During these years the children become very comfortable in the learning environment. These years mark some significant developmental changes. Children are more able to understand personal space, taking turns, transitioning and following directions. This movement in maturing enables the children to focus on the curriculum during the day and enjoy the variety of activities that make school a place where they are proud of their achievements.
Curriculum: St. Mary’s School is part of the Diocese of Rochester. The curriculum follows the Learning Standards as set by the Diocese of Rochester and New York State. Our teachers have the autonomy to attain these Standards by using a variety of teaching strategies to enable each child to reach his/her fullest potential.
Religion: To Know, Love, and Serve God and our world is the focus of curriculum in the Catholic Church. The children learn about prayer, and how to say some prayers. They are given many opportunities to share how they know God loves them and learn about how we show God we love Him. Serving God means we serve others. Time is spent thinking about the needs of others in our school, community and world. Many projects are completed that are helpful to others.
ELA (English Language Arts): This is the area focused on reading, writing and listening skills. These are the skills necessary to be successful as the curriculum becomes more content driven in the Elementary Years. Decoding using phonics is stressed, sight words are developed, writing in a variety of genes is introduced, listening for details and being able to retell are the abilities to be mastered.
Math: Math topics are designed to develop a sense of numbers, their relation to each other, and how to apply in real life experiences. Counting, skip counting, algebraic equations, graphing, word problems, and measurement are all topics ensuring a solid foundation in math proficiencies.
Social Studies and Science: At the primary level these subjects build an awareness of community and nature. The children learn about our responsibility to be good citizens by caring for each other, natural resources, plants and animals. Social Studies and Science awareness is accomplished by many hands on activities and field trips to complement the classroom instruction.
Enriched Curriculum Areas:Art, Health, Music, Physical Education, Technology
These subjects are part of the curriculum which enriches the child’s learning experience. These areas help the child learn about him/her-self develop strengths and interests. The children have many opportunities to express their individuality and explore these areas in a variety of ways.