In Third Grade, students participate in independent, whole class, and cooperative group activities. There are many opportunities for collaboration to help encourage growth socially and academically. Students complete various projects and become responsible for developing and maintaining organizational skills and using consistent study habits. Students are asked to think abstractly and to develop deeper meanings of concepts explored in earlier grades and they will begin to analyze what they learn. Third Graders become more advanced readers, writers, mathematicians and thinkers.
Language Arts
Reading comprehension skills of focus include: understanding fiction and non-fiction reading selections, identifying main ideas, sequencing events, recalling details, authors purpose, making predictions, drawing inferences, vocabulary development, and understanding cause and effect relationships. Students work on referring to text for answers and making text-to-self connections. Students also work on fluency, decoding, word recognition, and concept development. Third graders learn and practice the steps of the writing process. Proper grammar, spelling, and the mechanics of writing are emphasized to enable students to communicate effectively. Students are asked to expand their writing by utilizing details and description. Third Graders continue to practice and use cursive handwriting.
Math
Math is differentiated at either an on-level or above-level pace beginning in Third Grade. The class uses the enVisionmath 2.0 program to focus on learning fact families in addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. Additionally, Third Grade utilizes other mathematical skills including understanding equivalent fractions, decimals, geometry, telling time, units of measurement, graphing, predicting outcomes, problem solving, and analyzing data.
Science
Science curriculum focuses on life, earth, and physical sciences. Students learn the scientific method of data collection and experimentation.
Social Studies
The Social Studies curriculum reviews the concept of community in urban, suburban and rural areas. Students also learn about geography,economics, civics, and government.
Religion
In Religion, the students continue to learn about their Catholic faith, the Blessed Trinity, Creed, Scripture, conscience, Christian living, prayer, the life and teachings of Jesus and the Sacraments.
Enrichment classes: P.E., Art, Music, Technology, and Spanish
Teacher: Mary McGrath
Mary McGrath has over 25 years of experience working in education administration, non-profit fundraising and teaching. Mrs. McGrath is passionate about teaching students of all ages and abilities and brings her knowledge of working with students from Pre-K and Special Education to Public and Catholic high school. In her non-profit work, Mrs. McGrath was responsible for creating the financial support administrators and teachers needed to provide the technology and services necessary for academic growth.
In her free time, Mrs. McGrath runs a business teaching fitness classes and is an avid swimmer. She believes that a healthy body and mind serve a healthy Spirit.
Teaching Assistant: Jeremie Lipczenko
Jeremie Lipczenko earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in English and American Literature from Brandeis University and her Master of Education degree from Lesley University. A native of Montgomery County, Jeremie has spent her career teaching Pre-K through Grade 7 in both private and public school settings in Massachusetts and Maryland. Mrs. Lipczenko joined Holy Cross School in 2023 and is enthusiastic about helping students become life-long learners.
