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Elementary School
Curriculum

Grades 3–4 Curriculum

3–4 Curriculum

List of 6 items.

  • Language Arts

    Language Arts is approached through a team teaching model, with a lead homeroom teacher assisted by a teaching assistant. This model allows for presentation of skills in small groups as well as enrichment activities. Such activities enhance comprehension and higher level thinking skills, including compare and contrast, judgements and decision-making.

    This reading program is literature-based, and enhanced by the addition of three novels. The novels, carefully chosen to complement the content areas, allow students to make connections, and see that reading is everywhere. Phonics practice continues with the addition of prefixes, suffixes, base words and inflectional endings. Instructional vocabulary is integrated into spelling, grammar and content areas. Intermediate writing, again with the advantage of a team approach, integrates grammar, punctuation and reading skills. Writing instruction covers narrative, expository, persuasive, explanatory and comparative pieces.

     
  • Math

    Math Skills are introduced in whole group and supported by a variety of activities and manipulatives. Skills introduced in the primary grades are practiced and reinforced with the addition of multiplication, division, fractions, long division and place value. It is at this stage that application of math skills becomes a major focus. Problem solving strategies include making lists, too much/too little information and multi-step word problems.
  • Science and Social Studies

    Intermediate Science and Social Studies are linked to the Language Arts program. The Social Studies curriculum begins with the history of the U.S., progresses to exploration of the regions and an in depth study of the State of Maryland and the Chesapeake Bay. Students are taught to create and interpret time lines and apply this information to Reading, Science and Religion. Skills are refined using hands-on activities, media center research projects and technology. Observation and exploration of our world are the basis of the intermediate level Science Curriculum. Science units developed in the Primary grades are now studied in greater depth. Extensive labs and integrated technology are evident in every science unit.
  • Religion

    Religion is taught in whole group and integrated into Social Studies, Language Arts, Science and Technology. Third grade focuses on a study of Liturgy, the call to be disciples, and lives of the Saints. Fourth grade learns the Beatitudes and Works of Mercy and explores the Ten Commandments. Activities continue to involve the family and the community as we proclaim our Catholic identity.
  • Foreign Language

    The Foreign Language Curriculum develops listening and comprehension skills in an atmosphere of fun and creativity. Spanish terms, phrases, sentences and vocabulary relate to various thematic units, with content and simple directions spoken in Spanish. Our instruction uses the multiple modalities approach to help students gain deeper meaning and long-term content retention.
  • Specials

    In Art, the Intermediate level student develops an understanding of art history, art concepts, theory and techniques. Students are encouraged to express themselves creatively as they weave art into all aspects of the curriculum.

    The Music Curriculum explores vocal music and movement in grades K-5 and further opportunities for students to experience music are offered through our Band Program for students in grades K-8.

    Physical Education classes encorporate a variety of team and individual opportunities that increase the students physical health, while promoting sportsmanship and teamwork.

    Using our best critical thinking skills, STEM class highlights the use of integrated technologies, recycled materials, and challeging objectives to shine a light on this vibrant strand of instruction.

Grading

List of 2 items.

  • Report Cards

    A report card is a trimester report from the child's teacher that indicates the child's progress. Conferences may be scheduled by teacher or parent at any time.
  • Progress Reports

    Students in grades 3-8 will receive a progress report in the event of academic concern in a particular subject area.

Grading Scale

Marking Codes Grades 3-8

A+ = 97-100
A = 93-96
B+ = 89-92
B = 85-88
C+ = 80-84
C = 75-79
D = 70-74
E = 69 and Below

Specials Achievement Comments

P = Demonstrates Proficiency
V = Very Good Progress
G = Good
S = Satisfactory
I = Improvement Needed
N = Not Yet Demonstrating
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