Grades 1 to 3
Students expand their understanding of religion by becoming aware of the sacraments. They grow more familiar with the teachings of Jesus and discuss His role in their life as Savior and friend. Students learn about forgiveness and gain a deeper appreciation for the Eucharist and Church traditions.
Students are introduced to new elements of literacy including parts of speech, onsets and rhyme, word families and structure of sentences and paragraphs. Students begin to differentiate between the genres of fiction and non-fiction while developing strategies to become fluent readers. Previously learned skills are reinforced while honing written and oral expression.
New social studies concepts such as citizenship and map skills are introduced. Students begin learning how to interpret graphs and timelines while reinforcing their previously learned components such as family, community and culture.
In STEM, students learn about the world around them, including the science of all living things, the senses and the solar system. Group and individual projects are assigned that relate to the current unit of study. By the end of Grade 2, students understand place value and demonstrate fluency in math concepts such as addition and subtraction. They understand operations and are capable of solving one and two step problems. Analysis of data and graphs, as well as the use of appropriate tools, equips students to problem solve. They are also able to compare and contrast the attributes of two and three dimensional shapes.
Grades 4 to 5
Students are provided with frequent opportunities to apply their religion lessons through sacraments and prayer. They make connections between course material in all subjects and everyday life so as to develop an understanding of the integral nature of the Catholic faith. The curriculum emphasizes the importance of developing personal faith which is deepened through communal worship, prayer, song and service.
Students engage with literature in ever-expanding ways. The lessons include writing skills, grammar, linguistic mechanics, dictionary and library skills, and speaking and listening skills. In Grade 4, reading selections include international folk tales, biography and expository non-fiction. In Grade 5, student read both short stories and longer novels that encourage close reading and expressive oral reading. They are challenged to explore their world through various literary genres, to present that exploration to their peers, and to apply these skills in other disciplines.
Students focus on different geographical areas in social studies. In Grade 4, they learn about the history of the Diocese of Paterson, the state of New Jersey and the regions of the United States. In Grade 5, students learn about the Western Hemisphere and the history of the Church in the Americas. Through lessons which include maps, charts, graphs and geographic terminology, students will encounter the geography, economy, politics, history and cultures of the United States, Canada, Mexico, and West Indian, South American, and some Central American countries.
Students continue to engage in practical applications of STEM concepts. The scientific method is introduced while students explore the physical world and life sciences. Experiments, field trips, research projects and visual presentations enhance the classroom experience. Mathematics covers operations of whole numbers, fractions and decimals, as well as data analysis and interpretation of charts and graphs. Students are equipped to express mathematical reasoning in both words and symbols. They can analyze numerical patterns and relations, and address problems involving geometry and measurement.
