Grade 3 through Grade 5:
The Core CurriculumOverview
In grades 3 through 5, the curriculum builds on the foundation established in the primary grades and follows the Diocese of Raleigh curriculum guidelines. Students make transitions that require more independent work and personal responsibility and begin to use their foundational skills to propel their own learning. Students move from learning to read, the focus of the primary grades, to reading to learn. They move from learning to write to writing for expression, for thinking, and for important communications. They continue to apply mathematics concepts to real world problems. Field trips provide students opportunities to see and feel what they have learned.
Religion
In the intermediate grades, students explore the roots of Christianity by studying the Old Testament, learning the stories from the Gospel, and making connections to their own lives. Through Atrium and classroom-based instruction, students gain an understanging of the sacraments and the parts of the Mass.
Language Arts
Students in grades 3 through 5 continue to develop reading, writing, and speaking skills, using these skills for a variety of purposes. Students learn to recognize different genres and types of stories. They learn to read and write for multiple purposes. Students' love for literature and writing is encouraged through independent reading, read-alouds, and focused study. Students also engage in word studies. When writing, students at every grade level are held accountable for expectations in spelling, grammar, mechanics, an ever increasing vocabulary and presentation.
Mathematics
Mathematics focuses on real-life problem solving, basic skills practice through a variety of methods, and balanced instruction (whole group, small group, teacher-directed, and open-ended activities), and partnership between school and home. From measurement and geometry, through nemeric equations and computation, data and probability, to mathematical reasoning, students are challenged to explore multiple ways to get to the same answer. Essential to the program are the opportunities that students have to discuss their strategies and solutions and thus, clarify their thinking.
Social Studies
Students study citizenship, U.S. and North Carolina history and geography and North American geography. They study about new world exploration and colonization through to the American revolution. They learn to interpret texts, use a variety of sources for information, and conduct basic research.
Science
Students continue to engage in hands-on science activities and more text reading is added. Students apply the process skills of science, distinguish between natural and man-made objects, investigate and understand technology (such as how a thermometer works), and learn about personal health. Some topics of study include plant and animal life cycles, weather, changes in properties, sound, types of geology, the solar system, and forms of energy.
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