Lower School Curriculum
Language Arts Curriculum
Kindergarten – Second Grade Overview
The goal of the Language Arts Program is to develop our students’ ability to communicate
effectively. We emphasize the development of confidence and competence in reading, writing,
speaking, and listening. Instruction occurs individually, in small groups, and in whole class
settings. We use a literature-based reading series in conjunction with leveled texts and book
studies. Students are expected to read and understand more complex material, and write and
speak with more sophistication as they progress through the grades. Completion of the course
enables the students to understand the following concepts and skills.
Language Arts Kindergarten
Concepts in Print
• Understand the concepts of letter, word, sentence, paragraph, and story
• Track print: front to back of book, top to bottom of page, left to right on line
• Know capital and lowercase letters
• Recognize the uses of capitalization and punctuation
• Value print as a means of gaining information
Phonological and Phonemic Awareness
• Identify consonant sounds
• Develop an understanding of vowel sounds
• Recognize and produce rhyming words
• Recognize and produce words with the same sound
• Identify beginning, middle, and/or ending sounds
• Identify and isolate initial, final, and medial sounds in spoken words
Phonetics and Decoding
• Know letter/sound relationships
• Blend sounds of letters to decode
• Recognize phonograms/word families
• Apply knowledge of letter/sound relationships to decode unfamiliar words
• Use context, syntax, letter/sound relationships, and word structure to decode
Fluency
• Practice fluency in a variety of ways: choral reading, partner/paired reading, and repeated
oral reading
Oral and Written Vocabulary
• Recognize regular and irregular high-frequency words
• Use picture clues to help learn word meaning
• Use new words in a variety of contexts
• Use words that describe location, size, color, shape, number, idea, feelings
Comprehension
• Preview text for the purpose of reading and listening
• Activate and use prior knowledge
• Make predictions
• Recall and retell stories
• Draw conclusions
• Discuss the main idea with supporting details
• Discuss the sequence of events
Writing
• Recognize literary elements such as character traits and feelings
• Discuss plot structure
• Recognize setting
• Recollect, talk, and write about books
• Make connections: text to self, text to text, text to world
• Write using pictures, some letters, and transitional spelling to convey meaning
• Use lowercase and capital letters in sentence writing
• Write first and last name
Language Arts 1
Phonemic Awareness
• Identify initial, final, and medial sounds in words
• Blend sounds to make words
• Segment words into syllables to decode unfamiliar words
Phonics
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Identify consonant blends, short and long vowel sounds, vowel diagraphs and dipthongs
Identify inflectional endings on base words
Identify contractions and compound words
Fluency
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Self-correct for accuracy and comprehension
Attend to punctuation and use appropriate phrasing
Work towards fluency goal of 45 to 60 words correct per minute
Vocabulary
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Read high frequency words automatically
Use context clues to determine the meaning of unfamiliar words, homonyms, and homographs
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Use a glossary to learn word meanings
Apply new words in a variety of contexts
Develop vocabulary through direct instruction, reading, experiences, and listening to text read
aloud
Comprehension
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Apply prior knowledge to make text connections to self, other texts, and the world
Make and confirm predictions
Summarize text by retelling story
Recognize cause and effect relationships
Compare and contrast elements of text
Distinguish between realism and fantasy
Sequence events
Identify main idea and supporting details
Recognize literary elements
Writing
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Use accepted conventions of the English language to identify types of sentences,
subject/predicate, parts of speech and writing mechanics
Recognize statements, questions, and exclamations
Compose the following: personal narrative, how-to report, descriptive paragraph, persuasive letter
and a research report
Spelling
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Participate in weekly spelling tests based on phonetic skills
Use of word wall and dictionary to spell high frequency words
Language Arts 2
Phonics
• Blend sounds of letters to decode words
• Decode words with common word parts
Fluency
• Read aloud with accuracy, comprehension, appropriate rate, and expression
• Attend to punctuation and use appropriate phrasing
• Work toward the fluency goal of 90-100 words per minute
Vocabulary
• Read high-frequency words and lesson vocabulary automatically
• Develop and extend vocabulary through direct instruction, reading, and listening to text
read aloud
• Learn word meanings through word structures, context clues, references, and instruction
• Use new words in a variety of contexts
Comprehension
• Use multiple strategies to read for meaning
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Generate and answer text-related questions
Read for meaning
Identify main idea, cause and effect, and sequence of events
Understand the literary elements of plot, characters, setting, and theme
Writing
• Compose the following: research report, compare and contrast paragraph, description,
persuasive letter, and personal narrative
• Edit, revise, and publish writing pieces
Spelling
• Take weekly spelling tests with sentence dictation and grammar review
• Connect spelling, literature, and writing
Third Grade Overview
The Third Grade Language Arts Program includes instruction in reading comprehension,
spelling, vocabulary, and writing. The purpose of the program is to have students apply
previously learned skills to literature leading to the development of higher levels of reading
proficiency. Completion of the course enables the students to understand the following concepts
and skills.
Phonics
• Identify base words to decode unfamiliar words
• Learn and apply syllabication rules
• Learn contractions, inflected endings, compound words, suffixes, and prefixes
Fluency
• Read aloud with accuracy, comprehension, and appropriate rate
• Read aloud with expression
Vocabulary
• Use word structure to determine word meaning
• Use context clues to determine meanings of unfamiliar words, multiple meaning words,
homonyms, and homographs
• Use a dictionary or thesaurus to extend knowledge of word meanings
Comprehension
• Identify and differentiate between topic, main ideas, and supporting details
• Identify the author’s purpose
• Identify the differences between realism and fantasy
• Make predictions, inferences, and draw conclusions
• Differentiate between fact and opinion
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Identify cause and effect relationships
Writing
• Write a paragraph using correct structure and appropriate punctuation
• Compose the following: personal narrative, how-to report, compare and contrast essay,
story, persuasive letter and research report
• Edit, revise, and publish writing pieces
Spelling
• Spell high frequency words
• Proofread and correct written material for spelling errors
Fourth Grade Overview
The focus of the Fourth Grade Language Arts Program is to expand students’ vocabulary,
strengthen comprehension, and promote the ability to read critically, recognizing tools authors
use to create literature. The ability to express opinions and ideas clearly and concisely in oral
and written form is stressed. Through daily oral reading, fluency and phonetic skills acquired in
the earlier grades are refined. A literature-based reading series as well as multiple novels are
used. Weekly literature circles are conducted to discuss novels, and students are taught to cite
examples from the literature to support their ideas. A variety of genres are presented throughout
the reading component, and students then write their own stories in each genre. Formal lessons
in spelling, grammar, and mechanics of writing are taught, and application of skills is reinforced
during the editing phase of writing. Completion of the course enables the students to understand
the following concepts and skills.
Vocabulary
• Use context clues to identify meanings of unfamiliar words
• Use a dictionary to identify definitions of unfamiliar words
• Identify prefixes and suffixes to determine meanings of words
• Recognize homophones and homographs
Comprehension
• Identify main ideas and supporting details
• Identify various forms of figurative language
• Summarize selections
• Identify mood, theme, and point of view
• Identify characters, setting, and elements of plot
• Make predictions, generalizations, inferences, and draw conclusions
• Recognize cause and effect relationships and sequence of events
Grammar
• Identify and correctly use the four types of sentences in written expression
• Identify and correctly use singular, plural, common, proper, and possessive nouns
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Identify and apply verb forms in the various tenses in writing samples
Identify adjectives and adverbs and use them to enhance their own writing
Writing
• Compose paragraphs with topic sentences and supporting details
• Use an index, table of contents, and headings in expository trade books to locate
information for a research paper
• Use an outline to organize collected information
• Apply rules for paragraphing and correct punctuation
• Use a dictionary and thesaurus to improve word choice and correct spelling when
revising
• Compose the following: personal narrative, how-to report, compare and contrast essay,
story, persuasive essay and research report
Spelling
• Correctly spell a given list of words with a common phonetic component within
sentences
• Proofread selections to identify and correct misspelled words
Mathematics Curriculum
Lower School Overview
The goal of the Lower School Mathematics Program is to develop conceptual, computational,
and problem solving skills with math reasoning and critical thinking as the focus of instruction.
Skills are developed through the use of manipulatives, pictorial models, daily drills, problem
solving activities, and real world applications. At each level, students connect previously learned
skills to explorations in new concepts. Extra help and enrichment are provided to help each
student achieve at their level of understanding.
Mathematics Kindergarten
The Mathematics Curriculum in Kindergarten is designed to foster a child’s natural curiosity
while building a strong math foundation. This is accomplished through the use of manipulatives,
games, and real-world applications. Completion of the course enables the students to understand
the following concepts and skills.
• Rote counting to 100 by ones, fives and tens
• Introduce rote counting by twos
• Write numerals from 0 to 50, demonstrating positional knowledge
• Understand similarity and difference
• Add and subtract with manipulatives
• Understand the concept of linear measurements
• Identify, extend, and create patterns
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Understand one-to-one correspondence when counting objects
Introduced to addition and subtraction of numbers to ten with manipulatives
Identify basic geometric shapes and solid shapes (sphere, cube, cylinder, cone)
Identify coins and develop an initial understanding of their value
Write equations using +, -, and =
Mathematics 1
The goal of the First Grade Mathematics Curriculum is to develop an understanding and insight
of the patterns of math through the use of materials and experiences. Completion of the course
enables the students to understand the following concepts and skills.
• Learn and use strategies for addition and subtraction facts to 18
• Take daily math fact quizzes to begin memorization of facts
• Understand place value through hundreds
• Identify and count by number patterns
• Recognize time to the five minutes
• Identify coins and count change to a dollar
• Introduce fractions as parts of a whole
• Read and create tally charts, bar graphs and pictographs
• Introduce plane shapes and solid figures
Mathematics 2
The goal of the Second Grade Mathematics Curriculum is to solidify students’ understanding of
basic concepts using whole and small group instruction. Completion of the course enables the
students to understand the following concepts and skills.
• Understand place value through thousands
• Estimate and round to tens and hundreds
• Add and subtract with regrouping up to three digits
• Tell time to the minute
• Count money and make change
• Measure length, liquids, and weight in customary and metric units
• Collect data, interpret information, and graph
• Identify basic fractions
• Solve word problems using addition and subtraction
Mathematics 3
The goal of the Third Grade Mathematics Curriculum is to expand upon the skills already
learned in prior grades. These skills are used to build the skills necessary to solve simple to
complex word problems using multiple steps and various math operations. Completion of the
course enables the students to understand the following concepts and skills.
• Memorize multiplication facts up to twelve
• Add and subtract four digit numbers with regrouping
• Identify and read numbers through the hundred thousand’s place
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Identify, compute, and answer word problems using addition, subtraction, and
multiplication
Find missing addend, subtrahends, and factors to complete a number sentence
Use inequality symbols to compare numbers and number sentences
Mathematics 4
The Fourth Grade Mathematics Curriculum expands upon the skills acquired in the lower grades
by applying them to new situations. A variety of problem solving strategies are presented and
applied throughout the year, and students understand there can be more than one approach or
solution to a problem. Completion of the course enables the students to understand the following
concepts and skills.
• Read and write numbers from the hundred millions to the thousandths
• Add, subtract, order, and compare numbers up to six digits including decimals
• Use variables in expressions and equations
• Find common multiples and factors
• Multiply factors up to three digits including decimals
• Divide with one and two digit divisors
• Understand fractions including equivalents, simplest form, mixed numbers, addition, and
subtraction
• Find perimeter, area, and volume
Science Curriculum
Kindergarten – Second Grade Overview
This program gives students essential skills that scientists universally and routinely use in their
work. These skills include: making observations, classifying information, and formulating
pertinent questions. Key components of the program are hypothesis testing, data analysis, and
interpretation. Conclusions are based on evidence gathered. The students are required to focus
on processing and problem solving skills.
Science Kindergarten
Completion of the course enables the students to understand the following concepts and skills.
Plants
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Identify and label the parts of a plant
Observe and record plant growth
Identify the essential elements that help plants grow
Make connections to plant uses in our world
Water
• Identify objects that sink or float
• Experiment with materials to create a boat that floats
• Understand the concepts of displacement and buoyancy
Properties of Objects
• List the properties of objects
• Sort and classify objects according to properties
• Generate graphs from sorting and classifying
• Recognize mystery objects based on identifying properties
Science 1
Completion of the course enables the students to understand the following concepts and skills.
Matter
• Identify and define the states of matter
• Locate and list objects for each state of matter
• Observe how objects can change from one state to another
• Experiment with matter to identify physical and chemical changes
Weather
• Define elements of weather
• Create tools that meteorologists use to measure weather
• Record and observe weather patterns
• Research and understand the power of hurricanes and tornados
Animal Adaptations
• Define adaptation in animals
• Construct an animal incorporating different adaptations
• Explain how adaptations help an animal survive
• Research and give an oral presentation on factual information
Simple Machines
• Identify and define the six simple machines
• Use simple machine definitions to classify everyday objects
• Discuss the concepts of energy, force, friction, and motion
• Experiment with materials to create an “Egg Car”
Science 2
Completion of the course enables the students to understand the following concepts and skills.
Energy
• Define and identify different sources of energy
• Generate a list of different objects powered by energy
• Experiment with materials and create a “Solar Car”
Solar System
• Identify the sun, planets and moons in the solar system
• Examine the role of the sun on the Earth and the Moon
• Observe and record the phases of the Earth’s moon
Food Web
• Identify the parts of a food chain and food web
• Examine the role of the sun as the major energy source in the web
• Determine the interrelationships between each part of the web
Technology
• Define technology and discuss its role in the world
• Identify technology that already exists
• Ponder how new technology is developed
Science 3
Third Grade students focus on the world around them, studying the plants, animals and their
interactions. Completion of the course enables the students to understand the following concepts
and skills.
• Conduct simple experiments to understand the basic needs of living things
• Study the structure and function of flowering plants
• Understand the difference between plants and animals
• Study the relationships between plants, animals and non-living parts of our ecosystem
• Construct simple food chains with producers and various consumers
• Explore the properties of static and current electricity
• Understand electrical safety rules
Science 4
Fourth Grade Students explore the universe, piecing together the forces of nature that shape our
world. Starting with a review of the basic states of matter they move to a more complex
understanding of the world around them. Completion of the course enables the students to
understand the following concepts and skills.
• Perform simple experiments demonstrating physical changes in the state of matter
• Develop an understanding of the concept of kinetic energy
• Read and record weather data
• Experiment with solar angle, distance, and surface materials to understand solar heating
• Recognize air masses, fronts, ocean currents, and types of precipitation
• Explore plate tectonics by looking at earthquakes and volcanoes
Develop an understanding of the effects of weathering and erosion on the Earth's surface
Social Studies Curriculum
Lower School Overview
The Social Studies Curriculum emphasizes the relevance of the past to the present through
illustrated narratives, a variety of literature, hands-on activities, and current events. The program
focuses on the connection between life today and long ago. Geography study focuses on the
relationships between people, places, and events. Economics study explores how communities
satisfy their needs and wants. The program offers a view of our culture through the diverse
perspectives and contributions of many people who have shaped our nation. Throughout the
grades, students build vocabulary, strengthen map reading and chart analysis abilities, and
develop research skills. Students gain an awareness of the responsibilities and skills necessary
for successful citizenship.
Social Studies Kindergarten
Social Studies is incorporated throughout the day in Kindergarten as children learn to function as
part of a group. Students learn about various cultures that help create a diverse and interesting
world. Concepts are learned through projects and activities which include field trips, literature
selections, classroom visitors, and hands-on experiences. Completion of the course enables the
students to understand the following concepts and skills.
• Recognize individual differences and unique qualities in people
• Learn about the roles of family members and friends
• Celebrate holidays and traditions
• Explore traditional Native American life
• Identify national symbols and famous Americans
• Understand basic map skills
Social Studies 1
Students explore different components of a family, school, and community. Activities foster
sharing, cooperation, following rules, and a sense of responsibility. Completion of the course
enables the students to understand the following concepts and skills.
• Explore family heritage, customs, and individual differences among people
• Gain awareness of different roles we have in our local communities and the rules we
must follow
• Identify various occupations and careers of people in our neighborhoods
• Develop an awareness of America’s origins
• Identify basic geographic features
• Use basic map and globe skills
Social Studies 2
The Second Grade Curriculum focuses on the relationship between geography and community:
places where people live, work, and play together. This area of study introduces many aspects of
local and international communities with an emphasis on geography skills. Completion of the
course enables the students to understand the following concepts and skills.
• Identify the continents and oceans
• Read a variety of maps using map keys
• Use intermediate directions to describe location
• Identify cities, capitals, and borders on a map
• Recognize landforms and bodies of water
Social Studies 3
The focus of the Third Grade Social Studies Curriculum is to introduce students to the earth and
its political divisions. Emphasis is placed on the regions of the United States: the physical
features, natural resources, and economics of those regions. Completion of the course enables
the students to understand the following concepts and skills.
• Develop vocabulary specific to the study of social studies
• Identify and locate oceans and continents
• Locate states and their regions on a map of the United States
• Explain the interaction of economics, natural resources, locations, and physical features
within a region
• Locate information to complete a research assignment about a state
Social Studies 4
The goal of the Fourth Grade Social Studies Curriculum is to assist students in acquiring an
understanding of the formation of the United States as a nation. Students trace our nation’s
history from the early arrival theories of the first humans in North America, through the first
civilizations, the arrival of the Europeans, and the development of the United States government
following the American Revolution. Throughout the course, students learn to identify cause and
effect relationships of events and to identify the impact of natural resources, geography, and
climate on the lives of the American people. Students learn note taking, research, and study
skills, as well as informational writing. Completion of the course enables the students to
understand the following concepts and skills.
• Use an index, headings, and table of contents to locate information
• Create and use outlines for organizing information
• Write pertinent questions based on readings and research
• Use an encyclopedia, trade books, and approved Internet sites to locate information
• Locate positions using longitude and latitude
• Read maps, timelines, graphs, and diagrams
Foreign Language Curriculum
Lower School Overview
The Foreign Language Curriculum emphasizes the fundamentals of language, with an emphasis
on listening and understanding speech. Students become familiar with the sound patterns of
spoken Spanish, Spanish vocabulary, and are introduced to Spanish culture.
Spanish Pre-K and Kindergarten
Students learn various Spanish vocabulary words which are learned through games, hands-on
activities, songs, books, and activities that involve movement. The course focuses on listening
and understanding Spanish. Completion of the course enables the students to understand the
following concepts and skills.
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Count from one to ten
Recognize and state colors
Respond to basic greetings
Identify parts of the body
List family members
Spanish 1
Skills and topics introduced in Pre-K and Kindergarten are reinforced and expanded throughout
First Grade. Students learn through games, hands-on activities, songs, books, and activities that
involve movement. The course focuses on listening, and understanding Spanish. Completion of
the course enables the students to understand the following concepts and skills.
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Count from one to twenty
Identify articles of clothing
Recognize animals
Name classroom objects
Talk about winter activities
Spanish 2
Skills and topics introduced in Spanish 1 are reinforced and expanded during Second Grade.
Students learn through games, hands-on activities, songs, books, activities that involve
movement and practice sheets. The course focuses on listening, understanding, and speaking
Spanish. Successful Completion of the course enables the students to understand the following
concepts and skills.
• Count from one to thirty
• Name foods
• Recognize farm and forest animals
• Identify more parts of the body
• Understand words associated with Autumn and Halloween
Spanish 3
In Third Grade, the written language is introduced in reading and writing activities, while
listening and speaking skills previously developed are expanded. Students learn through games,
hands-on activities, songs, books, activities that involve movements, taking notes, using student
white boards and practice sheets. Completion of the course enables the students to understand
the following concepts and skills.
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Count from one to one hundred
Ask for and give the day, and date
Express how they are feeling
Understand and write about winter activities
Know both formal and informal greetings
Spanish 4
In Fourth Grade, the written language is reinforced in reading and writing activities, while
listening and speaking skills previously developed are expanded. Students are also exposed to
the fundamentals of grammar. Students learn through games, hands-on activities, songs, books,
activities that involve movements, taking notes, using student white boards and practice sheets.
Completion of the course enables the students to understand the following concepts and skills.
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Count from one to one thousand
Identify and create a map showing places of the community
Use the verb necesitar (to need) to talk about classroom objects
Learn parts of speech (articles, plurals)
Expand their knowledge of feelings using the verb estar (to be)
Religion Curriculum
Religion Kindergarten
The unifying theme for religion instruction in Kindergarten is “God Gives Us Many Gifts”. The
text used is the We Believe series from Sadlier Publishing. Completion of the course enables the
students to understand the following concepts and skills.
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Explore the Church calendar
Read a timeline of Christ’s life
Name Catholic holidays that we celebrate
Understand the importance of giving thanks
Practice daily prayers
Participate in monthly Mass
Religion 1
The focus of the First Grade Religion Curriculum is to develop and nurture each child’s
relationship with God. Through prayer, song, bible stories, activities, and reflection, students
learn about the teachings of Jesus and explore the role faith plays in their lives. The text used is
the We Believe series from Sadlier Publishing. Completion of the course enables the students to
understand the following concepts and skills.
• Show their understanding of the liturgy through daily prayers and participation at
monthly Mass
• Understand that Jesus, the Saints, and other men and women from the Bible demonstrate
how to live as a child of God
• Understand the Church year and its celebrations
• Participate in hands-on activities that serve the needs of others
• Plan and lead one Mass during the school year
Religion 2
Second Grade Religion Curriculum focuses on preparation for the reception of First
Reconciliation and First Holy Eucharist. Special emphasis is placed on the celebration of the
Mass and becoming an active Christian. Significant Holy Days are explained as they occur
throughout the year. The text used is the We Believe series from Sadlier Publishing. Completion
of the course enables the students to understand the following concepts and skills.
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Understand that Jesus taught by His actions and forgave sins
Recognize the meaning of Baptism
Participate in the Sacrament of Reconciliation
Plan and lead the First Holy Communion Mass
Participate fully in the celebration of the Mass when we receive Holy Eucharist
Religion 3
The Third Grade Religion Curriculum focuses on living as an active Christian. Students learn
from the works of Jesus and the disciples what they can do to help others. Throughout the year
Holy Days and Feast Days are used to facilitate conversation on the parallels between their lives
and those of the disciples. The text used is the We Believe series from Sadlier Publishing.
Completion of the course enables the students to understand the following concepts and skills.
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Pray, love others, and work for justice and peace
Understand that the Holy Spirit gives us the courage to make right choices and to treat
others as we would like to be treated
Appreciate the beliefs of various religions
Plan and lead a monthly Mass
Understand that the purpose of the Church is to carry on the work of Jesus
Religion 4
The Fourth Grade Religion Curriculum focuses on Christian moral life and the laws of the
Church. Through discussion of the Commandments and the Beatitudes, students learn that our
choices and actions should reflect Christ’s love for us and for others. Sacraments, saints, and
holy days are reviewed. The text used is the We Believe series from Sadlier Publishing.
Completion of the course enables the students to understand the following concepts and skills.
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Explain the meanings of the eight Beatitudes and the Ten Commandments, and give
examples of ways to follow them in their own lives
Name the Liturgical seasons and tell events that occur in the Church in each season
Name the parts of the Mass and tell what occurs in each part of the Mass
Plan and lead a monthly Mass
Computer Science Curriculum
Lower School Overview
The Lower School Computer Program is designed to give students an understanding of various
computer skills, as well as to aid students in feeling comfortable using computers. These skills
include using the mouse, basic keyboarding, word processing, graphic design, desktop
publishing, and research using pre-approved sites on the Internet. Many activities are integrated
with academic subjects within each grade to enhance students’ classroom learning. Crosscurricular projects may include typing papers for classroom assignments, research for fine arts
projects, and PowerPoint presentations. The objective is to introduce new computer skills each
year and continue to build upon them as the student moves through the Lower School.
Computer Kindergarten
Kindergarten students will be formally introduced to the Media Center and begin to learn
fundamental computing skills. Completion of the course enables the students to understand the
following concepts and skills.
• Identify the physical components of a computer
• Recognize letters, spacebar, and arrow keys on the keyboard
• Use software programs such as Paint, KidPix , and Harcourt Mighty Math Series
• Develop computer vocabulary
Computer 1
First Grade students will continue to practice simple keyboarding and to build upon previously
taught skills and vocabulary. Completion of the course enables the students to understand the
following concepts and skills.
• Open and close programs
• Use programs to work on number and word skills
• Create simple word documents using basic editing processes
• Use drawing programs such as Paint and KidPix
Computer 2
Students will strengthen simple keyboarding skills and continue to use programs related to
various subjects. Completion of the course enables the students to understand the following
concepts and skills.
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Create simple word documents using editing processes
Use of correct body posture at a workstation
Form curricular connections to work done in the classroom
Develop new computer vocabulary
Computer 3
Students will continue to build upon previously taught skills, increase computer vocabulary, and
use programs that strengthen their reading and math skills. At this level students will be given a
user name and password and be introduced to Saint Gregory’s network drive. Completion of the
course enables the students to understand the following concepts and skills.
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Use a keyboarding program that stresses proper posture and finger placement
Develop research skills using the Internet for projects related to classroom curriculum
Acquire basic word processing skills
Learn the basics of Power Point through completion of a Power Point project
Add of clip art into Word and Power Point documents
Save documents in student folder on network drive
Computer 4
Students will refine their keyboarding abilities and increase their knowledge of computer
vocabulary. Many academic subjects are integrated with the programs used at this level.
Completion of the course enables the students to understand the following concepts and skills.
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Learn to research independently on the internet
Review and use of basic word processing skills such as open new/existing document,
copy/paste, using fonts and spell check
Complete and present a Power Point project
ART Curriculum
Lower School Overview
The Art Curriculum in Pre-Kindergarten through Fourth Grade is designed to give students art
experiences that promote skill building, creative thinking, and appreciation for art. Students
create art based on imagination, a variety of themes and concepts, and the work of major artists.
The fundamental elements of art and basic principles of design are discovered and used in art
projects through a variety of methods. Student artwork is displayed throughout the art room, the
school display boards, and in the foyer area. On Grandparents’ Day, student work is celebrated
in a major art show.
Art Pre-Kindergarten
Pre-Kindergarten Art introduces children to the art experience through simple step-by-step
projects using a variety of materials and themes. Completion of the course enables the students
to understand the following concepts and skills.
• Introduce simple shapes, lines, and color
• Create art based on the alphabet, family, animals, and landscape
• View art that shows basic themes of family, animals, and landscape
• Experiment with and use materials such as crayon resist with watercolor, marker, tissue
paper collage, dotters, and washable tempera paint
Art Kindergarten
Kindergarten Art fosters visual communication through a variety of projects and guide children
to feel comfortable creating. Experimenting with different materials and themes, students
improve hands-on skills and creative thinking. Students practice following instructions, using a
variety of materials properly, and cooperating with others. Completion of the course enables the
students to understand the following concepts and skills.
• Begin the use of art elements including line, shape, color and texture
• Create drawings based on animals, houses, dragons, and vehicles
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Begin basic drawing, cutting, gluing, weaving, and sculpting skills
Use art materials such as paper mosaic, texture rubbing, marker, and watercolor resist
Identify basic shapes and colors in artists’ paintings
Work in cooperative group projects
Art 1
First Grade Art encourages students to explore new ways of looking and to solve simple art
problems. Students will become aware of the fundamental elements in art and basic principles of
design through projects based on an artist’s style, themes, and concepts. Completion of the
course enables the students to understand the following concepts and skills.
• Investigate line, shape, color, and texture
• Use symmetry, scale, space, and pattern
• Create simple sculptures of figures in action
• Create drawings based on animals, architecture, underwater scenes, knights and vehicles
• Continue skill-building in drawing, cutting, gluing, weaving, folding, sculpting, and
printmaking
• Use art materials such as foam printing sheets, texture rubbing, marker, watercolor resist,
foil, and tempera paint
• Recognize background, foreground, and space
• Work in cooperative group projects
• Develop a story through student art
Art 2
Second Grade Art encourages communication through the production of visual art. Students will
further develop art skills and will solve a variety of art problems related to theme, concept, or an
artist’s style. Sequential lessons build on each student’s strength and promote acquisition of new
skills. Step-by-step instructions, simple observation, and guided drawing help the student to see
the process of creating. Completion of the course enables the students to understand the
following concepts and skills.
• Use line, form, shape, value, color, and texture in a wide range of art projects
• Use balance, scale, unity, variety, and pattern
• Understand and use overlapping in background and foreground
• Understand negative and positive space
• Create drawings based on imaginary animals, fish, cities, human figures, mountain
landscapes, and trees
• Create sculptural pieces such as moveable animals, pinch pots, and relief sculpture
animals
• Use materials such as tempera, metallic and watercolor paint, oil pastel, texture rubbings,
resists, scratchboard, and cardboard
• Begin basic interpretation of famous art work
• Participate in a group project
• Create a handmade book based on a theme
Art 3
In the Third Grade Art Curriculum students improve visual communication through the
production of art. Skills are reinforced as students solve a variety of art problems related to
theme, concept, and/or artist’s style. Completion of the course enables the students to
understand the following concepts and skills.
• Use art elements such as straight and curved line, shape and form, value and simple
shading, color tints and shades, and texture
• Use art principles which include balance, scale, unity, variety, and pattern
• Understand and use overlapping in background, foreground and middle ground
• Understand and use negative and positive space
• Create drawings based on rainforest animals, flight, sports, machines, human figures,
gargoyles, robots, patchwork designs, and name designs
• Create sculptural pieces such as action figures in pipe cleaners, relief sculpture reptiles,
and skateboard park design
• Use materials such as tempera, metallic and watercolor paint, oil pastel, texture rubbings,
resists, scratchboard, cardboard, cut paper, and collage
• Build on interpretation skills of famous art work
• Create a group piece using collage
Art 4
The goals of Fourth Grade Art are to increase visual awareness of the world around us. Skillbuilding and problem-solving continue to be main objectives. Students will create more complex
works of art, giving greater attention to detail and expression. Cross-curricular projects are
introduced. Keeping the requirements of each project in mind, students are encouraged to think
independently and use materials inventively in both two- and three-dimensional art. Completion
of the course enables the students to understand the following concepts and skills.
• Use art elements including expressive line, shading, warm and cool colors, tints, shades,
blended colors, intensity of color, and actual and drawn texture
• Use art principles include balance, proportion, scale, unity, variety and pattern
• Use negative space, positive space and aerial perspective in landscape
• Create drawings based on symmetric bugs, machines, human figures, sports figures, and
falling leaves
• Create sculptural pieces such as bugs, Native American weavings, sharks, and game
designs
• Use materials such as various paints, oil pastel, texture rubbings, resists, scratchboard,
cardboard, cut paper, collage, plaster cloth, and stencil
• Improve interpretive skills
• Illustrate one’s own book in conjunction with the creative writing curriculum
Music Curriculum
Lower School Overview
Music education is an integral part of the aesthetic life of a child. Saint Gregory’s School strives
to create positive attitudes and a lifelong appreciation for all kinds of music. Through the music
program, children are introduced to a large repertoire of music from other cultures and historical
time periods. Students learn about the signs, symbols, and language of music. Students also
participate in dance and creative movement. The music program fosters a love of music with the
hope that it can remain a source of satisfaction and joy to students throughout their lives.
Students have several opportunities to perform during the year including monthly Mass, the
Christmas concert, the annual musical, and Grandparents’ Day. Completion of the course
enables the students to understand the following concepts and skills.
Music Nursery and Pre-Kindergarten
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Become comfortable with their voice as an instrument
Sing a variety of age appropriate songs
Learn seasonal songs by rote
Begin to understand the concept of steady beat and basic rhythms
Work on the ability to move through the room to music being aware of personal space
Play various un-pitched rhythm instruments in response to aural cues
Play rhythm games involving dynamics and tempo
Listen to a varied repertoire of music by “classical” composers and learn about their lives
Music Kindergarten
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Learn many songs by rote
Develop an awareness of matching pitch
Learn to identify and read rhythms
Demonstrate the concept of steady beat on un-pitched percussion instruments
Listen to a varied repertoire of music by “classical” composers and learn about their lives
Learn a varied repertoire of sacred music to be sung at our monthly Mass
Music 1
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Reinforce rhythm reading skills
Introduce note reading skills
Maintain an independent melody or rhythm
Improvise using pitched and un-pitched instruments
Listen to a varied repertoire of music by “classical” composers and learn about their lives
Learn to sing part songs and rounds
Learn various holiday pieces and songs for special occasions
Play various pieces throughout the year using Choir Chimes
Learn pieces of music to be performed as a class presentation at Mass
Music 2
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Reinforce rhythm and note reading skills
Maintain an independent melody or rhythm
Improvise using pitched and un-pitched instruments
Listen to a varied repertoire of music by “classical” composers and learn about their lives
Sing part songs and rounds
Learn various holiday pieces and songs for special occasions
Learn pieces of music to be performed as a class presentation at Mass
Play various pieces throughout the year using Choir Chimes
Prepare several pieces that are included in Reconciliation and First Communion Liturgies
Music 3
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Introduce the recorder and recorder care
Learn the fingering for up to one octave on the recorder using correct tone and breath
control
Practice reading notes and rhythms simultaneously
Introduce the various signs and symbols that appear in musical scores
Learn to play several pieces of recorder repertoire
Listen to a varied repertoire of music by “classical” composers and learn about their lives
Sing one and two part songs and rounds
Play various pieces throughout the year using our Choir Chimes
Learn various holiday pieces and songs for special occasions
Learn pieces of music to be performed as a class presentation for Mass
Music 4
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Review the basics of recorder care
Review the fingering for up to one octave on the recorder using correct tone and breath
control
Practice reading notes and rhythms simultaneously, reviewing various signs and symbols
that appear in musical scores
Learn to play several new pieces of recorder repertoire with an increasing degree of
difficulty including two part pieces
Listen to a varied repertoire of music by “classical” composers and learn about their lives
Sing one and two part songs and rounds
Play various pieces using Choir Chimes
Learn various holiday pieces and songs for special occasions
Learn pieces of music to be performed as a class presentation for Mass
Physical Education Curriculum
Lower School Overview
Individual children mature to various stages of physical development at different times.
Therefore, programs must be flexible and designed to accommodate individual needs and
differences. The children will be provided with a balanced quality program which integrates
physical skills, social development and fitness opportunities that encourage active healthy
lifestyles. As children advance through the earlier development levels, refinement of
fundamental skills and the ability to perform specialized skills begins to surface. Practicing
manipulative skills enhances visual-tactile coordination. Children are given the opportunity to
explore, experiment, and create activities without fear. Students will acquire the necessary
knowledge and skills to establish and maintain physical fitness, participate in physical activity,
and maintain personal health. Initial instruction in sports skills begins at this developmental
level, and a vast number of lead-up games allow the children to apply newly learned skills in a
small group setting. By encouraging the positive benefits of physical activity, strong and healthy
behaviors can be developed that will last a lifetime.
Physical Education Pre-K and Kindergarten
Physical and social developments are fostered through a variety of activities that introduce the
children to physical fitness in a safe, supportive environment. Completion of the course enables
the students to understand the following concepts and skills.
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Engage in activities that develop selected manipulative, locomotor, and non-locomotor
skills such as running, jumping, and balancing
Identify terms that describe a variety of relationships with others and objects which
include over, under, etc.
Recognize safety risks and safe practices
Interact positively with all classmates
Develop healthy attitudes about exercise
Physical Education 1
First Grade students are introduced to and experiment with movement concepts. This
introduction period is designed to stimulate body awareness and locomotive movement through
space. At this age most children love to move. A safe and thoughtful environment is provided
for all children to explore movement in a noncompetitive manner. The importance of being kind
and considerate to classmates, often using conflict resolution skills, is stressed. Emphasis is
placed on maintaining positive attitudes about games, sports and physical activity. Completion
of the course enables the students to understand the following concepts and skills.
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Develop agility, balance, coordination and spatial awareness
Understand directionality, strategy, and timing
Encourage positive risk-taking and leadership
Engage in moderate to vigorous activity
Cooperate in large and small groups
Physical Education 2
The primary focus of the Second Grade Physical Education Program is a continuation of the
basic movement concepts and skills development which were introduced in first grade.
Completion of the course enables the students to understand the following concepts and skills.
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Attempt new activities
Use simple problem-solving strategies
Demonstrate progress in a variety of manipulative, locomotor and non-locomotor skills
Physical Education 3
The Third Grade Curriculum continues to be driven by concepts developed in earlier grades. It
is important that they are able to use these concepts in real life situations, whether for fun,
competition, or as a healthy choice. Third graders are involved in more game settings with
multiple rules and increased tasks. Students are allowed to participate in after-school intramural
programs which give them additional time to interact, exercise, and have fun with their peers in a
physical education setting. Completion of the course enables the students to understand the
following concepts and skills.
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Recognize achievements and success of self and others
Explore physical fitness through participation in game activities
Problem solve in small groups to achieve a common goal
Physical Education 4
The Fourth Grade Curriculum consists of further development of movement concepts. Students
are introduced to more specific sport-related activities such as basketball and soccer. The
physical education program is designed, ultimately, to enhance each child’s skill development
and prepare them for the upcoming upper school program. Completion of the course enables the
students to understand the following concepts and skills.
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Demonstrate appropriate sportsmanship behaviors
Recognize the role that regular physical activity plays in the pursuit of lifelong health and
well-being