rhythms; preparing and presenting a collaborative musical performance.

Activities:

Students compose a 8-16 measure rhythmic piece for classroom instruments.
Students compose a simple melody for voice or pitched instrument.
Group improvisation exercises over a simple drone or beat.
Rehearsing and performing a song or composed piece for an audience (classmates, parents).

Resources:

Books:

Maestro Maude and the Big Parade by Anna Kemper (creative music making)

Supplies:

Classroom instruments, staff paper, whiteboards, music stands (optional).

Multimedia/Online:

Chrome Music Lab (more advanced features like "Shared Piano" or "Song Maker").
Videos of children's musical ensembles performing.

Physical Education Detailed Curriculum

Weeks 1-6: Advanced Locomotor and Movement Patterns

Focus: Refining all locomotor skills with greater agility and grace; combining multiple skills into fluid sequences; responding quickly to signals and cues.

Activities:

Complex obstacle courses requiring transitions between running, jumping, sliding, etc.
Movement challenges where students create and perform sequences.
Games like "Shark and Minnows" or "Traffic Jam" with increased complexity and spatial awareness.
Drills emphasizing quick changes in direction and speed.

Resources:

Books:

The Kids' Guide to Staying Awesome and Fit by D.J. Walker (focus on movement)

Supplies:

Cones, agility ladders, varied music tempos.

Multimedia/Online:

Videos demonstrating agility drills for children.
GoNoodle "movement challenges."

Weeks 7-12: Enhanced Balance and Coordination

Focus: Dynamic balance while performing other tasks (e.g., dribbling while walking a line); hand-eye and foot-eye coordination in more complex tasks; complex spatial awareness.

Activities:

Balancing challenges (e.g., walking a balance beam with beanbag on head).
Relay races incorporating balance elements.
Combining dribbling with dodging or weaving through cones.
Games like "Human Knot" or other team-building coordination challenges.

Resources:

Books:

Salt in His Shoes: Michael Jordan in Pursuit of a Dream by Deloris Jordan and Roslyn M. Jordan (focus on coordination in sports)

Supplies:

Balance beams, cones, various balls, jump ropes.

Multimedia/Online:

Videos of coordination drills for elementary schoolers.

Weeks 13-18: Manipulative Skills (Accuracy and Force)

Focus: Consistent and accurate overhand/underhand throwing to a moving target; catching various thrown objects with consistency; kicking with power and precision; passing skills.

Activities:

Partner throwing and catching drills, increasing distance and speed.
Target games with small and large targets, varying distances.
Modified kicking games (e.g., 'soccer golf', 'target kick').
Introduction to chest pass and bounce pass in basketball.

Resources:

Books:

Touchdown! by John Coy (football concepts)

Supplies:

Variety of balls (foam, rubber, basketballs, soccer balls, soft volleyballs), targets (hoops, buckets, nets).

Multimedia/Online:

Videos on proper throwing and passing techniques for various sports.

Weeks 19-24: Manipulative Skills (Dribbling and Striking with Implements)

Focus: Dribbling a basketball with alternating hands; dribbling a soccer ball with increasing control; striking objects with racquets/paddles with more control; introduction to batting (large bat, soft ball).

Activities:

Basketball dribbling drills (crossovers, behind the back - simplified).
Soccer dribbling through small courses, controlling direction.
Striking shuttlecocks/balloons over a net with short-handled racquets (badminton/tennis modified).
Batting a large foam ball off a tee, then from a soft toss.

Resources:

Books:

The Baseball Bookworms by Sue Corbett

Supplies:

Basketballs, soccer balls, short-handled racquets, shuttlecocks, balloons, foam balls, large plastic bats, tees, small nets.

Multimedia/Online:

Videos demonstrating elementary dribbling and striking skills in various sports.

Weeks 25-30: Introduction to Team Sports Concepts and Fitness Application

Focus: Basic rules and strategies of simplified team sports (e.g., soccer, basketball, kickball); applying fitness components within game play; understanding roles in a team.

Activities:

Modified soccer games (e.g., 3 vs. 3 with simplified rules).
Modified basketball games (e.g., "dribble to the cone and shoot").
Kickball games with emphasis on base running and fielding.
Discussing offense and defense strategies in simple terms.

Resources:

Books:

Flat Stanley's Worldwide Adventures: The Japanese Ninja Surprise (can inspire movement/agility)

Supplies:

Pinnies/vests, various balls, cones, goals, hoops.

Multimedia/Online:

Videos explaining basic rules and positions in elementary team sports.

Weeks 31-36: Lifelong Fitness and Responsible Participation

Focus: Understanding the importance of regular physical activity for health; exploring various ways to be active (e.g., biking, swimming, hiking); demonstrating excellent sportsmanship, leadership, and problem-solving during play.

Activities:

Designing personal fitness routines (short, simple, incorporating learned exercises).
Discussing different sports and recreational activities available in the community.
Leading warm-ups or cool-downs for the class.
Participating in "challenge courses" or "fitness relays" designed by students.
Practicing conflict resolution and fair play in all games.

Resources:

Books:

Good Sports: The Kids' Guide to Sportsmanship by Michael Teitelbaum
My Body, My Health by Jane C. Cooper

Supplies:

Various equipment from the year, poster board for fitness plans.

Multimedia/Online:

Videos on the benefits of different types of exercise.
Resources from organizations like the President's Council on Sports, Fitness & Nutrition (for kids).

Advanced Implementation Strategies

Project-Based Learning Approach

Third-grade students are ready for more complex, integrated projects that span multiple weeks:

Cultural Arts Exhibition: Research and create art, music, and dance from a specific culture, culminating in a mini-exhibition
Olympic Games Unit: Study the history, create artwork, compose an "anthem," and design movement games inspired by Olympic events
Nature-Inspired Creation: Combine outdoor observations, natural material art, musical soundscapes, and animal movement studies
Digital Portfolio: Document growth throughout the year with photographs, recordings, and student reflections

Advanced Materials for Grade 3

Third-grade students can work with more sophisticated materials and equipment:

Art & Music Extensions

Watercolor sets with more colors
Basic printmaking supplies
Oil pastels (in addition to regular)
Wire for simple sculptures
Recorders or similar introductory instruments
Basic notation software access

PE Extensions

Sport-specific equipment (junior-sized)
Heart rate monitors (basic)
Pedometers for tracking activity
Fitness cards or activity dice
Agility ladder and coordination equipment
Team pinnies in different colors

Assessment & Student Leadership

Advanced Assessment Approaches

Third graders can participate more actively in the assessment process:

Self-Assessment Rubrics: Students evaluate their own work against clear criteria
Learning Journals: Regular reflections on progress and challenges
Performance-Based Assessment: Demonstrating skills through authentic tasks
Digital Documentation: Photos/videos of performance with reflection
Goal Setting: Students establish and review personal objectives

Fostering Student Leadership

Incorporate opportunities for third graders to develop leadership skills:

Teaching Assistants: Students help demonstrate techniques to peers
Equipment Managers: Rotating responsibility for materials setup/cleanup
Warm-Up Leaders: Students take turns leading physical or musical warm-ups
Exhibition Curators: Organizing and presenting class artwork
Game Designers: Creating modifications to physical activities

Enhanced Resources for Grade 3

Digital Resources

Third Grade Reading List

Books that support deeper understanding in arts education:

The Dot and the Line by Norton Juster (geometry and art)
Action Jackson by Jan Greenberg (artist biography)
The Philharmonic Gets Dressed by Karla Kuskin (orchestra preparation)
A Life Made by Hand: The Story of Ruth Asawa by Andrea D'Aquino (sculptor biography)
Lives of the Musicians by Kathleen Krull (musician biographies)
The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind (young readers edition) by William Kamkwamba (design and engineering)
Through My Eyes by Ruby Bridges (historical perspective)
Song of the Trees by Mildred D. Taylor (cultural heritage)

Beyond the Classroom

Virtual Field Trips: Schedule guided tours of museums, concert halls, and sports facilities
Expert Interviews: Connect with local artists, musicians, or athletes via video call
Community Service: Create art or performances for senior centers or hospitals
Family Involvement: Design projects that incorporate family traditions and cultural practices
Cross-School Collaboration: Connect with other homeschoolers for shared exhibitions or performances

Grade 3 Arts, Music & Physical Education

About This Supplement

Curriculum Assumptions

Curriculum Overview

Visual Art

Overarching Themes

Music

Overarching Themes

Physical Education

Overarching Themes

Visual Art Detailed Curriculum

Weeks 1-6: Advanced Drawing and Composition

Activities:

Resources:

Weeks 7-12: Painting Techniques and Expressive Color

Activities:

Resources:

Weeks 13-18: Sculpture and 3D Design

Activities:

Resources:

Weeks 19-24: Printmaking and Reproduction

Activities:

Resources:

Weeks 25-30: Art History and Cultural Influence

Activities:

Resources:

Weeks 31-36: Connecting Art to the World and Personal Identity

Activities:

Resources:

Music Detailed Curriculum

Weeks 1-6: Reading and Writing Rhythm Notation

Activities:

Resources:

Weeks 7-12: Melodic Reading and Writing on the Staff

Activities:

Resources:

Weeks 13-18: Harmony and Form in Music

Activities:

Resources:

Weeks 19-24: Instrument Families and Orchestral Music

Activities:

Resources:

Weeks 25-30: World Music and Cultural Influences

Activities:

Resources:

Weeks 31-36: Music Composition and Performance

Activities:

Resources:

Physical Education Detailed Curriculum

Weeks 1-6: Advanced Locomotor and Movement Patterns

Activities:

Resources:

Weeks 7-12: Enhanced Balance and Coordination

Activities:

Resources:

Weeks 13-18: Manipulative Skills (Accuracy and Force)

Activities:

Resources:

Weeks 19-24: Manipulative Skills (Dribbling and Striking with Implements)

Activities:

Resources:

Weeks 25-30: Introduction to Team Sports Concepts and Fitness Application

Activities:

Resources:

Weeks 31-36: Lifelong Fitness and Responsible Participation

Activities:

Resources:

Advanced Implementation Strategies

Project-Based Learning Approach

Advanced Materials for Grade 3

Art & Music Extensions

PE Extensions

Assessment & Student Leadership

Advanced Assessment Approaches

Fostering Student Leadership

Enhanced Resources for Grade 3

Digital Resources

Third Grade Reading List

Beyond the Classroom

Developing Well-Rounded Third Graders