Physical Education
The objectives of the physical education program are to provide all children with experiences that promote fitness, health, and teamwork. In the lower grades, students are introduced to physical fitness; focused on gross motor skills, listening skills, and following directions; and learning through play and non-competitive games. In the middle grades, emphasis is placed on physical fitness, skill development for competitive team and individual sports, and more competitive games while continuously emphasizing positive sportsmanship. Upper grade level programs are based on physical fitness, sportsmanship, and individualized competitions. The students will participate in Jump Rope for Heart to benefit the American Heart Association as well as Field Day.
Spanish
The study of the Spanish language is an experience, whereby, all children learn to speak and read the language as well as develop an understanding of the culture. The main focus is upon acquiring proper pronunciation, reading, writing, and basic grammar skills. The Spanish program is enriched with the study of customs, culture, geography, and history of Spain, Mexico, and Central America. As a class, they learn, laugh, sing, dance and recite poems.
Early Childhood Education
Focus on Spanish vocabulary and pronunciation about colors, numbers, food, anatomy, and holidays.
1st Grade
Focus on reading Spanish language.
2nd Grade
Emphasis is on vowel sounds, articles, placement of written accents and spelling.
3rd Grade
Increase the difficulty levels of vocabulary, pronunciation, reading, writing, and cultural appreciation.
4th – 6th Grade
Focus on verb conjugation in the present tense with a transition from oral to written communication; specific verb use and verb forms, reading and writing.
All grades participate in the Spanish Festival which is a celebration of the Spanish language and the diversity of Spanish-speaking cultures.
Technology Application
The goal of the Technology Education program is to provide students every opportunity to achieve computer literacy and effectiveness in using the computer as a learning tool. Students develop a strong knowledge base, build a platform of strategies, and apply such strategies to various contexts. Specifically, the conceptual framework of providing rich and innovative experiences in technology applications is described by the following 6 strands:
- basic operations and concepts
- social, ethical, and human issues
- applications and processes
- communications
- research tools
- problem-solving and decision making
Early Childhood
At the Early Childhood level, students are provided technology instruction as an integrated activity within their contained classroom. Children are introduced to basic computer components, concepts, terminology and software programs.
Kindergarten – 2rd Grade
Developmentally appropriate activities are planned to provide students with opportunities to utilize technology skills as they accomplish curriculum objectives. Through exploration and group activities, children use interactive resources to reinforce reading, comprehension, and writing skills. The primary objectives for learning and using technology are: basic operations; communications tools (on-line curriculum resources in core academic subjects and enrichment program areas); productivity tools (word processing, drawing tools, learning software, Alabama Virtual Library, multimedia applications, etc.); and, problem-solving and decision-making tools (logistical thinking, researching solutions and circumstances associated with the solutions).
3rd - 4th Grades
Based on the objectives and learning experiences noted above, the students begin to expand their use of technology and exercise more independent thought and action. Students are able to work collaboratively to accomplish project-based assignments using technology. Skills are developed by using technology across all subject areas. Emphasis is placed upon legal, ethical, acceptable, and non-acceptable uses of information and judgments about the value of information found on the internet.
5th - 6th Grades
Students will be able to demonstrate, communicate, identify, apply, and utilize all basic operations, concepts, and components associated with technology use (file management, operating systems, hardware, software, and keyboard proficiency). In addition, skills and knowledge that will be developed include:
- Social ethical and human issues (copyright violations, computer fraud, etc.)
- Productivity tools (multimedia devices and peripherals supporting productivity, group collaboration, communication and learning throughout the curriculum.
- Integration of word processing functions
- Identification and use of spreadsheets and databases
- Research (evaluate the accuracy, comprehensiveness, and bias of electronic information sources)
- Validation of information through research and data comparison
Music
The objective of the Music Program is to provide all students with opportunities to experience and develop various skills in music and performance while instilling an appreciation this form of art.
There are three major events during the year in which all students prepare. They are:
- Grandparents’ Day
- The Annual Holiday Program
- The Pink Party (our end-of-the year celebration and performance)
Each program includes one unique song per class as well as a concluding song performed by the entire student body. Additionally, each class performs once during the school year for their classmates at a monthly general assembly. Students contribute in creating choreography for their songs as they learn.
In addition to the formal productions, each class has a general course of study. “Musikgarten” sets the tone for Pre-School through 1st Grade. The Pre-School children delight in “Cycle of Seasons”, which includes many different activities in a 30-minute session. They sing, dance, listen, identify animals by sound, perform songs, and play different rhythm instruments.
Pre-Kindergarten, Kindergarten, and 1st Grade find “Music Makers: At Home in the World” intriguing. They continue with the established activities in different landscape themes with an increase in challenge. They also begin to read rhythms and learn musical symbols.
From the 2nd-6th Grade, students learn to read music by playing recorders. “Recorder Karate” is a highly motivational method which rewards students with colored belts as each song is completed. These belts are displayed around the bell of each student’s recorder. More difficult songs have been added for bronze, silver, and gold belts. The 5th and 6th grade students also practice sight-reading, as well as study famous composers and their works.
Art
Visual art is essential in developing academic excellence. The Art Program promotes curiosity, critical thinking, and a life-long love of the visual arts. Students are given exciting opportunities to experiment with different art mediums including . . .
- pastels
- watercolor
- printmaking
- ceramics
- glass mosaics
Students develop creative and critical thinking skills as they acquire working knowledge of the elements and principles of art. The elements and principles of art are the visual building blocks used to create a piece of art in order to express one’s ideas.
A strong emphasis is placed upon art history. All student art activities are based on the life and art of great masters including Van Gogh, Picasso, Monet, Georgia O’Keefe, and Degas. Students explore the time period in which an artist lived, where he/she lived, who and or what factors influenced their art – all in order to understand all the dimensions of a master.