LITTLE SHEPHERD PRESCHOOL PROGRAM

PreK Curriculum

The “Little Shepherd” Pre-Kindergarten program is individualized, recognizing the developmental needs of early learners. All facets of child development are addressed in a caring, supportive, child-centered environment. The curriculum provides interactive and multi-sensory hands-on experiences in Religion, Fine Arts, Technology, Health/Safety, Language Arts, Mathematics, Personal/Social Development, Physical Education, Science, and Social Studies. The experiences in the Pre-Kindergarten program are designed to prepare children for the expectations of Kindergarten and lay the foundation for future learning. Children develop social skills, a sense of identity, community and school spirit that continues as they progress through Academy of Saint Paul.

The primary goal of instruction at Academy of Saint Paul is to provide a learning experience in a Catholic environment that will assist the students in their spiritual, moral, intellectual, social, emotional, and physical development. The academic program is designed so that students can acquire the skills and knowledge that will enable them to assume a positive, active role in shaping the future of our society.

The school's curriculum is aligned to the academic guidelines provided by the Archdiocese of Newark which are designed to meet and exceed the New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards. The curriculum is based on the proven effectiveness of a traditional approach to educating young people while developing the skills needed for success in the 21st century.

Students in need of academic support receive supplemental instruction through in-class assistance and a pull-out program provided in conjunction with Bergen County Special Services. An instructional support team comprised of speech, language, and occupational therapists, school psychologist, and student advocate assist teachers in their efforts to meet the individual needs of students. Lessons are designed to provide opportunities for all students to be challenged while mastering subject content.

Technological resources such as software applications, and online textbook resources are used throughout the curriculum to support instructional excellence and strengthen foundational skills.

Religion: A primary goal of the Religion curriculum is to develop the Catholic identity of each student. To that end, students in Pre-Kindergarten through grade eight receive daily instruction in the beliefs and teachings of the Catholic faith to further their spiritual formation and prepare them to participate in the sacramental life of the Church. The life of Jesus, the saints, sacraments, Scripture, morality, and Church history are studied. Each day begins and ends with community prayer. Attendance at monthly Masses and prayer services enhances the students’ spiritual life. The second grade students prepare for and receive the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Holy Eucharist. Students participate in service projects and outreach programs at the school and in conjunction with the parish and community. Reading/English Language Arts: Reading, writing, language, speaking, listening, and media literacy constitute the pillars of the reading/language arts curriculum. Literacy instruction is provided through a balanced approach with all strands integrated in the program of studies. Phonemic awareness is stressed in the primary grades providing the foundation for literacy skills development. The primary resource for reading/language arts instruction is the SuperKids program which integrates decoding, spelling, grammar, phonics, and comprehension. The intermediate grades build on the skills developed in the primary grades by applying reading strategies to short stories, novels, and informational text. In the intermediate grades the Houghton Mifflin's Journey series is supplemented with selected novels and informational text. Literary analysis of various genres including fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and myths is the core of the reading curriculum in the upper grades. The language arts curriculum in all grades includes direct instruction in spelling, vocabulary, grammar, handwriting, and holistic writing. Holistic writing is taught as a five-step process with evaluation based on a common rubric.

Mathematics: The mathematics curriculum in kindergarten through eighth grade is based on the Archdiocesan Mathematics Curriculum Maps. Students in grades four through eight are grouped homogeneously in order to provide the needed support or challenge. Students in kindergarten through grade five use the McGraw-Hill My Math series, which includes online textbooks and digital teacher resources. Students in grades six through eight continue with the McGraw Hill middle school texts. Algebra I is offered to grade eight students, who have demonstrated mastery of the pre-requisite mathematical concepts and skills. The curriculum provides opportunities for students to build their understanding of mathematical concepts, both concrete and abstract, and ample practice to master important skills. All concepts are taught, and practiced within a strong problem-solving approach, which empowers students with the knowledge and skills necessary for success in the 21st century.

Science: Science instruction is presented as a way of investigating the natural world and developing solutions. The main strands include scientific processes, science and society, mathematical application, nature and process of technology, life science, physical earth science, and environmental studies. Science is taught in an approach that integrates Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). Students are guided in exploring the world using the Scientific Method and in solving real world problems using the Engineering Design Process. The use of iPads, Chromebooks, and the state-of-the-art Science Lab enhance science understanding through hands-on and virtual experiences with science tools.

Social Studies/History: The disciplines of history, geography, civics, and economics constitute the social studies curriculum with interdisciplinary connections. Through project-based learning, current events, research, virtual and actual field trips, debating, and the review of primary documents, teachers provide  students with the knowledge, skills and attitudes needed to be responsible, democratic citizens and contributing members of an ever-changing global society. Integration of map and globe skills are used throughout the curriculum. 

Fine Arts: The fine arts curriculum is experienced by students in Pre-Kindergarten through grade eight and includes the weekly study of visual arts, music, and art history. Opportunities are provided for students in music, theater, and visual arts. The objective of the Fine Arts program is to expose students to: a variety of art media, the basic elements of art and design, and various artists and art history. This exposure provides students with a good foundation in visual arts and encourages the development of their own creativity and artistic expression. The program develops fine motor skills, critical thinking and problem solving at developmentally appropriate levels. Students learn basic music theory, music history, and the origins of sacred music in the Catholic Church. There is an emphasis on music appreciation designed to give the student the ability to understand and discern quality classical and contemporary music. A Christmas pageant and spring musical are performed annually. Students in Kindergarten through grade eight also have the opportunity to participate in a play performance through the Theater Arts Workshop. 

Physical Education/ Health/Nutrition: The physical education program utilizes the President’s Challenge and Anti-Bullying program to emphasize the value of physical health and emotional well-being for students in Pre-Kindergarten through eighth grade during weekly classes. The curriculum develops life skills, athletic skills, cooperation, wellness, fitness, and nutrition. These objectives are addressed in regularly scheduled classes and in activities such as ASES (All Students Exercise Simultaneously), Jump Rope for Heart, Hoops for Heart, and Let’s Move in School. The Health Program curriculum for grades six through eight addresses nutrition, physical, emotional, and social health, personal hygiene, the systems of the body, and substance abuse prevention. These classes meet on a weekly basis. 

World Language: The objective of the world language curriculum is to promote the goals of communication and an appreciation of cultural diversity within a faith-based environment. All students receive Spanish instruction. Students in Pre-Kindergarten through grade five have a weekly exposure to the language and culture. Grade six participates in bi-weekly classes. Students in grade seven and eight receive daily Spanish instruction with the culminating goal of Spanish I proficiency.

Technology: Technology Education classes are offered once weekly in grades Pre-Kindergarten through grade eight. The technology curriculum supports the integration of co-curriculum learning by utilizing technology platforms in the various subject areas. The basic computer skills such as keyboarding, word processing, and digital presentations are addressed. Computer Science instruction in the form of programming is offered to help nurture creativity and problem-solving skills. These prepare students for success in the 21st century. Students have access to laptops, tablets, iPads, desktops, and Chromebooks throughout the school. Every classroom is equipped with an interactive board. 

Library Science: The Library Science curriculum is two-fold, focusing on reading for personal growth and development of informational literacy for Pre-Kindergarten through grade eight. Students meet weekly to read, respond to literature, and form expressive ideas. Students learn research skills to find information from multiple sources and use proper citations following MLA formatting rules for research papers and presentations. Through the integration of classroom objectives and the collaboration with classroom instructors, the Library

The goal of instruction at Academy of Saint Paul is to develop students into contributing citizens of an ever-changing, technological, and global society. This is accomplished through instructional methods, which highlight the connection between learning and life. Following a student-centered, standards-based and teacher-guided learning philosophy, curriculum is presented and assessed in a variety of formats to accommodate various learning styles. Creativity, practical applications, problem solving, and presentation skills are important components of every unit. Lesson objectives are clear and essential questions focus the instruction. Lessons are delivered utilizing authentic experiences that facilitate divergent thinking and the application of knowledge across the disciplines. Skills and information are presented with appropriate interdisciplinary units of study that bridge the boundaries between content areas. Through direct teaching and practical application, students develop the skills necessary to become autonomous in their use of these techniques.

Students identify their individual learning style to become better advocates for their own learning and to better utilize their strengths. Study skill techniques help students unlock their potential to be self-directed and motivated learners who are equipped to achieve academic success and increased learning. The faculty recognizes that all children learn differently and progress at their own pace. To that end, SPIS faculty employ various teaching methods and strategies to ensure all students have the skills needed to reach their potential. The faculty is trained to distinguish the individual learning style of their students, whether visual, tactile, or auditory, and accommodate their needs appropriately.

Homogeneous groupings are used in grades four through eight, not only to enhance learning but to differentiate each student's individualized instructional needs. Many forms of assessment are provided for the students. Some of these are: oral reports and assessments, digital presentations, videos, diagrams, and group projects.

Accommodations, in the form of extended time or working with a Bergen County Sepecial Services learning specialist, are made when needed. 

Academy of Saint Paul faculty recognize that the more actively engaged the learner is in the act of learning, the more learning will be retained. Lessons incorporate a variety of instructional strategies, including experiential learning, collaborative learning, discussions and interdisciplinary teaching.

RCAN Curriculum MappinG

The schools of the Archdiocese of Newark (RCAN) are involved in an ongoing curriculum mapping detailing the development of subject area curriculum maps with the content and skills students learn in each subject and grade level. Curriculum mapping is a process that helps schools and districts/dioceses determine the “agreed-upon” learning for all students. This process has been implemented within the Archdiocese to ensure that a consistent, clearly articulated curriculum infused with Gospel values is being provided to all students in our schools. 
 
Academy of Saint Paul has implemented a robust, full-scale coding program in the middle school grades to enhance the Technology curriculum.