A Learning Community - 3rd through 5th Grade: The Core Curriculum Overview 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, learn the stories from the Gospel, and make connections to their own lives. Through Atrium and classroom-based instruction, students study 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. Mathematics Everyday Mathematics, the comprehensive curriculum developed by the University of Chicago School Mathematics Project, continues to be the program followed. 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. 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, North Carolina history, and U.S. and North American geography. They learn to interpret text, 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), learn about personal health. Some topics of study include plant and animal life cycles, changes in weather, changes in properties, and sound.

		© 2005 Immaculata Catholic School, All Rights Reserved	Terms of Use and Privacy