Religion

Priority topics for the Grade 3 Religion Curriculum are: the Church, the Creed, the Holy Trinity, and the Sacraments. The children learn about their roles as members of the Church beginning with their Baptism and deepen their understanding of Christian beliefs. Students become familiar with the Eucharistic Liturgy and prepare for the reception of their First Eucharist. Through a variety of prayer experiences, the students strengthen their personal relationship with God. Continuing to explore the lives of the saints, students discover role models for following Jesus faithfully.

Reading/Language Arts

The curriculum utilizes the McGraw Hill Reading Wonders reading series to develop vocabulary and comprehension skills. Students learn in leveled reading groups that allow flexibility for addressing each student’s individual skill sets. A focused phonics program that reinforces the language skills introduced in earlier years is used. The third grade also does a novel study each trimester. The program fosters the development of both oral and written communication skills. Emphasis is placed on the areas of spelling, grammar, proofreading, and editing.  

Math

The Progress in Mathematics curriculum progressively teaches basic mathematical concepts by reinforcing previously learned skills. The focus this year is developing problem-solving skills as well as computation strategies. Topics covered include addition and subtraction of multi-digit numbers, division, multiplication, geometry, fractions, time, money, and algebra. 

Science

The curriculum begins with an overview of the Scientific Method, which is then put into practice to introduce students to physical science.  Students study matter, its properties, and the effects of physical and chemical changes.  In addition, students learn about forces, motion, and energy.

Social Studies

The curriculum establishes a foundation for understanding various cultures and communities. It helps to promote citizenship and introduces the role of government. As part of the units on Early and Native Americans, students learn about the formation of our great country and how people lived and worked. Students have an opportunity to step back in time with a visit to Quiet Valley Farm. Map skills are also taught.

Specials

Students attend an art, music, library, gym, and computer class once per week. In art the concentration in Kindergarten through Grade 4 is to develop fine motor skills, learn about the art elements and principles or design, color schemes, basic drawing and painting, blending colors, discovering new media and working 3 dimensionally within various material. Lessons are related to the history of art, famous artists and their works, and international, cultural practices and crafts. An Art Show is held in the spring each year showcasing the artistic accomplishments of all students.

In music, the focus at this level is on liturgical music and the students sing beautifully at the masses. Third and fourth grade students may join the choir, if interested. Third graders are also introduced to the musical instrument families and learn to play a recorder in the second half of the school year. They learn songs on their records and perform for audiences.

In PE instruction and activities continue the development of locomotor skills and coordination while introducing team related games and sports with an emphasis on teamwork, fair play, and sportsmanship. The highlight of the year is Field Day in May!

Foreign Language

All students in Kindergarten through Grade 4 receive an introduction to the Spanish language and culture. The curriculum is presented in an active, cheerful manner with never a dull moment! During their once a week lesson, the instructor emphasizes listening, comprehending, and speaking the language. Students learn to speak the basics of Spanish (ABC’s, numbers, colors, days of the week, seasons, months of the year, etc.) through games, songs, and conversations. They also learn about traditions, dance styles, and prayers.