Grades 3/4

Students in grades 3-4 are offered a rigorous, experiential curriculum that accommodates all learners. Students are currently taught in multi-age as well as traditionally arranged classrooms. We educate the whole child, spirit, mind and body. Students receive daily homework and several long-term project assignments.

Daily Religion class comprises: church doctrine, the communion of saints, sacraments, the marks of the Church, memorized prayers, moral decision-making and scriptural reflection, the structure of the mass, the trinity, and saints as models for Christian living. Additionally, children participate in daily prayer, weekly liturgies, and the celebration of Sacraments.

The reading program emphasizes excellent children’s literature, nonfiction, comprehension, grammar, vocabulary, and study skills. Students are assigned “chapter books” across several genres. Students write in every subject area, using 6 + 1 Traits of Writing as a model. The spelling program used is based upon research into the long-term mastery and use of high-frequency words.

Third and fourth grade students intensively study and practice cursive handwriting.

The math program at St. Peter’s Catholic School develops students’ critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Computation and the mastery of basic facts is an integral component of mathematical reasoning and is taught to a high level of expectation.

The science program teaches the children to observe, notice, compare, measure and hypothesize about experiential lessons. The topics in grades three and four are: physics of sound, magnetism, electricity, astronomy, Earth Science- rocks and minerals, water, the water cycle, Life Science – the human body, the human ear, plants, and butterflies. The students maintain a 2,400 square foot, Native Minnesota plant, Butterfly Garden.

Students study units in social studies focused on the regions of the United States, map skills, community, and the rain forest.

Art instruction introduces students to accomplished artists and various pieces of art. Students then explore art using different art media, while listening to corresponding classical music.

Spanish is taught twice a week to third and fourth grade students. They learn about family, home, community, simple directions, greetings, songs, and questions.

Field trips provide students with vivid, authentic learning and some destinations include: Feed My Starving Children, Gibbs’ Farm, Warner Nature Center and theatrical plays at a variety of venues.

The Parent Association provides a unique cultural arts experience for each grade level. Students act with Stepping Stone Theater, and learn how to weave.