Curriculum and Methods

NEW - SMART TECHNOLOGY

Our Lady of Grace School is a SMART School. Every classroom is equipped with SMART Boards, SMART Technology and has Internet Access. These technology tools enhance our curriculum, teaching methodology and gives our students an educational advantage.

NEW - SCHOLAR'S PROGRAM

Our Lady Of Grace School now offers a New York State Regent's based High School Preparatory Program for our Junior High Gifted Students. This program challenges these student's to achieve their personal best and prepares them for future success in High School.

HOMEWORK

Homework is essential for the full scholastic development of the child. Our Lady Of Grace School Homework Policy is:
Homework is assigned Monday-Thursday, week-ends and holidays are left to the teacher's discretion.
Homework is the responsibility of the student.
All homework is signed by the parent/guardian.
Students are responsible for all missed classwork and homework and should use the "buddy system" to collect books and assignments as well as the school website.
Students who complete all their homework assignments on time, each month, receive a Dress Down Day.
Any student missing four cumulative homework's within a marking period will be kept off the Honor Roll.
Homework and being prepared for class accounts for 15% of the final grade.

A more detailed description of the Homework Policy is found in the school handbook, which each family receives and signs for at the beginning of the school year.

NURSERY

The Nursery Program focuses on the development of the students' social, emotional, physical and academic skills. For many of the students it is their first social experience away from their families. They learn about sharing, caring, taking turns, listening while others are speaking and how to monitor their emotions. A positive and friendly classroom atmosphere gives each child the confidence and ability to be a successful learner.

Physical development is emphasized during gym and indoor/outdoor playtime where gross motor skills are enhanced. Fine motor skills are developed during art and class time emphasizing skills such as cutting, coloring and handling small manipulative's.

Academics at this level are very basic. The students learn their colors, shapes, and numbers through a variety of activities. Worksheets are sent home on a weekly basis to reinforce these concepts. Show and Tell and Library are offered weekly. Story time and Song time are part of the everyday schedule.

Religion is introduced to the Nursery students in a variety of ways. The religion series, Discovering God's Child, teaches basic concepts of the Catholic faith. During class, children are taught several prayers, read Bible stories, and they learn many religious songs.

The students in the Nursery Program are considered part of Our Lady of Grace School. They participate in school activities, shows and events that are sponsored through the school.

PRE-KINDERGARTEN AND KINDERGARTEN

The Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten programs stimulate the intellectual, social/emotional, physical and language development of each child and the freedom to learn through exploration, play, and discovery. Children are taught using concrete and "hands-on" materials and activities.

Pre-Kindergarten currently uses the McGraw Hill Beginning to Read, Write and Listen Program. This program correlates reading, handwriting, auditory and oral language to give children a thorough understanding of the alphabet. The children learn letter names, how to write letters and what sounds the letters represent. This is a multi-sensory program of visual, auditory and kinesthetic activities, which develop essential reading readiness skills. In addition to the Beginning To Read Program, the Pre-Kindergarten curriculum has recently introduced the Great Source Alligators to Zucchini Program. This program includes 20 early literacy games, which cover five skill areas that stimulate cognitive, social/emotional,physical and language development. Homework is assigned on Fridays as a reinforcement of concept’s taught during the week.

The Pre-Kindergarten program has recently initiated the use of Great Source Every Day in Pre-K Math Program. Children explore early math concept’s in the context of daily games, interactive activities and discussions. This program allows the children to preview and review small numbers throughout the year. Patterning, sorting, spatial relationships, graphing, comparing and measurement are also part of this program. The children also learn the formation of numbers 1 through 10. The use of storybooks and music also enable the children to recognize the presence of mathematics in their daily lives.

I n Social Studies, Pre-Kindergarten children develop an awareness of themselves and their families within their community. They learn about community helpers and their importance to their neighborhood. Throughout the year, the children also learn about diverse cultures and how each contributes to our society.
I n Science, the Pre-Kindergarten children's awareness is centered on everyday activities in their surrounding world. Through the observation of each season, the children are exposed to many scientific concept’s. Collecting and examining leaves in the Fall, changing water to ice in Winter and witnessing the life cycle of a butterfly in Spring are just some of the scientific hands-on activities the Pre-Kindergarten children experience throughout the year.

Kindergarten integrates Language Arts and Reading through the McGraw Hill Reading Program. in this program, the children learn the consonant and vowel sounds and how to blend those sounds into words. They also learn how to write words and simple sentences. Learned words are reviewed on a daily basis with the use of word cards and reading sentences on a word wall. This enables the students to read simple stories as they develop their comprehension skills. They learn how to find the main idea of the story, put events in proper sequence, review story details, predict endings and summarize or retell the story.

Manipulative's are used to teach mathematic skills and by the end of Kindergarten, students can identify and write the numbers 0 to 20 and count objects in sets. They learn the geometric shapes, position words and measurement. They learn to use a number line, add, subtract, solve simple problems, use graphs, work with patterns, tell time and count money.

Our Kindergarten Social Studies Program is designed to help the children understand how they fit into their surrounding world. They learn about families, homes, neighborhoods, communication and transportation. They learn about the needs of a community and community helpers. They also learn about holidays, the President and the White House.

In the Kindergarten Science Program, the children learn about their bodies and teeth and how to take care of them. They also learn how to make healthy food choices and different ways to exercise. They also learn about the five senses, living and non-living things, the seasons, weather, the earth etc. They experiment with magnets and plant their own seeds in the Spring.

Religion is taught with an emphasis of God as a loving creator. The children are taught about the gift of life and given an introduction to church by attending prayer services and Mass. They are read stories from the Children's Bible to learn about the life of Jesus. The children learn simple prayers and songs. They are taught about caring for each other and the world around them, which develops a personal uniqueness and self-esteem.

Free play, music activities, art, story time, dramatic play and various manipulative activities to foster fine and gross motor skill development are all components of the Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten Programs.

Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten children attend a Physical Education class, Library and a computer class each week.

GRADES 1 AND 2

In grades 1 & 2, a positive self-image is encouraged and the students are given a sense of belonging in a disciplined and structured environment. Learning becomes a rich, enjoyable and rewarding experience where students learn by using concrete and hands-on activities.

In order to solve interdisciplinary problems, a variety of skills and strategies are incorporated. This includes effective work habits, gathering and processing information, generating and analyzing ideas, realizing ideas and making connections.

The school is currently using a reading series from McGraw-Hill. This series integrates Phonics, Spelling and Grammar into each new, interesting literature-based story that the students read. Each reading selection offers activities that integrate social studies, language, geography, science, math, art and health. Through this series, reading and language skills are applied to a variety of genres, balancing fiction and non-fiction. The reading series teaches the students to understand the need for proper writing, grammar, mechanics and usage. Since, all children learn at their own pace, this series makes reading a successful experience for every child by providing a rich collection of leveled books for easy, independent and challenging reading. We have recently incorporated the Write Source writing program into our Language Arts curriculum. Through this program, students learn to apply writing strategies, the writing process and the mechanics of writing to enable them to be more skillful, effective and confident writers.

The math series, also from McGraw Hill, emphasizes a hands-on approach that makes real life connections. The use of manipulative's, number lines, books, songs and poems as well as cooperative learning experiences help to reinforce basic and problem-solving skills and challenge the students to develop higher-level thinking skills.

In Social Studies, the students learn about their families, local and global communities, current events, government, holidays, map skills, to name a few topics, through the Social Studies series, from McGraw Hill. In addition to the textbook, the teachers use videos/DVD's and projects to help the students awareness of the world around them.

Science skills are reinforced using videos/DVD's, classroom experiments, and science lab activities, in addition to the McGraw hill series. The students learn about such topics as nutrition, space, the seasons, states of matter, magnetism, to name a few.

Christian values are continually provided to the students academically and spiritually through prayer services, special Masses, liturgical events, the Catholic Television Network, daily prayer, in addition to the Sadlier Religion series. Christian values are taught and encouraged throughout the school day.

GRADE 3

Students in grade 3 are educated in Religion, Language Arts, Math, Science, Health, and Social Studies.

Religion is taught as a way of life and is experienced in every subject taught. Students learn about the four marks of the church, Jesus teachings through scripture, and understanding the Liturgical Calendar. Students participate in Mass every other week and hold a Prayer Service for the school.

In Math students build on their basic knowledge of addition and subtraction skills. Basic multiplication and division skills are introduced along with understanding place value, rounding numbers, estimation, telling time, money, calendar skills, fractions, comparing numbers and word problems. Students work in groups, as well as individually by utilizing manipulative's for a hands-on approach.

Language Arts includes spelling, phonics, reading and writing skills. Our Write Source program allows students to learn and explore the writing process on a personal level as well as interacting with each other in the proof reading and editing process. Students are able to express their thoughts in words and through art and share with each other. Parts of speech and grammar rules are incorporated in the writing process. Spelling and vocabulary skills are applied built upon. Phonics skills are mastered in the 3rd grade by a review of previous knowledge learned. Reading comprehension skills, identifying story elements, summaries, plots, problems and solutions, and context clues are taught by reading different genres of stories in our reader as well as additional works. Book Reports and class discussions provide insight in understanding stories, as well as comprehension and mastering oral reading skills.

In Science students learn about the Living Environments of plants and animals, Physical Science, and Earth Science. By using the scientific method students explore learning through hands-on experiences by visiting the science lab. Every student participates in an annual Science Fair in which they explore and explain an experiment using the scientific method.

In Social Studies students learn about the geography of the United States, Native American Communities, and Our Government and the early development of our government. Creating maps, writing research papers, and exploring different parts of the United States encourage students to explore other cultures.

GRADES 4-5

The Social Studies curriculum in grades 4-5 is organized by giving the students a social, political, economic, geographic, and historic awareness. Each lesson is taught using a variety of instructional techniques including oral presentations, maps, debates, text and workbooks, tests, quizzes, reports and projects. Current events are an important part of the curriculum and are discussed in a Christian context to make the students aware of the world around them. Field trips, videos and DVD's enhance the total Social Studies curriculum.

In Science students become active investigators by using the scientific method. Cooperative learning, lab work, computer programs, interpretation of data help to develop scientifically literate students who know and understand how science and technology help influence society and everyday decision making in life.

The Math curriculum follows the Diocese of Brooklyn curriculum guide for mathematics in accordance with New York state Mathematics Standards. We challenge our students to use higher order thinking skills through the use of manipulative's, journal writing and computer mathematics programs.

In Reading/English Language Arts, students are given a wide-range of authors, subjects and genres to read. Students use outside resources such as childrens magazines, trade books, bible stories, songs and plays to enrich the literature-based reading series. They begin to understand the literary elements of theme, staging, plot and point of view. They respond to literature and create their own books, stories, poems, prayers, letters, and essays. The students vocabulary is increased and their written expression is encouraged. Reading skills are learned and mastered in a variety of oral and silent reading situations. Utilizing a new Great Source, Writing Source Language Arts Series, skills are developed using process-writing activities, spelling rules, language mechanics, usage and reference skills activities. It is our goal to enable students to participate in the development of self-expression and individualism.

Religion is an integral part of our educational program. It is our first and foremost goal to teach our children how to live their lives as good Christians and to foster community through the mysteries of faith. Our students take an active role in worshiping God through prayer, and to encourage and motivate our students to serve others. Students are given the opportunity to become altar servers and sing in the church choir. Catholic values are infused into the daily lessons.

Grades 6-8

In grades 6-8, the students learn in a cooperative learning departmental environment. With the use of laptops, power-point projects have been easily incorporated into the subject-based curriculum to enhance students learning. Emphasis is placed on student responsibility and accountability.

In Reading classes are grouped homogeneously. Students are given the opportunity to read novels, plays, short stories, poetry, and non-fiction. Higher level thinking skills are stressed and students participate in small group activities and projects. A new literature based reading series has been incorporated, as well as the Write Source series with emphasis on the writing process.

In Language Arts, the students learn grammar, parts of speech, sentence structure, usage, language mechanics, reference skills, and spelling. There is an emphasis on process writing, and the students are given the opportunity to examine and partake in the various types of writing (i.e., personal narratives, persuasive essay, letter writing, etc.). By the eighth grade, the students are required to develop and write a business letter. The students in Grade 6 and 8 are required to take a New York State test in English Language Arts.

Religion is taught every day and Christian values are infused in every lesson across the curriculum. The students participate in Religious projects and narratives. Each class, Grade K-8, attends Mass twice a month. The sacrament of Confirmation is received in Grade 7. Christian service is stressed throughout the year. Grades 7 and 8 attend a religious retreat. In Grade 8, the students are active participants in an Advent Tree Ceremony, a Pin ceremony, and their Graduation Mass. Students in Grades 6-8 can become junior lector's. They can also continue as altar servers in Grades 6-8.

The Social Studies curriculum follows New York State and Diocesan guidelines for Grades 6-8. There is an emphasis on an understanding of world civilizations both past and present in Grade 6. In Grades 7 and 8 there is a chronological study of American History beginning with a study of Pre-Columbian times and concluding with the twentieth century and current economic and social problems. Field trips to museums and other areas of interest in New York City help develop the students knowledge of history and geography. Group and individual projects are assigned and map skills are a continuing part of the Social Studies curriculum. Through workshops we have received Primary Source materials to enhance the students hand on skills. Students in Grade 8 are required to take a New York State test in Social Studies.

The Math curriculum is designed to follow all New York State Standards. Students master computational skills and are encouraged to use higher-order thinking skills. They are taught problem solving strategies, reasoning skills, number sense and numeration, probability, geometry, algebra, and measurement. Visual aids and manipulatives are used to help in the students acquisition of mathematics. In home and group projects are scheduled regularly. Students in Grades 6 and 8 are required to take a New York State test in Math.

The scientific method of inquiry is a part of the Science curriculum in Grades 6-8. Classroom time is shared by teacher/student directed activities, lab work, and group projects. Visual aids and hands-on activities are used to foster students ability to think. Field trips, classroom experiments, and home activities are scheduled regularly. Students are encouraged to be active participants and observers. They learn how to write lab reports, and are required to develop a project for the Science Fair. In Grades 6 and 7 the students are taught Life Science and in Grade 8 Earth Science. Grade 8 students are required to take a New York State test in Science.

SPECIALTY SUBJECTS

TECHNOLOGY

The students in grades Pre-k 8th are instructed in the use of technology. During the weekly 40-minute period, the students are introduced and instructed to the use of the Internet and commercial software. The technology teacher works with the classroom teacher to integrate technology and the curriculum to enhance the learning experience. Students are taught Internet safety and etiquette and each classroom has a computer for student and teacher usage. Every classroom is equipped with Smart Boards, Smart Technology and is Internet accessible.

ART

Students in grades 1-8 attend a weekly, 40-minute art class. This class is in addition to the art lessons given in their homeroom. Art class introduces the students to art history, color theory, the application of different mediums and to initiate or enhance the students art appreciation and creativity.

ITALIAN

Students in grades 3-8 receive instruction in Italian. Each week, for two 40 minute periods the students are immersed into the Italian culture. The students learn basic vocabulary and grammar. Special activities and entertaining teaching methods are practiced to enhance the students second language experience.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

All students, N-8, attend weekly 40 minute Physical Education class. The class focuses on physical fitness through the use of formal exercise as well as organized sports. The students learn the importance of movement and develop eye-hand coordination and fine and gross motor skills. In the spring, grades 1-8, participate in Sports Day, where the students compete in various physical activities. In addition to physical fitness, sportsmanship is emphasized, modeled and encouraged. Health education is taught by the homeroom teacher. These lessons emphasis the importance of nutrition, taking care of your body and soul, substance abuse prevention and living a healthy life style.