Third Grade
The Third Grade curriculum teaches the children the different ways that Jesus communicates God's love to us. The children will see how Jesus teaches about the Kingdom of God and shows us a God of mercy. The children will be introduced to the meaning of life everlasting. This is followed by an examination of the Church's beginnings. The children will see the early followers of Jesus share the good news with people throughout the world. They will become aware of followers who stood up for their faith under the most trying of circumstances. Lastly, the children will learn that we are all called to holiness, each in our own way.
The children will come to a deeper understanding that they are members of the Church. The four marks of the Church (one, holy, catholic, and apostolic) are explained, as are the images of the Church as the people of God and as the Body of Christ. The children will learn the Apostles' Creed as well as ways that the Church guides us — especially through Catholic social teaching. Prayer is another focal point of the Third Grade. The children will understand the types of prayer, and the difference between liturgical and private prayer. They will see how the Church continues the prayer of Jesus throughout the world.
The children will discover the parish as a family in Christ and appreciate the various ministries as well as the purposes of a parish. They will learn about the meaning and types of vocations found in the Church. The emphasis here is on the fact that, whether one is single, married, in the priesthood, or a religious brother or sister, God calls each one of us to lead a life of holiness.
The children will come to a deeper understanding of the Sacraments. The children will be able to describe the sacraments of Christian Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist), the sacraments of Healing (Penance and Reconciliation, and Anointing of the Sick) and the sacraments at the Service of Communion (Matrimony and Holy Orders). The children will more fully realize that the Mass is the celebration of the Eucharist. The four parts of the Mass are then explained. These are the Introductory Rites, the Liturgy of the Word, the Liturgy of the Eucharist, and the Concluding Rite.
The children will be challenged to appreciate and accept that we, as the followers of Jesus Christ, are all called to discipleship. In order to understand how we can live as disciples, the children will appreciate that the Church respects all people and religions. They will also discover that the Church is present throughout the world. This leads to a clear and comprehensive explanation of the Latin (or Roman) and Eastern Rites of the Catholic Church. To have the children continue to grasp the meaning of discipleship, the saints are presented as examples of holiness. No such discussion is complete without presenting Mary, the Mother of God. The children will learn ways they can honor Mary. The year will conclude with an inspiring explanation of the Kingdom of God and how the Church and each one of us as its members can help the Kingdom of God to grow every day.
Third Grade End of Year Goals
By the end of the year, your child will be required to know:
Basic Prayers
The term – Trinity: there are three Persons in the one God (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit)
Jesus, through his divinity (God Nature) and humanity (Human Nature), reveals God's love to us
God, the Father sent Jesus to be with us
The Church is led and Grows through the Holy Spirit
What Pentecost is
The Apostles led and cared for the Church
The disciples of Jesus share the Good News
The Church has 4 Marks
Jesus teaches us to Pray
God calls us to holiness
God calls everyone to be holy
God calls some men to be priests and deacons
God calls some to the religious life
What a sacrament is
At Baptism we are brought into the Church and receive God’s life
We receive grace
Cleansed from original sin
The rite of Baptism
Through Confession we are forgiven and strengthened to live like Jesus
Scriptural foundations
Freewill
Development and examination of conscience
Graces of Confession
Several parts of Penance
Confirmation
Sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit
Gifts of the Spirit
The rite of Confirmation
Jesus gives us Himself through the Eucharist
The Last Supper
We receive Jesus in the Eucharist at Mass with our Parish family
Jesus brings us life
The Mass is a meal and a sacrifice
The mass
Liturgy of the Word
Liturgy of the Eucharist
The Church respects all people
People around the world have different beliefs about God
The Jewish faith is important to Christians
The Church works for Christian unity
The Church is worldwide
The Catholic Church is all over the world
Catholics share the same faith
Catholics celebrate their faith in different ways
The Communion of Saints
Mary is the greatest of all saints
The children will come to a deeper understanding that they are members of the Church. The four marks of the Church (one, holy, catholic, and apostolic) are explained, as are the images of the Church as the people of God and as the Body of Christ. The children will learn the Apostles' Creed as well as ways that the Church guides us — especially through Catholic social teaching. Prayer is another focal point of the Third Grade. The children will understand the types of prayer, and the difference between liturgical and private prayer. They will see how the Church continues the prayer of Jesus throughout the world.
The children will discover the parish as a family in Christ and appreciate the various ministries as well as the purposes of a parish. They will learn about the meaning and types of vocations found in the Church. The emphasis here is on the fact that, whether one is single, married, in the priesthood, or a religious brother or sister, God calls each one of us to lead a life of holiness.
The children will come to a deeper understanding of the Sacraments. The children will be able to describe the sacraments of Christian Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist), the sacraments of Healing (Penance and Reconciliation, and Anointing of the Sick) and the sacraments at the Service of Communion (Matrimony and Holy Orders). The children will more fully realize that the Mass is the celebration of the Eucharist. The four parts of the Mass are then explained. These are the Introductory Rites, the Liturgy of the Word, the Liturgy of the Eucharist, and the Concluding Rite.
The children will be challenged to appreciate and accept that we, as the followers of Jesus Christ, are all called to discipleship. In order to understand how we can live as disciples, the children will appreciate that the Church respects all people and religions. They will also discover that the Church is present throughout the world. This leads to a clear and comprehensive explanation of the Latin (or Roman) and Eastern Rites of the Catholic Church. To have the children continue to grasp the meaning of discipleship, the saints are presented as examples of holiness. No such discussion is complete without presenting Mary, the Mother of God. The children will learn ways they can honor Mary. The year will conclude with an inspiring explanation of the Kingdom of God and how the Church and each one of us as its members can help the Kingdom of God to grow every day.
- Please take an active interest in what your child is learning and reinforce the week’s lesson at home. As part of our textbooks, there are family activities and lessons for each chapter that I encourage you to complete together.
Third Grade End of Year Goals
By the end of the year, your child will be required to know:
Basic Prayers
- Sign of the Cross
- Our Father
- Hail Mary
- Glory Be
- Act of Contrition
- Apostle’s Creed
The term – Trinity: there are three Persons in the one God (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit)
Jesus, through his divinity (God Nature) and humanity (Human Nature), reveals God's love to us
God, the Father sent Jesus to be with us
- Jesus is human and divine
- Jesus shows us how to live as His followers
- Jesus teaches us about the Kingdom of God
- Jesus used parables
- Jesus’ miracles and signs
- Jesus died for us
- Jesus rose from the dead
- Jesus visited with His followers
- Jesus promised to send the Holy Spirit
- Jesus ascended to the Father
- Jesus will come again
- He will judge the living and the dead
The Church is led and Grows through the Holy Spirit
What Pentecost is
- The Church begins at Pentecost
The Apostles led and cared for the Church
The disciples of Jesus share the Good News
The Church has 4 Marks
- The Church is one and holy
- The Church is Catholic and Apostolic
- The pope and the bishops are the successors to the Apostles
- The Church is the body of Christ
- We profess our faith through the Apostle’s Creed
Jesus teaches us to Pray
- Prayer keeps us close to God
- Prayer teaches us to hear God’s voice
- Prayer is a love relationship
God calls us to holiness
God calls everyone to be holy
God calls some men to be priests and deacons
God calls some to the religious life
What a sacrament is
- There are Seven Sacraments
- Baptism
- Reconciliation/Penance
- Eucharist
- Confirmation
- Matrimony
- Holy Orders
- Anointing of the Sick
At Baptism we are brought into the Church and receive God’s life
We receive grace
Cleansed from original sin
The rite of Baptism
Through Confession we are forgiven and strengthened to live like Jesus
Scriptural foundations
Freewill
Development and examination of conscience
Graces of Confession
Several parts of Penance
Confirmation
Sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit
Gifts of the Spirit
The rite of Confirmation
Jesus gives us Himself through the Eucharist
The Last Supper
We receive Jesus in the Eucharist at Mass with our Parish family
Jesus brings us life
The Mass is a meal and a sacrifice
The mass
Liturgy of the Word
Liturgy of the Eucharist
The Church respects all people
People around the world have different beliefs about God
The Jewish faith is important to Christians
The Church works for Christian unity
The Church is worldwide
The Catholic Church is all over the world
Catholics share the same faith
Catholics celebrate their faith in different ways
The Communion of Saints
Mary is the greatest of all saints
Third Grade Schedule of Topics
Sunday & Monday Schedule
Class Schedule
September
22nd or 23rd – Blessed- Sunday is Special: Session 1(pg. 1-27) video 1 and 2
29th or 30th – Blessed -Sunday is Special: Session 1 (pg. 28-43) video 3,4,5
October
6th or 7th – Blessed -Sunday is Special: Session 1 (pg. 44-50) video 6
13th or 14th – No Class (Columbus Day Weekend)
20th or 21st – Blessed – The Greatest Even on Earth: Session 2 (pg. 53-59) video 1, 2, 3
27th or 28th – Blessed – The Greatest Event on Earth: Session 2 (pg. 60- 69) video 4, 5
November
3rd or 4th – Blessed – The Greatest Event on Earth: Session 2 (pg. 70- 77) video 6
Tuesday: 5th – First Communion Parent Meeting
10th or 11th – No Class (Veterans Day Weekend)
17th or 18th – Blessed – The Word of God: Session 3 (pg. 79-93) video 1, 2, 3
24th or 25th – Hunger Walk – Reled Service Project w/ St. Vincent DePaul
Blessed –The Word of God: Session 3 (pg. 94-99) video 4, 5
December
1st or 2nd – Blessed –The Word of God: Session 3 (pg. 100-109) video 6
8th or 9th – Blessed – The Eucharist: Session 4 (pg. 111-127) video 1, 2, 3
15th or 16th – Blessed – The Eucharist: Session 4 (pg.128 -141) video 4, 5, 6
22nd or 23rd – No Class (Christmas Break)
29th or 30th – No Class (Christmas Break)
January
5th or 6th – (Sunday Classes)
Visiting our Lady’s Chapel. Today we will use the Sadlier Teacher Catechist Guide pg. 238 & 239 “My Parish Church” to review with the kids where special items such as the tabernacle, etc. are located in the church. You can make this into a scavenger hunt/ game for the kids by making index cards with the word/name of item on one index cards and the definition to match on another index card. Have the kids match the word to the definition as part of the in-class review before going over to the CHAPEL and taking them on a tour of where to find the actual item. Remind the kids that this is where Jesus is found in the Most Blessed Sacrament and they must be reverent.
(Monday Classes)
Visiting the Church. Today we will use the Sadlier Teacher Catechist Guide pg. 238 & 239 “My Parish Church” to review with the kids where special items such as the tabernacle, etc. are locate in the church. You can make this into a scavenger hunt/ game for the kids by making index cards with the word/name of item on one index card and the definition to match on another index card. Have the kids match the word to the definition as part of the in-class review before going over to the church and taking them on a tour of where to find the actual item. Remind the kids that this is where Jesus is found in the Most Blessed Sacrament and they must be reverent.
12th or 13th – Blessed – Your First Communion: Session 5 (pg. 143-151) video 1, 2, 3
19th or 20th – No Class (MLK Jr)
26th or 27th – No Class (Catholic Schools Week)
February
2nd or 3rd – Blessed – Your First Communion: Session 5 (pg. 152-155) video 4, 5
9th or 10th – Blessed – Your First Communion: Session 5 (pg. 156-163) video 6
16th or 17th – No Class (Vacation)
The next two classes will be a review of the sacrament of Confession, the importance of forgiveness, and why we must not be mortal sin sin when we receive the Eucharist.
23rd or 24th – We will use the Sadlier Text here: Copies of the chapters will be provided for the students in your class. You will have access to the teacher text for these classes as well. As part of the 1st Communion preparation the kids should go to confession again, especially if they have not been since last year.
Chapter 10 “We Follow Gods Laws” of the Sadlier Teacher Catechist Guide goes deeper with notes for you on how to teach Mortal vs. Venial Sins.pg 94
Chapter 11 “We prepare for the sacrament of forgiveness”
Chapter 12 ‘We celebrate the sacrament of forgiveness”
March
1st or 2nd – Class time will be spent where kids have access to go to confession.
8th or 9th – Blessed – God’s Family: Session 6 (pg. 165- 175) video 1, 2, 3
15th or 16th – No Class
22nd or 23rd – Blessed – God’s Family: Session 6 (pg. 176-191) video 4,5
29th or 30th – Blessed – God’s Family: Session 6 (pg. 182-191) video 6
April
25th – First Communion Retreat (9am – 12pm)
May
8th – First Communion Rehearsal (5pm – 7pm)
9th – First Communion Ceremony (10am & 1pm)
Class Schedule
- Each class should include the practice and recitation of the following prayers:
- (Sign of the Cross, Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be, Act of Contrition)
- The 2nd Grade Sadlier Teacher Catechist Guide will be available to you to help provide supplemental information and possible activities. UNIT 3 is the unit we will use to help prepare these students for making their 1st Communion.
- Please refer to the “My Little Catechism” in the back of the student and teacher guide (of the Dynamic Catholic Book) if you would like to write a question-a-class on the board for the students to journal or refer to in the back of their book. This would be a great way to introduce them to the CCC.
September
22nd or 23rd – Blessed- Sunday is Special: Session 1(pg. 1-27) video 1 and 2
- Video 7 is the closing prayer (pg. 50)
29th or 30th – Blessed -Sunday is Special: Session 1 (pg. 28-43) video 3,4,5
- Video 7 is the closing prayer (pg. 50)
October
6th or 7th – Blessed -Sunday is Special: Session 1 (pg. 44-50) video 6
- Journal with Jesus pg. 48
- Session 1 Test pg. 47
- Video 7 is the closing prayer (pg. 50)
13th or 14th – No Class (Columbus Day Weekend)
20th or 21st – Blessed – The Greatest Even on Earth: Session 2 (pg. 53-59) video 1, 2, 3
- Video 7 is the closing prayer pg. 76
27th or 28th – Blessed – The Greatest Event on Earth: Session 2 (pg. 60- 69) video 4, 5
- Video 7 is the closing prayer pg. 76
November
3rd or 4th – Blessed – The Greatest Event on Earth: Session 2 (pg. 70- 77) video 6
- Journal with Jesus pg. 74-75
- Session 2 Test pg. 72-73
- Video 7 is the closing prayer pg. 76
Tuesday: 5th – First Communion Parent Meeting
10th or 11th – No Class (Veterans Day Weekend)
17th or 18th – Blessed – The Word of God: Session 3 (pg. 79-93) video 1, 2, 3
- Video 7 is the closing prayer (pg. 108-109)
24th or 25th – Hunger Walk – Reled Service Project w/ St. Vincent DePaul
Blessed –The Word of God: Session 3 (pg. 94-99) video 4, 5
- Video 7 is the closing prayer (pg. 108-109)
December
1st or 2nd – Blessed –The Word of God: Session 3 (pg. 100-109) video 6
- Journal with Jesus pg. 106-107
- Session 3 Test pg. 104-105
- Video 7 is the closing prayer (pg. 108-109)
8th or 9th – Blessed – The Eucharist: Session 4 (pg. 111-127) video 1, 2, 3
- Video 7 is the closing prayer (pg. 140)
15th or 16th – Blessed – The Eucharist: Session 4 (pg.128 -141) video 4, 5, 6
- Journal with Jesus pg. 138
- Session 4 Test pg. 136
- Video 7 is the closing prayer (pg.140)
22nd or 23rd – No Class (Christmas Break)
29th or 30th – No Class (Christmas Break)
January
5th or 6th – (Sunday Classes)
Visiting our Lady’s Chapel. Today we will use the Sadlier Teacher Catechist Guide pg. 238 & 239 “My Parish Church” to review with the kids where special items such as the tabernacle, etc. are located in the church. You can make this into a scavenger hunt/ game for the kids by making index cards with the word/name of item on one index cards and the definition to match on another index card. Have the kids match the word to the definition as part of the in-class review before going over to the CHAPEL and taking them on a tour of where to find the actual item. Remind the kids that this is where Jesus is found in the Most Blessed Sacrament and they must be reverent.
- You may not have gotten through all of the Session 2 material. Please use this class to “catch-up” and or complete the Session 2 Test and Journal.
(Monday Classes)
Visiting the Church. Today we will use the Sadlier Teacher Catechist Guide pg. 238 & 239 “My Parish Church” to review with the kids where special items such as the tabernacle, etc. are locate in the church. You can make this into a scavenger hunt/ game for the kids by making index cards with the word/name of item on one index card and the definition to match on another index card. Have the kids match the word to the definition as part of the in-class review before going over to the church and taking them on a tour of where to find the actual item. Remind the kids that this is where Jesus is found in the Most Blessed Sacrament and they must be reverent.
- You may not have gotten through all of the Session 2 material. Please use this class to “catch-up” and or complete the Session 2 Test and Journal.
12th or 13th – Blessed – Your First Communion: Session 5 (pg. 143-151) video 1, 2, 3
- Video 7 is the closing prayer (pg. 162)
19th or 20th – No Class (MLK Jr)
26th or 27th – No Class (Catholic Schools Week)
February
2nd or 3rd – Blessed – Your First Communion: Session 5 (pg. 152-155) video 4, 5
- Journal with Jesus pg. 160
- Video 7 is the closing prayer (pg. 162)
9th or 10th – Blessed – Your First Communion: Session 5 (pg. 156-163) video 6
- Session 5 Test pg. 158
- Video 7 is the closing prayer (pg. 162)
16th or 17th – No Class (Vacation)
The next two classes will be a review of the sacrament of Confession, the importance of forgiveness, and why we must not be mortal sin sin when we receive the Eucharist.
23rd or 24th – We will use the Sadlier Text here: Copies of the chapters will be provided for the students in your class. You will have access to the teacher text for these classes as well. As part of the 1st Communion preparation the kids should go to confession again, especially if they have not been since last year.
Chapter 10 “We Follow Gods Laws” of the Sadlier Teacher Catechist Guide goes deeper with notes for you on how to teach Mortal vs. Venial Sins.pg 94
Chapter 11 “We prepare for the sacrament of forgiveness”
Chapter 12 ‘We celebrate the sacrament of forgiveness”
March
1st or 2nd – Class time will be spent where kids have access to go to confession.
8th or 9th – Blessed – God’s Family: Session 6 (pg. 165- 175) video 1, 2, 3
- Video 7 is the closing prayer (pg. 190)
15th or 16th – No Class
22nd or 23rd – Blessed – God’s Family: Session 6 (pg. 176-191) video 4,5
- Journal with Jesus pg. 188
- Video 7 is the closing prayer (pg. 190)
29th or 30th – Blessed – God’s Family: Session 6 (pg. 182-191) video 6
- Session 6 Test pg. 186
- Video 7 is the closing prayer (pg.190)
April
25th – First Communion Retreat (9am – 12pm)
May
8th – First Communion Rehearsal (5pm – 7pm)
9th – First Communion Ceremony (10am & 1pm)
