Typically, third grade is where students make the leap from learning to read to reading to learn, and teachers incorporate a great deal of literature that links to other curriculum areas. Third grade teachers implement a great variety of hands-on, fun, and engaging lessons because knowledge is best constructed through experiential learning. Third graders hone spelling skills in competing to enter the Lower School spelling bee, and develop leadership skills by servings as reading buddies throughout the year in the senior kindergarten classrooms. They attend regular weekly chapel services and present the Stations of the Cross at Easter for the entire school community. A favorite third grade tradition is the annual ‘Christmas Around the World’ performance, which includes student Powerpoint presentations and a luncheon celebration with parents and classmates featuring homemade international dishes.