Intermediate Grades 3-5

Grade Three

Third grade mixes a blend of thematic learning and technology to bring the curriculum together and make it more meaningful for the students. The children learn to work independently as well as to work cooperatively with other students.  The Social Studies theme is Communities, at home and throughout the United States.  To culminate our studies, children complete a project on a state of their choice.  The Science curriculum covers three themes:  Plants, Rocks and Minerals, and Sound.  Along with the Harcourt Brace Reading Series the children read other selections such as The Courage of Sarah Noble, Stone Fox, Seals, and Sarah Plain and Tall.  The Everyday Math program provides real life activities  with skills training in basic facts, problem solving, geometry, measurement and probability.  The children, as writers, make great strides in third grade as they effectively use the writing "Diamond" of Empowering Writes in their pieces.  Third graders enhance their stories by concentrating on the main event and by adding details.

Mr. Garber's Class Site

Grade Four

    Fourth grade students are actively using technology in all aspects of the curriculum.  In Social Studies, students create PowerPoint projects based on the Regions of the United States. Other multimedia projects are created for Science units on the Solar System and Human Body. Fourth graders make the transition to independently reading trade books such as: The War with Grandpa, Dear Mr. Henshaw, and The Magic School Bus Gets Lost in Space. Students are building on skills previously taught in the new math program, Everyday Math,  as they continue to use math skills in every day situations.  Expository writing using the "Pillar" format of Empowering Writes is introduced.

Grade Five

    Fifth grade students are actively involved in their academics. Project-based learning enhances the curriculum throughout the year.  Social Studies themes of U.S. History include Native Americans, Black History, Civil War, and Pioneers.  Science units include Animal Habitats, Mixtures and Solutions, and Landforms. "Great Body Shop" supplements the program.  Harcourt Brace reading is followed with guided reading groups to reinforce skills and comprehension strategies.  Novels read include:  The Sign of the Beaver, Freedom Train, and What's the Big Idea Ben Franklin?  Everyday Math curriculum introduces many new concepts, games, and skills.  Expository writing is developed using the Empowering Writes program.  Technology is integrated into all curricular areas using reading, math, science, and social studies software.