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Kindergarten

Curriculum

From the Curriculum of the Archdiocese of New York:

 The Curriculum of the Archdiocese of New York is based on the New York State Standards which serve as a baseline for more relevant and rigorous learning experiences which meet Archdiocesan expectations and needs of the children.  This core curriculum is called, The Essential Learnings.  The curriculum provides a challenging program that aims to meet the needs of students in the 21st Century.  We teach for success throughout life rather than on a single test.  Our schools are decidedly future-focused, and incorporate both educational technology and interactive learning.

Academic excellence is further enhanced by Catholic values which foster the growth of our students as truthful, generous, and joyful people capable of becoming leaders in the Church and our world.

A variety of learning strategies are used to connect with the child?s framework of understanding. Essential Learnings encompass basic knowledge and skills in mathematics, science, social studies, language arts, art, physical education, music, educational technology and religion from Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 8.

Specific curriculum goals for each subject are described below:
Religion
 Gospel values inform everything we do in our schools, and so we teach our children about the principles and practice of our Catholic faith through age-appropriate religious instruction.

In Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten, children encounter Jesus Christ as the Good Shepherd, a loving caretaker and protector who wants to keep them safely by his side.  Children hear simple versions of Bible stories and learn basic prayers of praise and thanksgiving.  They learn the events in the life of Jesus.

Throughout the curriculum, faith in action is stressed by giving children opportunities for service and social responsibility.  Participation in Mass and prayer as a school community is an integral part of the common experience and reinforces both the religion curriculum and the faith life of the Church.
English Language Arts (ELA)
 The English Language Arts curriculum develops literacy skills and the use of language for personal growth and to achieve full participation in society.  The program is consistent with the philosophy of the National Council of Teachers of English and meets the requirements of the New York State Standards in English Language Arts.

We promote a continuum of language arts learning from pre-kindergarten through eighth grade that reflects the developmental needs of students as they become more proficient in both skills and content.

In each grade, our program addresses the four components of English Language Arts:
  • Reading
  • Listening
  • Writing
  • Speaking
We explore literature, develop language skills and focus on the structure, function and mechanics of clear writing.  Our teachers engage students through practice, direct instruction and encounters with exemplary models of language.

The English Language Arts curriculum in our Catholic schools prepares students to live a life of witness to the call of Jesus.  Language allows us to articulate the inner moving of the spirit and share ideas with others, and that expression is cultivated and encouraged in the classroom.  We also incorporate our values and ethics as Catholics in the discussion of religious and secular literature.
Mathematics
 We agree with the great scientist Galileo, who described mathematics as “the alphabet with which God has written the universe.”

Our instruction provides students with the knowledge and understanding of the concepts and skills necessary to function well in a world that depends on the daily application of mathematics.  We believe that cultivating enthusiasm for mathematics is an important component of a successful mathematics curriculum, and we do that through proper motivation and consistent teaching in a positive atmosphere.

The current curriculum mirrors the New York State Mathematics Standards.  Specifically, the math program focuses on three components:
  • Conceptual understanding
  • Procedural fluency
  • Problem-solving
Each is incorporated using grade-appropriate instruction, manipulative teaching tools and calculators.  Ultimately, the student will see math as an integrated body of knowledge critical to a functioning society.
Social Studies
 Our social studies instruction reflects the competencies and concepts embedded in the New York State Standards for Social Studies and the New York State Assessments.  The five specific content areas are:
  • History of the United States and New York
  • World history
  • Geography
  • Economics
  • Civics, citizenship and government
We expand on the state standards to provide each student with the knowledge, skills, understanding and disposition toward democratic values that are necessary to participate in a culturally diverse American society and an interdependent world.

We add the dimension of Catholic values to help children connect the message of the Gospel, the teachings of the Catholic Church and its impact on world history, and the role of Catholics in America to the other aspects of the curriculum.
Science
 Our science program educates students to use inquiry as a tool to understand scientific concepts and master the skills to appreciate and embrace the ever-expanding body of scientific knowledge.

Consistent with the philosophy and requirements of the New York State Science standards, the Archdiocesan curriculum urges active learning in which students:
  • describe objects and events
  • ask questions
  • acquire knowledge
  • construct explanations of natural phenomena
  • test those explanations in many different ways, and
  • communicate their ideas to others
We believe there is a strong coherence between religion and science in grasping the mechanics of nature.  We teach students that a strong Catholic faith does not exclude one from seeking scientific knowledge, and that science can help humans better understand and appreciate the wonder of God’s creation.  We incorporate church teaching and doctrine into discussions of scientific ethics and moral decision-making as it relates to being good stewards of the earth.
Educational Technology
 Technology is an ongoing process and is continually changing.  It demands constant learning.

When technology is truly integrated into the curriculum, it is transparent and routine.  The use of technology tools are most effective when they become an integral part of how the classroom functions.

Technology resources need to be available and professional development must be continuous, if integration is to happen.  Educators need to be familiar with and capable of using the vast amount of technology resources available in this 21st century.

The purpose of the following website is meant to assist education leaders in their endeavors to improve learning and teaching by advancing the effective use of technology in PK-12 and higher education.  “International Society for Technology in Education”, better known as ISTE sets standards for students, teachers, and administrators: The purpose of the New York State Education Department’s Virtual Learning System is to encourage the use of the Internet as a tool for teaching and learning and to assist classroom teachers in locating Internet resources for instruction.  VLS offers the full text of New York State’s learning standards with their key ideas and performance indicators, as well as alternate performance indicators for students with severe disabilities.  It provides resources that classroom teachers can use to support preK-12 standards-based instruction, such as sample tasks, learning experiences and lesson plans.
Music
 The music curriculum recognizes that arts are unique forms of knowledge and expression that allow young people to give creative and critical expression to their deepest thoughts and insights about themselves, God and the world.  The program meets the National Music Standards and the New York State Standards for the Arts.

We teach the skills and concepts necessary to read, make and appreciate music at every grade level and integrate music into other subjects, including social studies.

We divide our program into six components of musical theory and performance:
  • Rhythm
  • Melody
  • Harmony
  • Expression
  • Form
  • Timbre (tone quality)
Because of the importance of music to the Catholic Church, we have integrated sacred music into our curriculum.  Our students study works of sacred music from many aspects, examining them liturgically and musically as well as meditating on the texts.  In hearing, singing and playing spiritually enriching music, students develop their creative voices and a deeper understanding of our rich cultural heritage.
Art
 The arts are the voice and memory of all communities and all societies.  They are a universal language, a unifying force for humanity and an opportunity for our students to express themselves.  Throughout the ages, individuals have used the God-given gift of fine art as a way to bear witness to and commemorate the great moments in the life of Christ and the Church.

Our Art curriculum meets the high expectations of the National and New York State Standards in Art Education.  It includes grade-level-appropriate exploration of:
  • Aesthetics
  • Art criticism
  • Art heritage
  • Art production
We encourage children to express their own thoughts and emotions through fine art as a way to cultivate creative thinking and emotional development.  We integrate the role of the Church in the discussion of art history and criticism.
Physical Education
 We are committed to educating the mind, the body and the spirit of each of our students.  Physical education is an integral part of a child’s total education.  Our curriculum is based on National and New York State Standards for Physical Education and incorporates strategies from other Catholic diocesan school systems.

The program develops the students’ motor skills and helps them learn the importance of lifetime involvement in physical activity, including individual and team sports.  And it’s a fun break from the academic challenges of the day.

We believe that all students can learn exercises and games, regardless of their physical ability.  Our teachers offer students choices of engaging activities that enable them to master basic movement and life skills and then progress to more strenuous exercises.  The program teaches the value of cooperation, perseverance and teamwork.

We use age-appropriate equipment to help students participate in safe, invigorating activities.  Ultimately, physical education sharpens each child?s physical, social and psychological skills.

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