It has been said that in grades K-2, the focus is on students learning to read and that the focus in grades 3-5 is on students reading to learn. This is true for the most part, but as any teacher will tell you, students never stop learning to read. Vocabulary and comprehension skills continue to be developed from third grade on to graduation from high school. As textbooks for science and history become part of the student’s daily reading diet, the student must learn how to read and use non-fiction, informational texts to acquire knowledge. This is a big transition for students, and they will need help and support from home to become skilled readers and thinkers.
Grades 3-5 are also crucial years for mathematical skill development. Students must master their basic arithmetic facts – addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division – to prepare them for more advanced arithmetic study and pre-algebra. Not having mathematical automaticity – the ability to accurately recall math facts with fluency – severely limits a student’s progress in future mathematics study. Again, home support for students seeking mastery of math facts is essential.
Curriculum
used in our 3-5 grade classes come from these sources:
Mathematics:
Saxon mathematics program (http://saxonpublishers.hmhco.com/en/sxnm_home.htm)
- Math 3e
- Math: Intermediate 4 © 2008
- Math 6/5 © 2004
English:
Literature and Integrated Language Arts: Harcourt Brace Signatures series
- Wings © 1999
- Diamond Cove © 1999
- Rare Finds © 1999
- Coast to Coast ©1999
- Pearson Modern Curriculum Press Word Studies © 1998
Vocabulary: Wordly Wise 3000 (http://www.wordlywise3000.com)
- Wordly Wise 3000 Book 5 © 2007
Writing: Institute for Excellence in Writing (http://www.iew.com)
- Teaching Writing: Structure and Style, Level A © 2014
Grammar: Institute for Excellence in Writing (http://www.iew.com)
- Fix It! Grammar: The Nose Tree; © 2014
- Fix It! Grammar: Robin Hood; © 2014
Novels (partial listing)
- Stone Fox, John Reynolds Gardiner
- Number the Stars, Lois Lowry
- Tuck Everlasting, Natalie Babbitt
Science:
- A Beka Exploring God’s World © 2006
- Purposeful Design Systems © 2007
- Purposeful Design Changes © 2008
History and Social Studies:
- A Beka Our American Heritage ©
- Learning Well Let’s Learn About Maryland © 1996
- Scott Foresman Social Studies – Maryland © 2004
- Prentice Hall World Studies – Foundations of Geography © 2005
- Prentice Hall World Studies – United States and Canada © 2005
Bible:
- A Beka Flash-a-Card Bible program
- NEST Animated Stories from the Bible DVDs and activity books
- The Holy Bible © Eternal
Grades 3-5 also participate in music, art, and physical education classes.