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Curriculum Description

  • Curriculum Descriptions 

     

    English 6-8

    In our Middle School curriculum for English, Writing with Power by Perfection Learning leveled texts are used. Students employ the Cornell Note Taking process to build study guides as we progress through each chapter in the text. This process is an effective way to reduce and review.

    In Vocabulary, we use the Vocabulary Workshop series by Sadlier. 

    Students also read and do language arts activities in the Scholastic Scope Language Arts magazine.

    These activities based on interesting current events include Grammar practice, editing,  reading comprehension, vocabulary acquisition, critical thinking, and exposure to different genres.  

      

    English 6

    • English 6 is divided into 3 components- Grammar, Vocabulary and some Writing elements.  
    • In Grammar, we focus on the 8 parts of speech and usage within the English language. We also examine sentence structure as well. The rules of Grammar will be emphasized through short writing assignments. 
    • In Vocabulary, each week we investigate 20 new words and the tests include spelling, definitions, synonyms, antonyms, parts of speech, context, and pronunciation. 

              We also work on periodic review units.  

        

    English 7

    • English 7 is divided into 3 components- Grammar, Vocabulary and some Writing elements.  
    • In Grammar, we continue to work on parts of speech while we progress to form better sentences which then create smoother paragraphs. We focus on more difficult concepts of mechanics and punctuation as well.
    • In Vocabulary, each week we investigate 20 new words and the tests include spelling, definitions, synonyms, antonyms, parts of speech, context, and pronunciation. 

              We also work on periodic review units.  

     

    English 8

    • English 8 is divided into 3 components- Grammar, Vocabulary and some Writing elements.  
    • We conduct a comprehensive review of all Grammar rules (capitalization, spelling, usage, punctuation, mechanics, and sentence structure.)
    • This Grammar review prepares the students for the HSPT- High School Placement Test for Catholic high school admission. 
    • In Vocabulary, each week we investigate 20 new words, and the tests include spelling, definitions, synonyms, antonyms, parts of speech, context, and pronunciation.
    • We also work on periodic review units.  

     

    Spanish 6-8

    • At this level, Spanish classes begin to use a textbook. Over the course of the three years of middle school, the high school Spanish I curriculum is covered. Many SJS graduates place into Spanish II in high school.
    • Spanish classes meet three periods a week.
    • The textbook is Realidades 1. The Hispanic Scholastic magazine Que Tal is also used to infuse current, engaging cultural topics and events. 

     

    Spanish 6

    • Weekly testing is introduced.  About one third of a high school Spanish I curriculum is learned during the year.  Focus is on the Introductory Unit and Units 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B, and 3A in the text.  
    • Students study dialogue, greetings, verb conjugation, and vocabulary sets; focus is on reading, writing, and conversation. 

     

    Spanish 7

    • Testing is weekly.  About two thirds of a high school Spanish I curriculum is learned during the year.  
    • Students review concepts from Spanish 6 and learn units 3B, 4A, 4B, 5A, 5B, and 6A. The learning process continues through reading, writing,  and conversation.  

     

    Spanish 8

    • Concepts from Spanish 6 & 7 are reviewed.  Units 6B, 7A, 7B, and 8A are studied. 
    • More complex verb tenses and conjugations are covered.  
    • Students are able to write mini compositions on topics such as family, celebrations, and favorite actors completely in Spanish!

    Spanish 5        

    • Children at this level increase their Spanish class time to 40 minute classes twice a week.
    • Thirty eight themed units are covered during the year.  
    • These topics include those introduced in Spanish1-4.
    • Some of the additional themes are nature, locations, the home, household objects, professions, Catholics Schools Week, holidays, and the beach. 
    • The themes are explored through oral, written and conversational approaches.  
    • We build on prior knowledge and expand into more complex grammatical rules and constructions.  
    • Cultural themes continue to be highlighted.

     

    Spanish 1-4    

    • The children have a 30 minute class weekly.  
    • They are introduced to simple conversational dialogue.  
    • Themed units are introduced biweekly.
    • These themes include colors, numbers, months, days, weather, family, clothing, sports, community, animals, etc.
    • Also, cultural holidays from around the Hispanic world are explored at times.