St. Matthew Catholic School
GRADE THREE Grade Level Expectations
These are the core grade level expectations based on the McRel standards and benchmarks that should be taught during third grade and represent what a student will learn. They are written from the student point of view. These grade level expectations are aligned with McRel standards and the standards-based progress report. The number listed is in reference to McRel 3rd edition; the number listed for Religion standard is in reference to By Their Fruits You Shall Know Them, Lorraine Ozar. The grade level expectations that are aligned with and developed by ITBS/ITED are noted in italics. Not all standards are addressed at every grade level which is appropriate considering a student’s development.
Reads, interprets, and applies Scripture to life.
• Participates in discussion*
• Knowledge of content*
• Continues study of parables and scripture
• Studies lives of Saints
• Knows that the psalms are prayers written long ago and intended to be sung
• Knows that Jesus sent the Holy Spirit at Pentecost
• Understands that the gifts of the Holy Spirit are wisdom,understanding, right judgment, courage, knowledge, piety, and the fear of the Lord
Illustrates basic understanding of Catholic dogma and doctrine in light of the “Catechism for the Catholic Church.”
• Recognizes the commandments as God’s law of love
• Realizes and applies the Beatitudes as Jesus’ code to follow for perfect love and happiness
• Develops a deeper realization of role of Mary as Mother of Jesus and our mother
Demonstrates the importance of sacraments, with an emphasis on the centrality of the Eucharist in the life of Catholics.
• Develops a greater understanding of the sacrament of Baptism
• Recognizes that through Baptism, everyone is called to serve God and others through the married, ordained, vowed religious or single life
• Recognizes and experiences the loving presence of Jesus in the Sacraments (Baptism, Reconciliation, Eucharist)
Makes moral decisions consistent with Church teachings.
• Realizes that God’s plan is that people be good in order to live with God forever in heaven
• Recognizes that God gives us rules for living a life of love
• Recognizes that from the beginning of life to death; human beings grow and develop in a given sequence, but the rules and patterns differ for each individual
Acknowledges and affirms the diverse cultural expressions of Catholicism.
• Recognizes the many gifts, talents and abilities that God has provided each of us
Applies Catholic principles to interpersonal relations (e.g., family, peers, work, society, Church, etc.)
• Practices Christian action toward others*
Uses effective community building skills in relating with others.
• Applies skills to concrete life situations – is considerate of others and their feelings*
Critiques societal structures in light of Catholic social justice principles and apply to social and personal situations.
• Practices Christian action toward others*
• Understands various roles and ministries in the Church
• Recognizes that boys and girls are equal partners in God’s plan for creation.
Engages in service to the community (e.g., family, parish, local, national and global) in response to the Gospel call.
• Practices Christian action toward others*
• Participates in parish and community service projects
• Understands various roles and ministries in the Church
• Reflects on what it means to be a Catholic church
Exercises responsible stewardship for the gift of creation.
• Practices Christian action toward others*
• Responds joyfully to God’s call to give of one’s self in love to God and others by showing one’s time, talents and treasures with the Church (stewardship)
Examines the variety of Christian life styles as ways to respond to the baptismal call to a life of service.
• Participates in parish and community service projects
Uses appropriate resources to plan and participate in liturgy and other prayer experiences.
• Takes part in planning liturgies and para-liturgies
• Recognizes that the Lord’s Day is honored as a celebration of Resurrection and a holy day of obligation
Uses a variety of prayer forms (e.g., traditional, spontaneous, devotional, multicultural) to enrich and express personal and communal spirituality.
• Develops a personal relationship with Jesus that evokes a response of generous love
• Understands that there are prayers of praise and blessing, petition, thanksgiving, and contrition
• Recognizes some ways to express one’s belief in the Holy Trinity are with the Sign of the Cross and the Apostle’s Creed
• Can recite and use the designated prayers and gestures; Sign of the Cross, Our Father, Hail Mary, Grace before/after meals, Morning Prayer, Doxology (Glory Be), Act of Contrition, Rosary, Apostles’ Creed and other prayers of cultural/liturgical significance as designated.
Demonstrates an understanding of liturgical seasons and feasts.
• Increases knowledge of Church’s liturgical seasons of Advent, Christmas, Lent and Easter
• Recognizes that the Church year also includes special feasts in honor of Mary and the saints
• Understands that the Church has certain days of obligation on which to worship together as community