Lower School

Math

Mathematics is based on inquiry, exploration and discovery of their environment leading to the student’s future development of abstract thought. Through a variety of teaching strategies the children are exposed to both structured and informal group activities. The following lessons are introduced: Math Meeting Board, Counters of a variety of sizes/shapes, sorting items, pattern blocks-master patterning skills, attribute sets, number cubes, balances, number lines, clock dials, math concepts, measuring units, ordinal numbers, count by 10’s, count by 2’s, count by 5’s, read the calendar, addition and subtraction, money-recognize and identify coins, recognize numerals 0-180, graphing activities and interpreting simple charts, recognize the place values of numbers in hundreds, tens, and ones, recognize and print numerals 0-100, geometric solids, and identify the shapes.

Text: Saxon Math 1 Series.

Science

Natural sciences enable students to understand themselves, others and the world in which they live. Students are introduced to the Nature of Science, Solving problems, Motion, Living Things and Earth and Sky. Each unit contains hands on activities that help students apply what they are learning.

Language Arts

Language Arts embodies the communication skills of speaking, listening, reading, and writing. A skill of reading needs to be reading readiness. Reading readiness skills include: phonemic awareness, letter recognition, print awareness, vocabulary, and listening comprehension.
Fundations is a research based multisensory and systematic phonics, spelling, and handwriting program designed to reach a wide variety of learners. Students build mastery through skills practice and application of the sequentially, explicitly, systematically taught instruction in foundational skills including: letter formation, phonological and phonemic awareness, sound mastery, phonics, word study and advance word study, irregular (trick) word instruction, vocabulary, fluency, comprehension strategies, written composition (spelling and handwriting).

Text: Phonics: Fundations, Wilson Language Basics.

History

History should introduce to the children the people and customs of the community, country and the world around them. Goals include: identify occupations performed by people in local government, promote a feeling of patriotism, respect our American heritage and that of other cultures, cooperation and courtesy in dealing with others, respect the ideas of others, recognize the importance of community helpers, learn about different occupations, and celebrate holidays throughout the year.

Catechesis

 The Catechesis program follows the liturgical calendar of the Catholic Church. In the 1st semester students learn Old Testament stories from Creation to the Birth of Christ. The 2nd semester focuses on the life of Christ including His Miracles, Parables, Death, and Resurrection. Students also learn about saints, parts of the Mass, the Blessed Mother, and the Pope.

Latin

Kindergarten children will learn basic Latin vocabulary words and phrases needed to enhance conversational skills: greetings and introductions, feelings, numbers, parts of the body, colors, clothing, animals, and family.

Centers

In center time activities develop and reinforce skills through active play in small group settings. Some of these activities include painting, imagination, writing, reading, creating, playdough, blocks and listening.

Story Time

Kindergarten children will be exposed to a variety of authors in order to increase their appreciation for different literary genres.

Art

Art experiences in kindergarten must be based upon the developmental needs of children and allow creative expression: experience different media of art forms, incorporate the holidays in our creations, express ourselves through art, drawing, painting, crafts, sculpting, graphics – create a simple pattern, observe and experiment with simple techniques.

Music

Goals: to promote the joy and appreciation of music, to instill feelings of joy and love of God through music, to establish good listening skills, to simulate participation in music activity, rhythm-move to the beat, melody-differentiate between songs, form-response songs teacher sings and students sing a responding answer, tone and color-differentiate between vocal and instrumental sounds, to learn finger plays, perform sign language with songs taught, and to use music to express our love for God.

Math

This is a “hands-on” oriented program emphasizing use of manipulative and mental math. Concepts are presented in carefully sequenced increments and are constantly reviewed and practiced.
There are 5 instructional components of Saxon Math 2: the Meeting, the Lesson, written practice, number fact practice, and assessments. Each day begins with the Meeting where students practice skills related to calendar, counting, patterning, mental computation, temperature, time, money, problem solving and reading a graph. Lessons are taught through group activities and reinforced through guided and independent practice worksheets. The students graph data, tell time, count money, learn ordinal positions, master basic adding and subtraction, begin multiplication and division, learn basic geometry, measure weight and height, find perimeter area, estimate, identify fractions and patterns.

Text: Saxon Math 2.

Science

Students are provided with numerous hands-on activities that are systematically presented in conjunction with concrete scientific information. The students learn to think and act like scientists as they study various topics including: The Nature of Science, The Design Process, and Energy, Patterns in Space and Plants and Animals.

Text: Interactive Science, Pearson.

Language Arts

Literature

Students are given continuous opportunities to interact with excellent literature to develop their reading, writing, oral communication, and interpretive thinking skills. This program enables both readers and non-readers to think about and actively respond to high quality literature. The selections consist of classic children’s literature, poetry, fairy tales, phonics based decodables, and nonfiction. These literature selections are also used to practice phonemic awareness, sound/spelling associations, comprehension skills and strategies, fluency, and listening skills.

Texts: Student Anthologies: SRA Imagine It series. Storytime Treasures.

English Writing, English Grammar

This text introduces students to the study of grammar concepts and writing genres. Grammar concepts are introduced and practiced. These concepts are applied as students begin to use the Writer’s Workshop process of writing ideas in a thoughtful and organized manner under teacher direction.

Text: Voyages in English, Grade 1, Loyola Press.

Phonics, Spelling and Handwriting

Fundations is a research based multisensory, explicit, and systematic phonics, spelling, and handwriting program designed to reach a wide variety of learners. With a strong focus on student development, Fundations differentiates instruction and promotes each students' active engagement in their learning. Students build mastery through skills practice and application of the sequentially, explicitly, and systematically taught instruction in foundational skills including: letter formation, phonological and phonemic awareness, sound mastery, phonics, word study and advance word study, irregular (trick) word instruction, high frequency word instruction, vocabulary, fluency, comprehension strategies, and written composition (spelling and handwriting). Combined with the core literature-based curriculum, Fundations rounds out an integrated and very comprehensive approach to reading and spelling. Weekly spelling words are teacher generated using the phonics concepts studied each week. Students are tested on these word lists weekly. Students practice spelling and application of words through a variety of activities allowing for depth of understanding and mastery. Students are expected to practice at home as well. Phonics concepts are also reinforced and applied daily through the use of take-home decodable books by SRA Imagine It series.

Text: Fundations, Wilson Language Basics.

History

The purpose of the history curriculum in the first grade is to stimulate the student’s interest in their country through a study of important symbols, history, and places of interest. As the students learn about the country in which they live, they grow to love and appreciate it. Another goal of this grade level’s history curriculum is to stimulate the student’s interest in learning about the world, and to lay a foundation for later study. Students learn about the people, places, and interesting facts of other countries around the world. Map skills are introduced in 1st Grade.

Text: My America and My World, Grade 1, A Beka Book History and Geography Series.

Catechesis

The first grade Catechesis text is a simple introduction to Bible stories and the teachings of the faith. It aims at helping young students understand basic truths of our faith such as: the Trinity, sin, grace, heaven, Sacred Scripture, the sacraments, and the Blessed Mother. They learn various prayers.

Text: Our Heavenly Father, Faith and Life Series 1.

Math

The students compare and order numbers; identify place value and ordinal position to twentieth; identify and complete patterns; solve routine and non-routine problems; master all basic addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division facts; add/subtract multi-digit numbers; multiply a multi-digit number by a single digit-number; divide by a single-digit divisors; add positive/negative numbers; picture/name/order fractions; subtract fractions with common denominators; measure to the nearest quarter inch, millimeter, foot and yard; identify volume; compare and measure mass; tell time; measure perimeter and area; determine elapsed time; count money; make change from a dollar; graph ordered pairs; tally, and create, read, and write observations from real graphs, pictograph, bar graphs, Venn diagrams, and line graphs.

Text: Saxon Math 3.

Science

This program provides a balance of exciting hands-on activities and engaging content resources. Areas that are studied are The Nature of Science, Technology and Tools, Matter, Plants and Animals, Earth’s Materials.

Text: Interactive Science, Pearson.

Language Arts

Literature

A collection of classic children’s literature has been selected to enhance the student learning experience, including Harry the Dirty Dog, Owl Moon, Sylvester and the Magic Pebble. Students participate in daily reading, writing, and discussions after reading from a range of genres including poetry, folk tales, fairy tales, fiction and nonfiction selections.

Students develop the following skills: Recognizing and understanding the conventions of print and books, listening and speaking skills, inquiry and study skills. Comprehension skills include: Sequencing, reality and fantasy, cause and effect, and story elements.

Additionally, students are introduced to chapter books as they read Prairie School, The Courage of Sarah Noble, and four Beatrix Potter books.

English Writing and Grammar

The students learn the following target skills: thinking skills, sentences and sentence parts, nouns and pronouns, verbs, adjectives, and adverbs. The English course encompasses topics such as literature, listening, speaking, composition, grammar, mechanics, usage, and language elements and strategies. Creative writing is also included.

Text: Voyages in English, Loyola University Press. 

Phonics, Spelling and Handwriting

Fundations is a research based multisensory, explicit, and systematic phonics, spelling, and handwriting program designed to reach a wide variety of learners. With a strong focus on student development, Fundations differentiates instruction and promotes each students' active engagement in their learning. Students build mastery through skills practice and application of the sequentially, explicitly, and systematically taught instruction in foundational skills including: letter formation, phonological and phonemic awareness, sound mastery, phonics, word study and advance word study, irregular (trick) word instruction, high frequency word instruction, vocabulary, fluency, comprehension strategies, and written composition (spelling and handwriting). Combined with the core literature-based curriculum, Fundations rounds out an integrated and very comprehensive approach to reading and spelling. Weekly spelling words are teacher generated using the phonics concepts studied each week. Students are tested on these word lists weekly. Students practice spelling and application of words through a variety of activities allowing for depth of understanding and mastery. Students are expected to practice at home as well.

Text: Fundations, Wilson Language Basics.

History

Students study three units: America, Our Home; The People Who Build America; and Tomorrow’s America. The book lays the groundwork for Christian citizenship. Basic geography is taught, history of America is enriched by study of our flag, our fifty states, and America’s past and present.

Text: Our America, Beka Books.

Catechesis

Second grade Catechesis is devoted to preparing the student for the first reception of the sacraments of Penance and Holy Eucharist. It aims at helping one realize God’s personal love for each person as manifested especially in these gifts of confession and Holy Communion. The students learn about the purpose of man’s existence; God and His perfections; the unity and trinity God; original and actual sins; the Redemption; the Church, the Holy Eucharist; the seven sacraments; and the Ten Commandments. The students also learn various prayers.

Text: Jesus Our Life, Faith and Life Series 2.

Math

In the Saxon Math program, as students encounter new increments of instruction, they also continually review previously introduced math concepts. Frequent assessments of new and old concepts are encountered throughout the lessons, ensuring that students truly integrate and retain critical math skills. Topics include: Numbers and Operations; Measurement; Geometry; Patterns; Algebra and Functions; Statistics; Data Analysis and Probability; Problem Solving; and Mathematical Reasoning.

Text: Saxon Math Intermediate 4.

Science

Students learn science concepts through a balance of hands-on activities and solid content knowledge. They use science process skills, critical-thinking skills, and scientific reasoning skills to help develop scientific literacy. The students learn about the following topics: Life Cycles; Sun, Moon, and Earth; Matter, Energy, and Forces; Earth’s Resources; and Roles of Living Things.

Text: Interactive Science, Pearson.

Language Arts

Literature

The Junior Great Books program employs a method of interpretive reading and discussion known as shared inquiry. Students learn how to read closely, ask questions, support their opinions, and engage with classmates during discussions of literature around the world. This gives the students an enjoyable way to develop proficiency in reading comprehension, fluency, vocabulary, critical thinking, writing, listening, and speaking.

Text: Junior Great Books, Series 3. The Great Books Foundation.
Novels: Sarah, Plain and Tall, Patricia McLachlan; Louis Braille, Margaret Davidson; The Hundred Dresses, Eleanor Estes; The Trumpet of the Swan, E. B. White; Stone Fox, John Reynolds Gardiner.

English Grammar and Writing

The English course is designed to include the major areas of the language arts curriculum: writing, grammar, correct usage, mechanics, dictionary and library skills, speaking, listening skills, and literature. Capitalization, punctuation, proper sentence formation, and correct usage of nouns, pronouns, verbs, adjectives, and adverbs are emphasized in the grammar and writing lessons.

Text: Voyages in English, Loyola University Press.

Phonics, Spelling and Handwriting

Fundations is a research based multisensory, explicit, and systematic phonics, spelling, and handwriting program designed to reach a wide variety of learners. With a strong focus on student development, Fundations differentiates instruction and promotes each students' active engagement in their learning. Students build mastery through skills practice and application of the sequentially, explicitly, and systematically taught instruction in foundational skills including: letter formation, phonological and phonemic awareness, sound mastery, phonics, word study and advance word study, irregular (trick) word instruction, high frequency word instruction, vocabulary, fluency, comprehension strategies, and written composition (spelling and handwriting). Combined with the core literature-based curriculum, Fundations rounds out an integrated and very comprehensive approach to reading and spelling. Weekly spelling words are teacher generated using the phonics concepts studied each week. Students are tested on these word lists weekly. Students practice spelling and application of words through a variety of activities allowing for depth of understanding and mastery. Students are expected to practice at home as well.

Text: Fundations, Wilson Language Basics.

History

The textbook contains ninety-one chapters that cover from the beginning of time to the present. Each chapter tells a story from World History and includes names, dates, and main events. Sections include: Prehistoric Period, Egypt, Greece, Rome, Middle Ages, Post Renaissance, and Modern History.

Text: A Child’s History of the World, Virgil M. Hillyer, Calvert Education Services.

Catechesis

Third Grade Catechesis aims to continue and strengthen the child’s understanding, love, and appreciation for the sacraments of Penance and Holy Eucharist. The students identify ways God helps one to know Him, namely, through the Old Testament, Jesus, Tradition, and Scripture. The students learn about the creation, Adam and Eve, and those that prepared the people for the Savior including Abraham, Moses, and David. The students are able to identify the beginning of Jesus’ public life, and to know and explain some of His miracles. The students learn the Ten Commandments, the Stations of the Cross, the parts of the Mass, the Seven Sacraments, and about the lives of Mary and the Saints.

Texts: Our Life With Jesus, Faith and Life Series 3. The New Saint Joseph Baltimore Catechism #1, Catholic Book Publishing Company.

Math

The students become proficient through the Saxon method of incremental development and continual review, which consists of the introduction of topics in easily understandable pieces (increments), and the continual review of topics, which are never dropped, but are instead increased in complexity and practiced daily. Problem solving is emphasized as students are called upon to apply math techniques and tools to real math situations through word problems. Math 65 includes whole number concepts and computation, mental computation, patterns and functions, measurement, and statistics and probability. Work with fractions, mixed numbers, decimals, and geometry is developed significantly. Students are introduced to percentages and negative numbers.

Text: Saxon Math Intermediate 5.

Science

Fourth grade science focuses on providing students with learning experiences that relate science to their everyday world through a variety of hands-on experiments, coupled with the activities and wealth of knowledge provided by the text. The students study five units: Earth’s Land, The Solar System, Classifying Living Things, Magnetism and Electricity, Weather and Climate.

Text: Interactive Science, Pearson.

Language Arts

Literature

The Junior Great Books Program employs a method of interpretive reading and discussion known as Shared Inquiry. The goal of the Shared Inquiry program is to move students toward excellence in reading comprehension, critical thinking, and writing. SRA Reading Laboratory offers a range of reading levels to encourage students to learn at their own pace and to improve their comprehension, vocabulary and word study skills.

Texts: Junior Great Books, Series 4. Junior Great Books Reading Program (Fiction / Non-Fiction). SRA Reading Laboratory, McGraw Hill. Novels: The Cabin Faced West, Jean Fritz; Francis and Clare, Saints of Assisi, Helen Walker Homan; Saint Thomas Aquinas: The Story of the Dumb Ox, Mary Fabyan Windeatt; The Door in the Wall, Marguerite De Angeli; Caddie Woodlawn, Carol Ryrie Brink.

English Writing and Grammar

English grammar for the fourth grade focuses on developing the students’ skills in written and oral communication. This is accomplished primarily by studying examples in the text of various writing techniques and then imitating those techniques while creating original paragraphs and stories. Students grow in experience and confidence in oral communication through short oral presentations on various topics of interest. Students also study the grammatical structure of the sentence in greater depth, examining the five major parts of speech, proper usage of the parts of the speech, proper sentence structure, and the correct use of capitalization and punctuation. Voyages in English support a writer’s workshop approach.

Text: Voyages in English, Loyola University Press.

Spelling

This program focuses on the development of spelling skills through a systematic approach based on recognizable spelling patterns in high-frequency words. Weekly lessons help students identify spelling patterns, use words in context, identify spelling errors, and extend vocabulary usage.

Text: Spelling Connections Grade 4, Zaner-Bloser.

Vocabulary

Fourth grade vocabulary assists students in developing fluency and comprehension in their daily reading by introducing them to approximately 195 vocabulary words. Students learn an average of 12 words per unit.

Text: Vocabulary Workshop, Sadlier-Oxford.

Handwriting

The students improve the overall appearance of their cursive writing by practicing spacing, neatness, slant, smooth and rhythmic letter formation and letter connections.

Text: Handwriting Grade 4, Zaner-Bloser.

History

Fourth grade history focuses on American history. Students are introduced to the major events, dates, and people of America, as well as the beliefs, ideals, and achievements that helped to shape America. Students study the Native Americans, Leif Ericson, the European explorers, the American Revolution and the formation of our nation. Students also become more proficient in basic map and globe skills.

Texts: How America Began, Sadlier. The Catholic Faith Comes to the New World, Seton Press. Map Skills, Continental.

Catechesis

Fourth Grade Catechesis introduces the students to God’s plan of salvation for mankind. The students examine the creation and fall of man, God’s promise of a Savior, and the Old Testament Covenant, which prepared the way for the New and Eternal Covenant established by Jesus Christ. The students then examine how Jesus Christ, through the Catholic Church and her sacraments, guides us on our earthly pilgrimage to our eternal home in heaven.

Texts: Jesus Our Guide, Faith and Life Series 4. The New Saint Joseph Baltimore Catechism #1, Catholic Book Publishing Company.

Math

The Saxon method of incremental development and continual review is presented in daily lessons consisting of four components. The first component includes warm-up activities on facts practice, mental math practice, and a problem solving opportunity. The second is an explanation of the new incremental skill and concept. Practice problems of the new skill make up the third component. The fourth one is a set of problems covering previously presented skills and concepts and those of the current lesson. Lessons cover: basic operations and word problem analysis; operations with fractions, decimals, and percents; tables and graphs; the number line and coordinate plane; operations with integers; geometric concepts with angle measurement; units of measure; problem solving with estimation; compound interest; introduction to algebraic formulas; and roman numerals.

Text: Saxon Math Course 1, An Incremental Development.

Science

Students don’t just learn science facts, but critical thinking, scientific reasoning and science process skills. They learn to ask questions and then investigate the areas of Plant and Animal Systems, Ecosystems, Matter and Energy, Light and Sound. The second half of the year, in conjunction with regular units, the students will be working on a science fair project of their design.

Text: Interactive Science, Pearson.

Language Arts

Literature

The fifth grade reading program continues to develop skills in reading comprehension, critical thinking, writing, and listening and speaking skills. The text series includes outstanding works of literature and poetry, selected for their engaging, vivid writing and their ability to support multiple interpretations. Novels include works by C.S. Lewis, Norton Juster, and Robert C. O'Brien. The areas of study include artistic presentation, summarizing, discussion leading, literary highlights, word definitions, and correlation to real life.

Text: Prentice Hall Literature: copper level; Prentice Hall.
Novels: Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of Nimh, Robert O’Brien; Galen and the Gateway to Medicine, Jeanne Bendick; The Magician’s Nephew, C.S. Lewis; The Phantom Toolbooth, Norton Juster; for boys: St. Benedict, Mary Fabyan Windeatt; for girls: St. Elizabeth’s Three Crowns, Blanche Jennings Thompson.

English Writing and Grammar

The English course includes the major areas of the language arts curriculum: grammar and correct usage; sentence structure; dictionary, thesaurus usage; library and research skills; writing skills; and speaking and listening skills. Grammar and applied usage is developed through exercises and writing assignments. Writing skills emphasis creative writing and progress from sentences to paragraphs, essays, and reports. The continued development of the writing process through the thoughtful use of prewriting, drafting, revising, proofreading, and publishing are emphasized.

Text: Voyages in English, Loyola University Press.

Spelling

This is a comprehensive, phonetic approach to teaching spelling. The Traditional Spelling V program incorporates reading, writing, vocabulary building and dictation of spelling words. The main focus of each lesson is on the phonograms being taught. Through oral dictation, students practice writing phonograms in isolation as well as words that contain them, and writing complete sentences using select list words.

Text: Traditional Spelling V, Memoria Press.

Vocabulary

Level Blue Vocabulary teaches students new vocabulary that is useful at the fifth grade level. The program is meant both to help younger students increase their vocabulary and to improve their vocabulary skills.

Text: Vocabulary Workshop, Sadlier-Oxford.

History

This class is a survey of ancient Western Civilization starting in the Ancient Near East and continuing through the fall of the Roman Empire. The class covers history primarily by stories of the ancient peoples (particularly in Greece and Rome). The students begin with a brief look at the prehistoric era and then discover the first ancient civilizations beginning with Sumer. The students then explore the other civilization of Mesopotamia and the Near East (Amorites, Hittites, Assyrians, Israel, Chaldeans, and the Persians) as well as exploring the world of Ancient Egypt. Then the transition is made to the formative influence of the Greeks and Romans. This is done primarily through stories, both legendary and historical, with a focus on reading comprehension. The goal of the class is an appreciation of the unique qualities of Western Civilization as realized in the great figures of the past.

Text: Global Studies (Amsco)

Catechesis

Catechesis for the fifth grade is devoted to the Creed. The basic truths are studied to demonstrate that faith is not simply a system of learned beliefs but is to be lived by our students. Students examine more fully, the teachings of grace, free will, the prophets, angels, forgiveness, sacrifice, and the Church.

Texts: Credo: I Believe, Faith and Life Series 5. The New Saint Joseph Baltimore Catechism #2, Catholic Book Publishing Company and The Holy Bible, Ignatius Press.

The students acquire technical knowledge and skill in the following areas:

• Basic skills: drawing, painting, sculpting, printing, cutting, pasting
• Theory of the chromatic circle
• Knowledge of terms related to colors
• Perspective
• Proportions
• Contrast of shade and light
• Expression through techniques and color
• Art history terminology
• Knowledge of artists and their periods

The goal of lower school art is to increase each child's ability to observe, and to be open to inspiration from the surrounding world and from inside themselves. The students learn skills that they will build upon in future lessons and years.

In Art History the focus is on a wide variety of periods so that students are exposed to a vast number of artists and styles.

The goal of the general music department is to offer students the opportunity to study and appreciate music through the following medium:

• The singing of general song material in unison, as partner songs and in parts
• Experiencing music through Eurhythmics, which gives the student the opportunity of moving through music-a whole-body approach to music education
• Learning the use of percussion instruments through rhythmic exercises and games and as accompaniment to song material
• Developing an appreciation of music through the study of composers and their musical styles through various periods of music
• Listening to and analyzing various forms of music
• Understanding music in relation to history and culture, in close association with social studies lessons of the classrooms
• Learning to read music through an understanding of musical notation and the mechanics of music
• Performing and improvising music, using instruments the students study in private lessons situations

The above concepts are taught in each grade and according to the age-appropriateness of each level.

FOR Grades 4 and 5

The elementary students use their higher order thinking, creativity, research and interpretation skills to complete a variety of technology-based assignments.

Basic skills and concepts such as computer hardware, productivity technologies, and internet research are covered with an emphasis on improving the students' word processing and typing skills.

Students are taught according to the National Standards in Physical Education

1. Demonstrates competency in many movement form and proficiency in a few movement forms
2. Applies movement concepts and principles to the learning and development of motor skills
3. Exhibits a physically active lifestyle
4. Achieves and maintains a health-enhancing level of physical fitness
5. Demonstrates responsible personal and social behavior in physical activities settings
6. Demonstrates understanding and respect for differences among people in physical activity settings
7. Understands that physical activity provides opportunities for enjoyment, challenge, self-expression, and social interaction.

Physical education at the elementary level helps students learn to work with partners and groups, share equipment, take turns, and solve problems, as they develop physical coordination.

The above is taught through the following courses of study: individual fitness activities, social development/teamwork/cooperative games, sport skills/team play, playground games, dance/movement, and relays.

Starting in Second Grade, Lower School students are assigned Summer Reading. Students select books from their grade level list, and complete a brief assignment(s) due the first week of school.

Second Grade List

Choose 3 books from the following:
(If a series is listed, you may choose one book from that series.)

Henry and Mudge by C. Rylant
Robert series by Barbara Seuling
Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle series by Betty MacDonald
Frog & Toad series by Arnold Lobel
Pippi Longstocking series by Astrid Lindgren
Nate the Great series by Majorie W. Sharmat
Magic Tree House series by Mary Pope Osbourne
Fairy Tales by Hans Christian Andersen
The Boxcar Children series by Gertrude Chandler Warner
The A-Z Mysteries series by Ron Roy
Amelia Bedelia series by Peggy Parish
Billy and Blaze series by C.W. Anderson
Famous American Biographies for young children
Famous Scientist biographies

Third Grade List

1) Choose one FICTION BOOK:

The Great Kapok Tree: A Tale of the Amazon Rain Forest by Lynne Cherry
Fantastic Mr. Fox by Roald Dahl
The Clown of God by Tomie DePaola
The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo
From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E.L. Konigsburg
Thunder Cake by Patricia Polacco
Ramona Quimby, Age 8 by Beverly Cleary
Chocolate Fever by Robert K. Smith

2) Choose one BOOK FROM ANY OF THESE SERIES:

The Borrowers series by Mary Norton
Magic Tree House series by Mary Pope Osborne
The Boxcar Children series by Gertrude Chandler Warner

3) Choose one Fairy Tale or Tall Tale:

The Emperor's New Clothes by Hans Christian Andersen (ISBN #1563976994)
The Nightingale by Hans Christian Andersen (ISBN #0836249275)
The Frog Prince by Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm (ISBN #1587262797)
The Twelve Dancing Princesses by Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm (ISBN #9780553897401)
American Tall Tales by Mary Pope Osborne

Fourth Grade List

Choose TWO BOOKS FROM THE FOLLOWING:

Little House on the Prairie by Laura Ingalls Wilder
The Cricket in Times Square by George Seldon
Sign of the Beaver by Elizabeth George Speare
What's the Big Idea, Ben Franklin? by Jean Fritz
And then What Happened, Paul Revere? by Jean Fritz
Indian Captive by Lois Lenski
Pollyanna by Eleanor H. Porter
Five Children and It by E. Nesbit
Hans Brinker by Mary Mapes Dodge
Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo
The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate
An age-appropriate chapter book from Bethlehem Books, such as The Mitchells, The Winged Watchman, The Bantry Bay series, and A Day on Skates.
A Biography of a Saint, such as the Vision Book series (Ignatius Press), Encounter the Saints Series (Pauline), or books written by Mary Fabian Windeatt (Tan Books).

Fifth Grade List

Choose TWO BOOKS FROM THE FOLLOWING:

Swiss Family Robinson by Johann Wyss
The Upstairs Room by Johanna Reiss
Snow Treasure by Marie McSwigan
My Side of the Mountain by Jean Craighead George
Call it Courage by Armstrong Sperry
The Children's Homer: The Adventures of Odysseus and the Tale of Troy by Padraic Colum
The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
The Railway Children by Edith Nesbit
Ben and Me by Robert Lawson
The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis
The Book of Three by Lloyd Alexander
St. Dominic and the Rosary by Catherine Beebe
St. Helena and the True Cross by Louis de Wohl