Elementary Level Program
The academic programs of the Elementary Level, third through fifth grades, are Religion, Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies.
The primary goal of our Religion curriculum is to have children learn, understand, and relate our Catholic faith to their own lives. This is our primary focus, and it is linked into all other lessons, regardless of subject matter. Children grow in awareness and understanding of Jesus’ mission, teaching, death, and resurrection. They also become active members in celebrating Mass and Eucharist.
Language Arts consists of the broad subject areas of reading, writing (including spelling, grammar, usage, and penmanship), listening, and speaking. Our goal is to give children tools to communicate and effectively interpret the spoken and written word. Teachers provide children with many opportunities to develop and strengthen the love of language, to use language creatively, and to develop their capacity to reason. Students in the elementary level engage in a writing process that extends throughout the curriculum.
Writing across the curriculum is achieved by creative writing which is not limited to a specific subject, learning to spell reading words that are used in the different types of writing, and writing summaries in areas such as Social Studies, Reading and Religion.
Grades four and higher participate in our Accelerated Reading Program in order to enhance their reading level. At the completion of each book read ,the student is able to test their knowledge by taking an on-line quiz at any work station in the classrooms in the school. The Accelerated Reading Program tracks the books each student has read, the level of the book, and the overall score and points received. This assists the teacher in tracking each child’s reading level and if necessary, implement additional initiatives. Each child’s Accelerated
Reading results is shared with parents at appropriate intervals.
The elementary Math curriculum uses a wide variety of activities to develop computational and problem solving skills. Lessons in grades three through five cover number sense and operation, algebra, geometry and spatial sense, measurement, data analysis, and probability.
Many Math lessons are also linked to Science and Social Studies skills. This integrated approach enables students to develop knowledge and apply skills in more than one area of study.
As children undertake Science activities, for instance, they develop critical thinking and reasoning skills, which they can apply to other subjects. The Science curriculum covers areas of earth science, life science, and physical science.
Through Social Studies discussions and investigations, children appreciate the history of our country and begin to develop a global view of the world. Social Studies in third grade focuses on Communities and Early Civilizations, fourth grade focuses on Florida History and fifth grade focuses on American History.
Formal portfolio assessment is not being used in third through fifth grade. However, portfolios of some writing samples are kept throughout the year that shows the growth and development of each child.
Special area subjects in third through fifth grades are Music, Art, Computer Science, Library, Spanish, Physical Education, Health, and Guidance. Special area teachers work with classroom teachers and administration to enhance lessons being covered in class and help with school-wide activities and special events.
Music classes are concerned with the structure and use of music in every day life. Students learn about instruments and their sounds, musical forms, and musical styles. Students learn to play simple instruments, construct simple melodic passages, and perform folk dances. They continue to develop their singing voices and learn how to sing simple harmonies.
Throughout the year students learn about the elements and principles of Art and how to apply them in their own projects. Special techniques are combined with many types of media to work on craftsmanship and problem solving through art. The creative process, creative expression, cultural heritage, and art history are touched upon at various times during each project.
Computer skills are taught in a computer lab rather than in individual classrooms. Students are instructed in the proper terminology and use of the computer, and then use programs to practice keyboarding, language, and/or math skills. Students often use the computer for research and type and publish their work.
Library activities build basic library skills and develop reading proficiency. Students are taught to locate and evaluate books for personal reading and for achieving goals in the Accelerated Reading and Book-It programs. Classes have regular weekly visits to the library, but also have access on an “as needed” basis during other library hours.
Spanish instruction in grades three through five concentrate on building vocabulary as well as conversational Spanish. Conversational Spanish is geared toward practical use and activities in daily life. Students also work on basic writing skills.
The elementary Physical Education curriculum focuses on our students being fit in mind, body, and soul. Every year students go through the President’s Physical Fitness Challenge test. Classes are structured with a variety of basic exercises and fun games to work specific skills like eye/hand coordination, eye/foot coordination, under/over hand throwing, spatial awareness, and body positioning. These skills, plus good sportsmanship, teamwork, respect, and leadership, lead students to lifelong good health.
Our guidance curriculum includes a school-wide character development program, as well as lessons and presentations about featured topics throughout the school year. Some of the areas in which students receive instruction are personal safety, conflict resolution, drug and alcohol awareness, career planning, and study skills. The opportunity for class, small group, and individual counseling is available on request. The school counselor also provides parent and teacher consultation as needed and monitors students in need of extra assistance. |
