PreK 3

Prekindergarten

EDUCATIONAL CURRICULUM

  I. Developing Social and Emotional Skills
A. Learning to listen and respond to teachers and to teacher directions;
B. Developing and nourishing a positive self-image;
C. Learning to respect others, to play together, to wait turns and to share;
D. Learning to communicate feelings and needs in words.

  II. Developing Practical Skills
A. Learning to say first and last name and age;
B. Learning to recognize and identify colors;
C. Learning to draw and color with crayons;
D. Learning to recite prayers, Pledge of Allegiance.

  III. Developing Good Work Habit.
A. Learning to work independently;
B. Learning to focus on one task;
C. Learning to clean up work/play materials, etc.

  IV. Developing Listening/Comprehension Skills
A. Learning to listen quietly;
B. Learning to respond to storytelling and to recall events and characters in a story;
C. Learning to understand sequencing in a story.

  V. Developing Speaking Skills
A. Learning to speak clearly;
B. Learning to speak in complete sentences:
C. Expanding vocabulary.

  VI. Developing Language Arts/Reading Readiness Skills
A. Learning to recognize letters of the alphabet;
B. Tracing letters;
C. Listening to beginning sounds;
D. Learning to appreciate and enjoy stories, poems and nursery rhymes.

  VII. Developing Math Readiness Skills
A. Counting numbers from 1-10;
B. Identifying numbers 1-10;
C. Tracing numerals 1-10;
D. Understand and use Ordinal Numbers: First, Second, Third;
E. Learn shapes: Circle, Triangle, Rectangle Square;
F. Draw and identify the different shapes;
G. Understand concepts of "greater than" and "less than".

  VIII. Developing Physical Skills, Health and Safety Awareness
A. Improve balance and agility;
B. Learning to throw and catch a ball;
C. Learning to swing;
D. Improve running and hopping skills;
E. Improve fine- motor skills;
F. Learning self- help and personal hygiene skills.

  IX. Developing Musical Skills
A. Learning to hear and feel rhythm;
B. Learning to enjoy music and singing;
C. Learning songs for fun, educational enrichment.
X. Enjoying Fun In Both Structured Play and Free Play
A. Learning to play circle games;
B. Learning to play-act;
C. Learning to play safely with one another.

  XI. Developing Spiritual Awareness
A. Learning about God’s love;
B. Learning that all life is a gift from God;
C. Learning to take care of God’s creation;
D. Learning about church and prayer.

PreK 4

Pre-K4 Curriculum

Catholic Formation

• Understand basic attributes of God
  
• Recognize story of creation
  
• Know basic Old testament figures such as Adam and Eve, Jonah, Noah, Daniel, Moses
  
• Know simple reasons for Advent, Christmas, Lent, Easter
  
• Know basic New Testament stories
  
• Develop a love for Blessed Mother Mary
  
• Develop a love for Christ
  
  

Language Arts

• Maintained sustained attention
  
• Listen and follow directions
  
• Retell and sequence stories
  
• Participate in choral recitation
  
• Use effective public speaking skills on grade level
  
• Orally present with expressions, clarity and in complete sentences
  
• Decode one syllable words
  
• Effectively use phonemic awareness
  
• Use book and print awareness
  
• Understand the English cueing system
  
• Use reading strategies to read simple text
  
• Respond to text read
  
• Use comprehension skills
  
• Understand various types of literature: fairy tales, short stories, fables, legends
  
• Understand elements of a story
  
• Develop fine motor skills and use writing utensil properly
  
• Use lined paper properly
  
• Copy words and sentences
  
• Choose a topic for a story and add details
  
  

Math

• Solve various one step story problems
  
• Order numbers 1-20 and write them.
  
• Estimate numbers of objects in a set
  
• Predict likelihood of events
  
• Count, read numbers 1-50
  
• Recognize sets
  
• Use ordinal positions 1st-10th
  
• Compare quantities up to 20
  
• Use computation vocabulary
  
• Add and subtract whole numbers up to 5
  
• Write number sentences
  
• Understand basic measurement concepts
  
• Understand basic temperature concepts such as cold, hot, warm, etc.
  
• Understand clock concepts and read analog fact to the hour
  
• Understand basic geometry concepts such as position, orientation, figures: circle, square, triangle, rectangle, oval, star, Cross and solids:
  
• Identify various simple patterns
  
• Collect, sort, classify, organize, compare and contrast, represent and interpret data
  
  

History

• Understand basic historical concepts
  
• Understand broad categories of time such as long ago, present, today
  
• Compare and contrast yesterday and today
  
• Use terms for location
  
• Reconstruct the recent past
  
• Develop knowledge of historical figures
  
• Acquire information from historical source
  
• Communicate the past
  
  

Geography

• Understand basic location and direction
  
• Use a simple globe and map
  
• Use a simple ' world map
  
• Identify various places on a map and globe such as land and water
  
• Know basic land formations
  
• Know basic water formations
  
• Identify community characteristics
  
• Identify features of earth
  
  

Science

• Develop basic concepts of the scientific process
  
• Identify and define variables in an experiment
  
• Develop scientific thinking skills such as analysis, synthesis, evaluation, application, questioning, communication and problem solving
  
• Develop basic scientific habits such as curiosity, creativity, cooperation, initiative, perseverance

Kindergarten

Kindergarten Curriculum

Math

• Colors
• Shapes- Sizes Sets
• One to One Correspondence
• Ordinal Numbers
• Counting
• Number Writing
• Addition to 9
• Subtraction from 9
• Money- Time
• Measurement
• Capacity
• l00th Day

Reading Readiness

Phonemic Awareness
• Listening Skills
• Sequencing
• Recalling Details
• Decoding
• Predicting Outcomes
• Poetry
• Rhyming
• Oral Speaking
• Writing Skills-from letter formation to creating and copying short stories
• Trade Books

Religion

• Creation
• Morality
• Church Community
• Prayer
• Bible Stories
• Major Events During The Liturgical Year

Science

• Seasons
• Hibernation
• Migration
• Oceans
• Wind
• Dinosaurs
• Plants
• Butterflies
• Birds
• Space

Social Studies

• Johnny Appleseed
• Community Helpers
• Colonial Times
• Alaska
• Holidays Throughout The Year: Columbus Day; Halloween; Election Day: Veteran's Day; Thanksgiving; Christmas; Martin Luther King Day; Lincoln's Birthday; Washington's Birthday; St. Patrick's Day; Easter; Mother's Day.

First Grd

First Grade Curriculum

Handwriting

• Formation of upper and lowercase letters and formation of numbers is taught through journal writing practice and worksheets. Language Arts
• Telling sentences, asking sentences, punctuation, nouns, verbs, pronouns, adjectives, word endings, compound words, and plural word endings are taught using a consumable text. Students are evaluated through tests and daily performance.

Math

• Numbers to 100, addition and subtraction facts to 18, graphing, geometry, fractions, time, measurement, place value, skip counting, ordinal numbers, word problems, two digit addition and subtraction, greater than and less than are taught using a consumable text and manipulatives.
• Students are evaluated through tests, and daily performance.

Phonics

• Letter recognition, consonant sounds, long and short vowel sounds, consonant blends and digraphs, inflectional endings and contractions are taught using a consumable text and manipulatives.
• Students are evaluated through tests and daily performance.

Reading

• Vocabulary, comprehension, and decoding skills are taught using five readers and a student resource book.
• Students are evaluated through tests, oral reading, and daily performance.

Religion

• Prayers. Rosary, Jesus Teaches us About God’s love, We Are Followers of Jesus, We Belong To The Church, We Celebrate and Live Our Faith, Feasts and Seasons are taught using a workbook, song and prayer.
• • Students are evaluated through chapter tests, activity sheets, and daily performance.

Science

• Animals, Plants, Nutrition, Senses, Planets, Under the Sea, Earth Day, and Physical Science are taught using a textbook and weekly readers.
• Students are evaluated through tests, projects, and daily performance.

Social Studies

• Native Americans, Pilgrims, Holidays, Christopher Columbus, Presidents, America, Martin Luther King, Jr., Communities and Helpers, Our Earth, Resources, Country, World and Map skills are taught using a textbook and weekly readers.
• Students are evaluated through tests, projects, and daily performance.

Spelling

• Long vowel words, short vowel words, color words, words with consonant blends and digraphs, and family words are taught using a consumable text.
• Students are evaluated through weekly spelling tests, daily performance, and homework.

Second Grd

Second Grade Curriculum

Handwriting

• Manuscript handwriting is reviewed and cursive writing is taught. Emphasis is placed on proper letter formation and spacing.
• Neatness is encouraged and praised. Language Arts
• Grammar is taught, with an emphasis on parts of speech and sentence structure and development.
• Our journal writing program incorporates different styles of writing, allowing students to develop and strengthen their skills.

Math

• Number line skills are emphasized.
• Number facts to and from 20, number sense, addition and subtraction with regrouping, money, time, and measurement are taught. Manipulatives are used to make concepts meaningful.
• Multiplication and division are introduced.
• Place value to 1000 is developed.
• Simple fractions are introduced.
• Collecting data and graphing are taught.

Reading

• Students learn from a variety of texts, including fiction, nonfiction, poetry, autobiographies, and biographies.
• Skills taught include decoding, vocabulary, fluency, comprehension, inferences, drawing conclusions, main idea, supporting details, making predictions, and sequencing.
• Children are able to identify characters, setting, plot, and beginning, middle and ending events.

Religion

• The main focus of our year is sacramental preparation.
• The mercy of God's forgiveness and the knowledge and understanding of Reconciliation are taught.
• The sacred relationship we share with our Lord is realized in our preparation for Holy Eucharist.

Science

• The scientific concepts taught include life science, earth science, and health and hygiene.
• Information is obtained through media, technology, and simple experiments.
• Weekly reader magazines are used to supplement instruction.

Social Studies

• Children learn to read text for information.
• Concepts taught include communities, important people and events in American history, holidays, citizenship, government, goods and services, and map reading.
• Weekly Reader magazines are used to supplement instruction.

Phonics/Spelling

• Phonics is taught as a foundation for all subject areas.
• Consonants, vowels, blends, digraphs, diphthongs, and phonetic rules are applied throughout the curriculum.
• Spelling curriculum emphasizes phonetic rules.
• Weekly lessons are presented and tested.
• Homework includes writing list words, a-b-e order, dictionary practice with an understanding of phonemic symbols, and writing sentences.

Third Grd

Third Grade Curriculum

Handwriting

• A practice workbook reinforces the Zaner-Bloser cursive handwriting skills taught in second grade.
• All work is to be completed in cursive handwriting, unless otherwise instructed.

Language Arts

• Sentence structure. Punctuation, capitalization, parts of speech and usage. And types of sentences are stressed.
• Different kinds of writing are practiced, including friendly letters and poems.
• The Holistic writing program focuses on a different style of writing monthly.

Math

• Review of addition and subtraction with regrouping, time, elapsed time, fractions, decimals, multi-step word problems, problem solving strategies, and fact families, with an emphasis on multiplication and division are practiced.
• Students are evaluated through tests, class participation, and homework.
• Students are introduced to practice measurement, graphing and geometry.

Reading

• Anthologies from two texts are supported by various resource and skills workbooks.
• Vocabulary, reading comprehension, inferences, main idea and supporting details are skills enhanced through daily work.
• Supplemental trade books (fiction, biographies) are also used.

Religion

• Text focuses on The Church as One. Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic by unit.
• The Liturgical feasts and seasons are reviewed.
• Students are asked to relate the lessons to their own life experiences through various book activities.

Science

• Text covers Earth, Life, and Physical science with specific units on Living things, the Solar System, and Work and Simple Machines.
• Supplemental worksheets help students identify information from the text and how to read science diagrams.
• Reading comprehension and vocabulary skills are practiced regularly through class and homework assignments.
• Students study the water cycle and ecosystem.

Social Studies

• Students study various aspects of communities on a local, national, and global scale.
• Map and Globe skills are introduced and reinforced through class work and the use of the text's corresponding Atlas.
• Students study America's earliest community.
• Students study American heroes.

Phonics/Spelling

• Together students practice spelling patterns that follow phonetic rules.
• Spelling lessons are taught weekly, with a test at the end of each lesson.
• Daily homework includes practice writing, a-b-c order, and using the words correctly in sentences.

Fourth Grd

Fourth Grade Curriculum

Handwriting

• A practice workbook reinforces the Zaner-Bloser cursive handwriting skills "A Reason for Handwriting".
• All work is to be completed in cursive handwriting, unless otherwise instructed.

English/Grammar

• Sentence and paragraph structure, punctuation and capitalization are reviewed, and parts of speech are analyzed.
• A creative writing assignment is assigned weekly and students are evaluated through tests, quizzes, writing assignments, class participation, homework, and graphic organizers.

Math

• Mathematical concepts incorporate a review of previous learning and an introduction to new key concepts such as estimating, time, graphs, multiplication, division, measurement, fractions and decimals that are taught through the use of textbooks, workbooks, notebooks and manipulatives.
• Students are evaluated using tests, quizzes, class participation and homework.

Reading

• A variety of strategies are used to build on students' previous reading comprehension and the knowledge of word meanings using textbooks, workbooks, chapter books and notebooks.
• Students are evaluated through tests, quizzes, projects, class participation, and homework.
• Semester book reports of various genre.

Religion

• Catholic social teaching- cultures and attitudes. Christian morality with a special focus on The Ten Commandments and an introduction to The Beatitudes are studied through readings from the Bible.

Science

• Science and Society (cultural contributions, historical perspectives).
• The four main science units studied are: Life Science, Physical Science, Earth Science, and the Human Body.
• Students are evaluated through tests, quizzes, projects, class participation and homework.

Social Studies.

• The history and geography of the State of New Jersey from the time of the Lenape people to the present day are studied. Additionally, the different regions of the United States are examined including their climates, state capitals and landforms.
• Civics and economics.
• Map skills are also taught using textbooks, notebooks, and teaching aids.
• Students are evaluated through tests, quizzes, projects, class participation and homework.

Spelling

• Together students practice spelling patterns that follow phonetic rules.
• Spelling lessons are taught weekly with a test at the end of each lesson. Daily assignments includes practice writing and alphabetical order, and phonetic sorting.

Fifth Grd

Fifth Grade Curriculum
Reading
• Students use the Celebrate Reading series which consists of six themed books.
Fiction, non-fiction, biography, plays, essays, myths and poetry are presented in these books. • Comprehension, vocabulary, and study skills are developed.
• Projects and book reports are developed to supplement the curriculum.


Language Arts
• Grammar and written communication.
• Voyages in English, Loyola Press
• Students study sentence structure, the eight parts of speech, correct usage, punctuation, capitalization, and diagramming sentences.
• Students study various genres of writing - narrative, persuasive, expository, and descriptive. They are assigned weekly writing assignments utilizing the different types. Students also write poetry, letters, research reports, and other types of creative writing like myths and "tall tales".

Mathematics
• Place value
• Addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division of whole numbers
• Fractions
• Decimals
• Probability and statistics
• Geometry
• Measurement
• Interpretation of graphs
• Percents
• Problem Solving


Religion
• We Believe, Sadlier
• Jesus shares His life with us
• Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Eucharist, Confirmation
• Sacraments of Healing: Reconciliation and Anointing of the Sick
• Sacraments of Service: Matrimony and Holy Orders
• The Liturgical year
• Lives of the saints
• Call to live as Jesus' disciples by serving others
• Catholic practices and devotions
• Family life


Social Studies
• The Americas: native cultures and colonization
• North America
• Central America
• South America
• Native American cultures of the Americas; Algonquin, Inuit, Aztec, Mayan, Incas, Olmec.
• Early exploration and colonization
• Geography of the Western hemisphere
• Map skills.


Science
• Classification of living things
• Adaptations
• Ecosystems
• Ecology
• Matter
• The earth and its resources
• Atmosphere and weather
• Astronomy and space science
• The human body

Middle School

MIDDLE SCHOOL CURRICULUM

Social Studies

The Social Studies curriculum is designed in order to create an awareness of the many diverse races and nationalities that have contributed to the fulfillment of a better world. Another is goal is to instill an appreciation of other cultures, religions and governments. The uniqueness of our political system and its promotion of republican ideals will foster knowledgeable citizens.

Sixth Grade

Students will read and learn about ancient civilizations on various continents throughout the world. Students will be able to communicate how the early people adapted to their perspective environments and how they developed ideas of government. Commercial and political systems will be examined and compared. Also, cultural traits, religious beliefs, and the stability of each civilization will be learned.

Seventh Grade

Students will discover the roots of the western hemisphere by studying early civilizations such as the Mayan, Inca, and Aztec Indian cultures. They will investigate the early conquerors and explorers that roamed the early North America. The establishment of the thirteen colonies will be reviewed and the evolution of a republican form of government with democratic ideals. Westward expansion, Manifest Destiny, and sectional differences between the North and the South will be comprehended in order to understand the steps leading to the Civil War.

Eighth Grade

-Students will describe the impact of the, Civil War on the continuity of the Union and supremacy of the federal government over the states' rights. The Reconstruction, Gilded Age, and Progressive Era are emphasized and noted for their distinct characteristics in Shaping a national character. World conflicts beginning with World War One and continuing up to the present War on Terror will be included and important personalities, philosophies, and major battles will be studied.

Grammar

Students will improve their writing and comprehension skills by learning the correct rules of grammar. The function of grammar is to encourage verbal and communication abilities. Middle School Grammar-Students will begin defining parts of speech and developing complete sentences. Learning the different sentence structures will lead to fluency in writing compositions. The importance of grammar is reflected in the differentiated writing expectations across all curriculums.

Religion

• Students study the Catholic Faith using an age-appropriated textbook, Blest Are We, to include the Old and New Testaments, the life and parables of our Lord, Jesus Christ, the meaning of Lent and Advent, the lives of Saints and end year discussing Family Life through an approved text.
• Students are evaluated through tests, quizzes, and projects.

Mathematics MATH - Course 3

Early chapters focus on rational numbers and their operations, equations and inequalities. Real number properties and geometric formulas are introduced. Later chapters include topics such as linear equations and their graphs, properties of right triangles, geometric transformations, and probability. Students are evaluated through chapter tests, long tests, quizzes, written homework/assignments, class participation, and final examinations.

Pre - Algebra

Pre - Algebra provides a strong foundation for future courses in Algebra and Geometry. It has a strong focus on algebraic concepts and reasoning.

Topics include:

• Integers, Equations and Inequalities
• Rational Numbers and Proportions
• Functions, Geometry, and Measurement
• Data Analysis, Polynomials, and Transformations

Students are evaluated through chapter tests, long tests, quizzes, written homework/assignments, class participation, and final examinations.

Algebra I

Algebra I is organized around families of functions with special emphasis on linear and quadratic functions - Expressions, Equations, and Functions, Properties of Real Numbers, Writing, Solving and Graphing Linear Equations and Functions, Solving and Graphing Linear Inequalities, Systems of Equations and Inequalities, Exponents and Exponential Functions, Polynomials and Factoring, Rational Equations and Functions. It also includes lessons on probability and data analysis as well as numerous examples and exercises involving geometry.

Students are evaluated through chapter tests, long tests, quizzes, written homework/assignments, class participation, and final examinations.

Science
GRADE 6 EXPLORING PHYSICAL SCIENCE

1. Matter: Building Block of the Universe
2. Chemistry of matter
3. Motion, Force and Energy
4. Heat Energy
5. Electricity and Magnetism
6. Sound and Light

GRADE 7 EXPLORING EARTH SCIENCE

1. Exploring the Universe
2. Exploring Planet Earth
3. Dynamic Earth
4. Exploring Earth's Weather
5. History of the Earth
6. Ecology: Earth's Natural Resources

GRADE 8th EXPLORING LIFE SCIENCE

1. Characteristics of Living Things
2. Monerans. Protists. Fungi, and Plants
3. Animals
4. Human Biology
5. Heredity end Adaptation
6. Ecology

Reading, Literature, Language Arts Language Arts/Grammar

Sentence Structure, descriptive writing, parts of speech, letter, essay and MLA format writing, and punctuation are taught using textbooks, handouts, workbooks and research books. Each week all students study a spelling and vocabulary unit upon which they are tested. Each week all students submit journal entries on various and theme-related topics every two weeks an essay using a different writing format is assigned. Students are evaluated through chapter test, journal entries, quizzes, homework, rubric-graded essays, and class participation.

Reading/Literature

Through a comprehensive reading program all students are introduced to a variety of literary styles and works in textbooks, novels and videos. An essay or book report is required for each trade book, a minimum of four books assigned during the school year approximately every week a unit of vocabulary is studied and the students are tested on the material. A weekly test is administered upon a selected passage in the literature textbook or novel.

Religion

Students study the Catholic faith through a study of the life of Jesus Christ, use an approved textbook, workbook and study Family Life. All students are evaluated about their knowledge through the implementation of text-generated tests, group projects and essays. All students participate in retreats, service projects, give of their time to others, and to help raise money for Catholic charities. and also participate in Church services and school pageants.

Language Arts, Grammar and Reading * Literature Course 3, Glencoe; Vocabulary Workshop, Sadlier-Oxford, Level B Contemporary and Classic Novels, Voyages in English, Loyola University Press

1. Elements of a short story
2. Author style and craft
3. Figurative Language
4. Methods of Critical Analysis
5. Literary Terms
6. The Genre of Suspense
7. The Genre of Drama
8. The Genre of Poetry
9. The Eight Parts of Speech
10. Capitalization and Punctuation
11. Sentence Structure
12. Vocabulary
13. The Writing Process
14. Styles of Writing
15. Types of Poetry
16. MLA Research Paper

Religion * We Live Our Faith, Volume II Sadlier

1. Roots of our Faith
2. Church History and the Sacraments
3. The Sacrament of Confirmation
4. The Ten Commandments and how to apply them to life
5. The Church in the 20th Century
6. Service Projects

Grade 7th Religion

We live Our Faith as Disciples of Jesus – Sadlier

1. Who is God?
2. Who is Jesus?
3. How is Jesus Christ Alive in the church today?
4. How Does the church live as the Body of Christ?
5. Season and Celebrations.