Primary 1st-3rd Grade

Primary grades at Saint Theresa focus on establishing a firm foundation in reading and mathematics, as well as preparing for and receiving their sacraments and understanding their faith on a deeper level. Our school follows the curriculum set forth by the Diocese of Harrisburg, and we are accredited by the Middle States Association. Students also take a different "special" class each day in art, music, technology/library, physical education, and STEM. Students receive marks of "I," "P," or "E" on their report cards rather than traditional grades in first, second, and third grades. These are communicated via progress reports (if needed) and on report cards distributed at the conclusion of each trimester.

1st Grade

First grade builds on the routines and knowledge established in kindergarten.

In Math students will learn about numbers, operations, measurements, geometry, algebraic concepts, data analysis and probability. They will read, write and count to 100, count by 2s, 3s, 5s, 10s and 25s, order whole sets of numbers through 100, fractions of 1/2, 1/3 and 1/4. They can demonstrate addition and subtraction concepts and compute smaller numbers.

First graders will use illustrations to preview stories and make predictions, recognize the characteristics to identify the genre, read text, and relate knowledge that leads to self corrections in reading/writing. Students will distinguish between real and make believe, identify literary elements, and analyze drama.  As they learn to read independently, they will strengthen their skills in phonics, vocabulary, and comprehension. First graders will write persuasive passages, expository essays, and poems. They will write relevant sentences, tell events in chronological order and edit basic sentences with teacher assistance.

One of the treasured traditions in first grade is dressing up as a saint of their choosing for All Saints Day. The students learn about their saint, process through church as part of our school-wide "All Saints Day" Mass, and give a little presentation to their classmates.

2nd Grade

2nd Grade spends most the the year preparing through Religion class for the sacraments of Reconciliation and First Holy Communion. It is a blessing to build on the promises of baptism and work with these children on preparing their minds and hearts to receive these sacraments of initiation. While the preparation for the sacraments happens largely during class time, there are two retreats on the weekends students will attend, and the sacraments themselves also take place on Saturdays.

In Math students will learn about numbers, operations, measurements, geometry, algebraic concepts, data analysis and probability. They will read, write and count to 1,000, read three digit numbers, identify odd and even numbers, count by 100s, 1000s and 10,000s, order whole sets of numbers through 1,000. They will demonstrate addition and subtraction concepts and apply them. Students will understand the Commutative Property of Addition, mental math, and working with currency. Students will tell time on an analog clock, compute measurements including perimeter, and make weight estimates. Probability will be introduced and students will be able to organize data and analyze it. 

Second graders will continue to expand on the reading, writing and grammar. They will verbalize the difference in genres and self-correct their work using questioning and re-reading. Students will distinguish between fact and opinion and identify essential and non essential information in a story. Their writing will grow in detail, with additional focus on creative writing and supplementing it with illustration. 

3rd Grade

In Math students will learn about numbers, operations, measurements, geometry, algebraic concepts, data analysis and probability. They will read, write and count to 100,000, read four digit numbers, identify odd and even numbers, order whole sets of numbers through 10,000. Students will understanding the inverse relationship between addition and subtraction, be introduced to multiplication, problem solve, and learn the order of operations. Students will begin work with the concepts of geometry and identify shapes, draw line segments, and apply transformations. Finally, the math rules for algebraic concepts are introduced and students will apply simple function rules, create basic models, and determine math patterns.

Third graders build on the foundations established in earlier grades for reading, writing, and grammar. When reading and analyzing, they will distinguish the characteristics of the genre and use text headings to aid in critical thinking. They will analyze text organization and content to derive meaning using established criteria when interpreting literature. Students will identify elements and comprehend poetry by identifying various poetic forms like free verse, rhymed verse, haiku, cinquain, and limericks. They will cite information used in essays.

Third grade is the last year students do not receive traditional grades on their report cards, and as such the year is treated as a transitional one. In the third trimester, students begin receiving grades on their papers to help acclimate them to the raised expectations the following year. Our third grade teachers do a wonderful job helping students rise to the challenges ahead!