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Educating saints and scholars is at the heart of the education process at Christ the Teacher Catholic School. Students in Grades 3 to 5, also referred to as the Middle Cluster, have the opportunity to participate in all aspects of the school community. In addition to daily instruction in religion, math, reading, language arts, science, and social studies, students have weekly Spanish, art, music, physical education, library, and technology classes. Starting in third grade, the students are on the second floor of the school building and have lockers to store their books and belongings. The middle cluster also affords students the opportunity to be a member of the school choir, band, and spring musical. Many middle cluster students also participate on athletic teams and Girls on the Run.
In an effort to best meet the diverse learning styles of the students, academic instruction is provided in a variety of ways. Whole group and small group instruction, the use of technology and hands-on activities, service learning, and projects are all utilized as ways to engage the students and enrich the learning process. Prayer and the Catholic faith traditions are incorporated into all aspects of academics and school life.
Topics of Study, Special Programs, and Traditions for Grades 3 to 5 include:
Grade 3:
- Understanding the Rosary as a meditative prayer based on the life events of Jesus and his mother, Mary
- Reinforce cursive writing from second grade
- Growing in responsibility by maintaining a locker and using an agenda/planner
- Participation in the Delaware Firefighters’ Safety Poster Contest
- Beginning to take weekly reading assessments online
- An on-campus field trip to the school’s wetlands in partnership with the Delaware Natural History Society
Grade 4:
- Focus on understanding the Ten Commandments and the Beatitudes
- Emphasis on Delaware History in Social Studies with participation in the Delaware Day Project competition
- Research states and create floats highlighting key facts and symbols for a schoolwide parade
- Research volcanos across the world, create trifolds, and share their knowledge during the Fourth Grade Luau
- Field trips to the Kalmar Nyckel Tall Ship in Wilmington and tours of the historic homes and courthouse in Historic New Castle
Grade 5:
- Focus on our call to discipleship, being active members of the Church, and using your gifts to serve God
- The use of Chromebooks to supplement instruction in all subject areas and for reinforcement of earlier content
- The Saints project, the Native American Shelter project, and book report presentations are ways the students share their research and understanding of topics
- Field trips include going to Ashland Nature Center and Hagley Museum
- The development of critical thinking and reading comprehension skills as well as building extensive vocabulary