Core Lesson Plan
HDC Grade 3 enhances the discussion on applying the power to choose and to think and grow in excellence. Lessons differentiate between intentional and unintentional actions to further students’ understanding of their unique abilities as human beings. Familiar concepts like treating others with dignity are discussed in depth by relating them with what it means “to use” another for one’s own purpose. The discussion on likening oneself to a hero is elevated with writing exercises like letters and lists that allows students to reflect on key questions. The grade concludes with a Heroes Charter that allows students to plot out a map of steps towards becoming a hero.
Lesson 1
The Human Person: Human Dignity
The purpose of this lesson is to introduce human dignity as our special value as human persons.
Lesson 2
All Living Beings: Powers to Eat, Grow, Reproduce
The purpose of this lesson is to establish the hierarchy of living beings.
Lesson 3A
Animals & Humans: Power to Use External Senses
The purpose of this lesson is to distinguish animals and humans from plants with their power to use external senses.
Lesson 3B
Animals & Humans: Power to Use Internal Senses
The purpose of this lesson is to distinguish animals and humans from plants with their power to use internal senses.
Lesson 3C
Animals & Humans: Power to Feel Emotions
The purpose of this lesson is to distinguish animals and humans from plants because of their power to feel emotions.
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Lesson 4A
Humans: Power to Think
The purpose of this lesson is to distinguish humans from other living beings with their power to think.
Lesson 4B
Humans: Power to Choose
The purpose of this lesson is to distinguish humans from other living beings with their power to choose.
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Lesson 5
Humans: Heroes
To place students on the path toward aspiring to heroic excellence.
Lesson 6A
Me: Choosing for My Body
The purpose of this lesson is to prepare students to make excellent decisions regarding their body.
Lesson 6B
Me: Choosing for Myself
The purpose of this lesson is to prepare students to make excellent decisions regarding their whole person.
Lesson 7A
Me & Others: Solidarity
The purpose of this lesson is to highlight that there is an intrinsic social element to our humanity.
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Lesson 7B
Me & Others: Self-Gift
The purpose of this lesson is to highlight love as the gift of a self to another in accordance with their dignity.
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Lesson 7c
Me & Others: Choices in Friendship and at School
The purpose of this lesson is to highlight how friendships can aid in our quest for human excellence.