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
September
23 or 24 – Chap 1 – God Sends His Own Son
30 or Oct 1 – Chap 2 – Jesus Teaches Us About God's Love
October
7 or 8 – No Class (Columbus Day Weekend)
14 or 15 – Chap 3 – Christ Will Come Again
21 or 22 – Chap 4 – The Church Begins
28 or 29 – Chap 5 – We Learn About the Early Church
November
4 or 5 – Chap 8 – The Church Has Four Marks
11 or 12 – No Class (Veterans Day Weekend)
18 or 19 – Hunger Walk – Chap 22 – We Continue the Work of Jesus (Tie in the Walk for Saint Vincent de Paul for Service of the Poor)
25 or 26 – No Class (Thanksgiving Weekend)
December
2 or 3 – Chap 9 – The Church Teaches Us
9 or 10 – Chap 10 – The Church Prays
16 or 17 – Chap 11 – The Parish is Our Home
23 or 24 – No Class (Merry Christmas!)
30 or 31 – No Class (Happy New Year!)
January
6 or 7 – Chap 12 – God Calls Us to Holiness
13 or 14 – Chap 15 – We Celebrate the Sacraments
20 or 21 – No Class (MLK Jr.)
27 or 28 – No Class (Catholic Schools Week)
February
3 or 4 – Chap 16 – Celebrating the Eucharist - The Mass
10 or 11 – Chap 17 – We Worship at Mass
17 or 18 – No Class (Presidents Day)
24 or 25 – Chap 18 – Celebrating Penance and Reconciliation
March
3 or 4 – Chap 19 – We Pray for Healing and Eternal Life
10 or 11 – Chap 23 – The Church Respects All People
17 or 18 – No Classes
24 or 25 – Chap 24 – The Church is Worldwide
31 or Apr 1 – Chap 25 – We Are God's Holy People
April
7 or 8 – Chap 26 – The Kingdom of God Continues to Grow (Last Class)
September
23 or 24 – Chap 1 – God Sends His Own Son
30 or Oct 1 – Chap 2 – Jesus Teaches Us About God's Love
October
7 or 8 – No Class (Columbus Day Weekend)
14 or 15 – Chap 3 – Christ Will Come Again
21 or 22 – Chap 4 – The Church Begins
28 or 29 – Chap 5 – We Learn About the Early Church
November
4 or 5 – Chap 8 – The Church Has Four Marks
11 or 12 – No Class (Veterans Day Weekend)
18 or 19 – Hunger Walk – Chap 22 – We Continue the Work of Jesus (Tie in the Walk for Saint Vincent de Paul for Service of the Poor)
25 or 26 – No Class (Thanksgiving Weekend)
December
2 or 3 – Chap 9 – The Church Teaches Us
9 or 10 – Chap 10 – The Church Prays
16 or 17 – Chap 11 – The Parish is Our Home
23 or 24 – No Class (Merry Christmas!)
30 or 31 – No Class (Happy New Year!)
January
6 or 7 – Chap 12 – God Calls Us to Holiness
13 or 14 – Chap 15 – We Celebrate the Sacraments
20 or 21 – No Class (MLK Jr.)
27 or 28 – No Class (Catholic Schools Week)
February
3 or 4 – Chap 16 – Celebrating the Eucharist - The Mass
10 or 11 – Chap 17 – We Worship at Mass
17 or 18 – No Class (Presidents Day)
24 or 25 – Chap 18 – Celebrating Penance and Reconciliation
March
3 or 4 – Chap 19 – We Pray for Healing and Eternal Life
10 or 11 – Chap 23 – The Church Respects All People
17 or 18 – No Classes
24 or 25 – Chap 24 – The Church is Worldwide
31 or Apr 1 – Chap 25 – We Are God's Holy People
April
7 or 8 – Chap 26 – The Kingdom of God Continues to Grow (Last Class)
