Academics

English Language Arts

Wonders provides an explicit research-based ILA program that empowers students to take an active role in learning and exploration. It provides unparalleled opportunities for student-friendly self-assessments and self-expression through reading, writing and speaking. This strong educational program provides differentiation to ensure that every student has the opportunity to become a strong reader, writer and critical thinker. Teachers act as a guide while students read leveled texts, reinforce skills, practice reading strategies, and build independence while engaging in questioning and discussion.

Handwriting

Writing Our Catholic Faith builds on previously learned skills to help students continue to develop manuscript handwriting. Traceable words and sentences reinforce proper letter formation, letter and word spacing. Beautiful Catholic pictures and fun activities keep students engaged in each lesson.

Math

enVision Mathematics is a math program that combines problem based learning with visual learning to deepen students’ conceptual understanding. The lessons start with problem based learning. Students will think critically about real-world math problems, evaluate options, collaborate and present solutions. This is followed by visual learning to solidify the underlying math concepts. As a result, the children have a better understanding of math ideas. This program has received top honors for supporting students at all levels.

History and Science

Scholastic Social Studies is a student’s guide to the world. It maximizes student engagement with real-world content that reflects diverse experiences, identities and abilities - through read alouds, videos and activities. It also provides diversified language across curricular activities. Scholastic supports student well-being in all content areas with texts and activities that weave SEL competencies into academic instruction.

Mystery Science   is a hands-on curriculum that is fully aligned with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). Mystery Science’s units of study contain hands-on activities, engaging, real-world investigative phenomena, thoughtful discussions to build background knowledge, lesson & unit assessments to evaluate comprehension and curated, cross-curricular extensions. The ultimate goal is to ensure that our children grow to see that it’s an amazing world we live in, full of possibility and wonder—and that they develop the ability to figure things out for themselves.

Religion

Word of Life  centers on an initial proclamation of the gospel message. The curriculum is firmly rooted in Sacred Scripture and the history of salvation. Students will be immersed in the historical reality of God’s entering time and inviting all people into communion with Him. The Word of Life series has been strategically developed to present the fullness of the faith in a way that can resonate with students today. Students will be presented with practical situations and concrete examples of virtuous and holy character. The Word of Life series teaches students the truth about their identity, dignity, and purpose. Additionally, the curriculum not only prepares students for liturgical celebration but also equips them for ongoing reflection following their participation in liturgy and the sacraments.

Growing with God Safe and Sacred is a program that offers a practical and systematic approach to child safety, social development and emotional development. Students are taught to see themselves and others as children of God inherently deserving of respect and care.

Specials

Students meet once per week for 60 minutes in the following special subject areas:

Art 
The standards for Grade Three Visual Arts emphasize learning through inquiry. Students will examine aspects of the artistic process: generation of ideas, problem solving, and self- assessment.  Students will gain fluency in using and understanding the elements of art and principles of design. Emphasis will be placed on the artistic process including idea development, production and reflection to achieve a final piece of art. Students begin to utilize more three-dimensional skills and visualize the production of the works of art. Creativity and using problem solving skills to answer the given project are encouraged. Projects are inspired by books and artists initially discussed during the introduction of each project.

Gym
Third Grade Physical Education students practice a variety of fitness and invasive activities, and increase physical fitness through different movement patterns. Our physical education program addresses the needs of all students through diversified skill development and activities designed to implement locomotor, non-locomotor, manipulative, non-manipulative skills, with and without equipment. The goal of our physical education program is to involve the body in developing lifetime skills necessary for individual and team sports.

Music
Our Third Grade Music Exploration program is designed to nurture a love of music and provide young learners with a foundational understanding of musical concepts. Through age-appropriate activities, students will explore rhythm, melody, singing, movement, and basic music theory. Materials used in the curriculum include instruments like piano keyboards, rhythm sticks, handbells, and xylophones, as well as simple visuals, children’s songs, and recorded music. This curriculum aims to create a positive and engaging musical experience for students, fostering a lifelong love of music, and providing a solid foundation for their future musical education.

Spanish 
The Spanish Language and Culture program for third grade is designed to introduce students to the Spanish language and its peoples while nurturing their faith through Catholic teachings and values. This curriculum seeks to develop students’ basic Spanish language skills, including listening and speaking, and introduce them to the diverse cultures and traditions of Spanish-speaking communities.

STEM 
PLTW curriculum utilized in our STEM program is designed to empower students to thrive in an evolving world and focuses on connections to a variety of  New Jersey State Learning Standards for Computer Science, Math and English Language Arts. Holy Cross Academy partners with PLTW to offer a hands-on, project-based approach to learning for students in Grades K-8. The program incorporates Science, Technology, Engineering & Math (STEM) skills needed for future success. Third grade students are immersed in PLTW’s Launch program, exploring topics such as Stability & Motion: Forces and Interactions. In addition to PLTW programs, students work on a variety of technology-based skills such as Google Tools for Education and Coding, all while incorporating and taking the Catholic values that we use in our real world with us into the digital world.