Elementary

"Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire."

William Butler Yeats

As our students enter first through fifth grade, we teach a rich, meaningful and balanced curriculum of skills and information through age-appropriate lessons and activities. It is a time when students continue their development towards a stronger foundation of Reading, Writing, Mathematics and our Catholic Faith.

Teaching the whole child is emphasized -- physically, mentally, spiritually, emotionally and academically.

As our students mature, we encourage them to take responsibility for their own learning. Organizational, time management and good study skills empower our students. We motivate them to be accountable and responsible, as they strive to live, love and act like Jesus.

Exciting Elementary Experiences

Our elementary program places students on the path to a life-long love of learning. The curriculum encourages curiosity, stimulates thinking and helps to instill a sense of self-confidence in every child.

We believe excellence is achieved by setting high standards, providing appropriate instructional methods and monitoring achievement. Our teachers use differentiated instructional techniques allowing each student to reach their fullest potential.

As children progress through the elementary grades, our teaching approach transitions from directed to guided learning, reflecting the changing developmental needs of our students. Students become more responsible for their own work and actions. They are encouraged to explore, question and advocate for themselves.

Our goal is to provide each student with an outstanding, content-rich academic curriculum, enlivened by the values of the Catholic faith.

Curriculum

Religion

The spiritual development of our students is central to our school’s mission.

In the elementary grades, teachers focus on developing a relationship with God, the foundations of the Catholic faith, and early sacraments. Prayer and the teachings of the Church are woven throughout each day. Students attend Mass weekly and participate in devotions including praying the rosary, stations of the cross and adoration.

Our K-5th grade religion curriculum incorporates Catholic doctrine, Bible themes, social justice, service, family life and community prayer. Second Grade students prepare for the sacraments of Reconciliation and First Communion in their classrooms. All elementary students participate in service projects.

Science

Science education helps students understand the workings of the natural world. We teach students science concepts through a combination of hands-on exploration, technology-based learning, and scientific inquiry. We emphasize that science is a way to investigate, celebrate and care for God’s creation.

In our elementary grades, our science curriculum introduces students to the scientific method as they learn to gather data, analyze results and reach conclusions. Through the course of their elementary years at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish School, students will study physical, life and earth science. Some areas of study include the solar system, systems of the body, leaves and plants, life cycles, simple machines, balance and motion, matter, air and weather, geology and insects.

Older elementary students complete science research projects, write reports, give oral presentations and have the opportunity to work on STREAM projects in the classroom. Our elementary science curriculum prepares each student for middle school by enhancing their curiosity and developing their ability to investigate, analyze and explain.

Mathematics

The curriculum is designed to develop mathematical proficiency through the mastery of basic skills and concepts. Through investigation, analysis, critical thinking, collaboration and use of technology, our students become effective problem solvers. Students develop the ability to effectively communicate their understanding of mathematical skills, concepts and processes.

Our math curriculum is based on a traditional approach that provides students with a strong foundation for understanding more complex concepts as they grow. We focus on the essential concepts at each grade level to build Math fluency and in-depth understanding of major mathematical ideas.

Our elementary students explore mathematical processes, number operations and relationships, geometry, measurement, statistics and probability and algebraic relationships. Our teachers use a wide variety of tools, hands-on activities and daily practice to build each student’s number sense and mental math skills and to ensure each student’s preparedness for middle school math.

Social Studies

Education in social studies enables students to become well informed about the world around them through exploration of the social sciences of history, geography, economics, culture and government. Our social studies curriculum is designed to help students acquire knowledge and skills to become informed citizens in a culturally diverse, democratic society in an interdependent world.

In the elementary grades, our social studies curriculum includes an introduction to history, geography, economics, geography, civics and government. Some areas of study include neighborhoods, cities/towns, states, countries and continents, location terms, map and globe skills, famous historic Americans, timelines, energy, transportation, communication, money and banking, goods and services. The 4th grade Social Studies curriculum emphasizes these areas on Florida Studies.

We emphasize the connections among the peoples and nations of the world, teach an appreciation and respect for diversity, and demonstrate ways to practice good citizenship. We help our students understand their place in the world as citizens of the United States and as children of God.

Our elementary students move on to middle school with an understanding of the past and present and the ability to meet the challenges of the future.

Reading / Language Arts

The goal of our language arts curriculum in the elementary grades is to ensure every student has a firm foundation in phonemic awareness, comprehension, grammar, writing, vocabulary and spelling. We work with our students to develop strong reading, writing and speaking skills in order for them to be effective communicators.

In our lower elementary grades (1st - 2nd), we utilize a reading program that blends a strong phonics foundation with a rich literature experience, providing a balanced approach to reading and language arts. Grammar, punctuation, handwriting and spelling lessons are embedded in the reading series. The writing process is introduced through interactive writing activities and students learn writing traits such as word choice, organization and conventions. Teachers instruct handwriting using the Zaner-Bloser method.

As our 3rd through 5th graders continue to develop their reading skills, they are challenged to become more active, thinking readers. Our reading series grows with them and embeds phonics, writing skills, study strategies, spelling and grammar into the curriculum. We continue to teach writing as a process and students further hone their skills. Students learn to write clearly and effectively, to share information and knowledge, to influence and persuade, and to create and entertain.

Students gain the experience of gathering their ideas and presenting them in front of a group. Our Lady of Lourdes Parish School’s elementary students learn to communicate with confidence, clarity, creativity and competence. The transition to cursive begins in 2nd grade and is reinforced in subsequent grades. Our older elementary students learn research and inquiry methods and teachers introduce note taking and the organization of information to help prepare them for the move to middle school.

SPECIAL AREAS

Enriching Minds, Inspiring Creativity and Developing Talent

In addition to the core curriculum, students at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School enjoy a variety of specialty
subjects designed to complement and enrich their overall academic experience.

SPANISH

All students receive weekly instruction in Spanish. The Spanish curriculum is implemented using age-appropriate activities in a creative, interesting and engaging classroom environment.

Students in grades K – 5th visit the Spanish classroom once per week and focus on the basic language skills of speaking, listening, comprehension, reading and writing.

Students in grades 6 - 8th receive Spanish instruction twice per week, further deepening their knowledge. Through hands-on activities, songs, games and projects, students acquire both linguistic skills and a greater cultural awareness.

ART

Education in the Visual Arts is important to the development of creative expression. Through the study of visual arts, students develop creativity and build self-confidence. Our visual arts curriculum provides students with aesthetic experiences and builds an understanding of and an appreciation for a variety of cultures.

Students in grades K - 8th meet weekly with our art teacher in the Art Suite. Students are instructed in Art history, drawing, painting, and sculpture work as well as a variety of other methods and media. They are encouraged to create their own works of beauty and individuality.

MUSIC

Music education is an essential component of a child’s education. Through music, students develop creativity, imagination and expression. The music curriculum introduces students to a broad cultural awareness and deeper appreciation of the arts while developing life-long skills.

Students in grades PK3 - 8th participate in weekly music classes in the Music Suite. Our focus is on developing young singing voices, learning music skills, appreciating music, and sharing musical gifts. Elementary students work on learning rhythm, reading notes and a mastery of repertoire of age-appropriate songs.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

Our physical education program is designed to develop the necessary skills and experiences that benefit students physically, emotionally, socially, and spiritually. By fostering physical fitness, teamwork, and healthy lifestyle choices students establish a positive self-concept.

Elementary students in grades PreK3 - 8th enjoy physical education classes each week in our outdoor athletic facilities. Through fun, fitness and fair play, our students develop eye-hand coordination, basic strength, balance and agility. They learn the skills and rules related to a variety of sports. The elements of improving personal skill level, supporting teammates, respecting opponents and the quality of sportsmanship are stressed.