Elementary School (Grades K-5)
Kindergarten Curriculum
Kindergarten incorporates critical experiences that are developmentally appropriate to nurture your children spiritually, academically, socially and physically.
Based in the Catholic faith, teachers maintain a consistent and supportive environment so the students feel accepted and loved. The students are given the tools required to learn while providing them with the space they need to grow. Individual academic excellence is encouraged. Kindergarten students are taught based on Diocese of Nashville Curriculum Guidelines.
Religion is taught using Word of Life Curriculum, which recognizes that children have a readiness to learn about God. The program integrates scripture and doctrine to help children relate the richness of our Catholic faith to their everyday lives.
- Weekly Mass on Fridays and Holy Days
- Prayer Partners
- Adoration
- Hospital Prayer Partners
Handwriting Without Tears strives to make legible and fluent handwriting a natural and automatic skill. Instructional techniques and activities to help improve a child’s self-confidence, pencil grip, body awareness, and posture. Studies have proven that children who master handwriting are more creative and better writers.
- Multisensory activities
- Manipulatives (i.e. wooden pieces, chalkboards, Mat Man, etc.)
- Instruction that focuses on letter and number formation, sentence and writing skills, and creative writing journal.
Phonics is introduced using our Saxon Phonics Curriculum where children learn to connect letters to sounds. They learn a variety of skills including: blending, rhyming, spelling rules, and building reading fluency.
- Weekly sight word lists
- Fluency readers
- Letter tiles and other hands-on manipulatives
- Weekly Assessments
The Heggerty Phonemic Awareness Curriculum is a program that helps children in preschool through 2nd grade develop phonemic and phonological awareness skills. The program is designed to work with existing synthetic phonics programs and can also be used to help older students who are struggling with reading and spelling.
The program is made up of daily lessons that are fast-paced, easy to implement, and don't require any additional materials. Lessons are structured to start with simple concepts and gradually move to more complex ones, and each lesson typically takes about 10 minutes to complete. The curriculum covers essential skills like:
Rhyming, Isolating phonemes, Blending, Segmenting, Adding, deleting, and substituting phonemes, and Recognizing alliteration.
The program is available in both English and Spanish, and is aligned with national and statewide standards. It's been helping students for over 20 years and is currently used in more than half of all American school districts.
Daily Five is a reading supplemental program that helps students to develop independence, stamina, and accountability. It provides students with an abundant amount of time to practice reading, writing, and listening.
- Read to Self
- Read to Someone
- Work on Writing
- Listen to Reading
- Word Work
- One-on-one and small group time with teacher
Math concepts are taught using a variety of manipulatives and tools to reach each learner in our Singapore Math Curriculum.
- Manipulatives include: linking cubes, ten frames, number lines, dice, tangrams, balances, clocks, etc.
- Number sense, composing and decomposing numbers, and problem solving
Science/Social Studies are taught using thematic units that align with our Fusion Science Curriculum.
- Field trips taken to the apple orchard, pumpkin patch, science center, zoo, plays
- Thanksgiving play
- Science experiences such as carving pumpkins, investigating parts of plants, growing seeds, cooking, etc.
First Grade Curriculum
Math
The math curriculum is guided by Math in Focus: Singapore Math by Marshall Cavendish as well as the Diocesan curriculum. Examples of the standards topics taught include addition and subtraction to one-hundred, properties of place value, data and graphing, time, money, measurement, and geometry.
- Clear, engaging visuals & materials that present concepts & model solutions
- Concepts are taught at a higher & deeper level
- Students learn the “why & how” through instruction, hands-on activities, and problem solving
Language Arts
The language arts curriculum follows the Diocesan curriculum as well as the use of Saxon Phonics and Spelling. Examples of the standards topics taught include:
- Phonics and decoding skills
- Sight vocabulary words
- Sentences and punctuation
- Grammar usage
- Alphabetical order
Religion
Our religion curriculum is taught using Word of Life by the Augustine Institute. Examples of the standards topics taught include:
- Introduction to Bible stories
- Teaching of the Catholic faith
- Prayers and Adoration
- Forgiveness of sin
- Following Jesus’ teaching
- The Sacraments
- Children attend Mass weekly and on Holy Days
Social Studies
Our Social Studies curriculum is taught using the My World program by Pearson and CoreKnowledge History and Geography. Examples of the standards topics covered include:
- Citizenship and government
- Community
- Geography
- People and culture
- History
Science
Our science curriculum is taught using Mystery Science. Examples of the standards topics covered include:
- Living and non-living things
- Habitats
- Plants and animals
- Life cycles and food chains
- Land, water and air
- Weather and seasons
- Matter, movement, sound
- Energy
- Outer space
Handwriting
Our handwriting curriculum is taught using Handwriting Without Tears by Learning Without Tears. Examples of the standards topics taught include:
- Child friendly materials for both right and left handedness
- Visual cues and correct models in each lesson
- Engaging videos that bring letters to life
Field Trips
First Graders experience opportunities to engage with real-world learning through several field trips during the course of the school year. Examples are:
Local pumpkin patch to learn about farming and animals
Local science museum to learn about astronomy, health, energy, machines, and sound
Second Grade Curriculum
Second grade is a grace-filled year! The students grow in their desire to know and love God as they grow in self-knowledge of being created in the image of God.
Highlights of the year:
- Preparing for and receiving the Sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion (the beginning of life-long practices!)
- All Saints Day Procession and Presentations
- Pilgrimage to the Cathedral of the Incarnation and the Motherhouse of the Dominican Sisters of Saint Cecilia.
- Participating in May Crowning as the honor guard.
Religion
Our religion curriculum is taught using The Word of Life Series by the Augustine Institute. Works inspired by the Catechesis of The Good Shepherd are also used to impart the truths of the Catholic faith to our students.
Parents are assisted in preparing their child to receive the Sacraments. We hope to provide families tools to have a life-long relationship with Jesus Christ through prayer and the Sacraments.
Mathematics
Our math curriculum is taught using Math in Focus by Marshall Cavendish which is a Singapore-based program and is highly rigorous.
We aim to develop a foundational number sense and mathematical higher-order thinking while covering topics, such as addition and subtraction to one-thousand, properties of place value, data and graphing, time, money, measurement, and geometry.
Language Arts
The language arts curriculum is taught using Saxon Phonics and Spelling, Open Court Basal Reader, and Handwriting Without Tears.
We focus on increasing the love of reading and writing through teaching essential phonetic and spelling rules, basic grammar topis, weekly vocabulary, and listening and reading comprehension skills.
Science
Our Science curriculum uses Mystery Science and other resources to teach basic concepts that are engaging and important for second graders to know. Science topics are integrated with language arts
Social Studies
Saint Rose second grader students learn about our country, the world around us, ancient civilizations, traditions, and our history. A Catholic worldview and cross-curriculum approach is used for teaching these topics and applying them to life.
Third Grade Curriculum
Saint Rose Catholic School includes its mission of learning, love, and service into the curriculum. The focus is on the development of the whole child. In the spring of each school year, students are tested using Iowa Tests of Basic Skills to determine the course curriculum for each individual child for the upcoming year. This also provides teachers with an opportunity to evaluate and adjust curriculum to best meet the needs of the students.
Along with the concept of meeting the students’ individual needs, our curriculum pulls resources from many places depending on the students’ needs. The following is an overview of materials and resources we use during the year.
Math
Our math curriculum is taught using Math in Focus: Singapore Math by Marshall Cavendish. Math in Focus answers the call for a coherent sequence of topics giving students time to master foundational topics, so that little repetition is required for the next year. It helps students build solid conceptual understanding through problem solving. The sequence of topics follow the Singapore Mathematics Problem Solving Framework. Students learn the “why” and “how” through instruction, hands-on activities, and problem solving.
Examples of the standard topics introduced include adding and subtracting 2-, 3-, and 4-digit numbers correctly; estimations; multiplication and division concepts; memorizing fact families; solving word problems; Metric and Customary Units of measure; bar graphs and line plots; fractions; angles and lines; two-dimensional shapes; area and perimeter; and applying math to everyday situations.
Language Arts
The Language Arts curriculum is taught combining two different series. Open Court Reading is used for spelling and literature and Sadlier Grammar Workshop is used for English concepts. In Literature, our concepts include identifying, describing, and reading a variety of genres, self-monitoring comprehension when reading and listening, author’s purpose, making inferences, main idea and supporting details, distinguishing fact and opinion, comparing and contrasting relationships among characters, events, and key ideas.
Grammar units include traditional English concepts such as nouns, types of sentences, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, pronouns, capitals, and punctuation. Writing sentences and creative writing are also practiced throughout the course of the workshop.
Students are also taught cursive using Handwriting Without Tears. It is a cursive writing program developed by an occupational therapist that helps ease the student into the process of cursive writing. Students are excited to learn and are proud of their work with this new approach to handwriting.
Highlights include:
- Daily 5 Learning Strategies
- Biography Book Report in which students dress up as their chosen person
- Novel units of study with hands on activities
- Creating and decorating a gingerbread house to use in constructing an expository piece of writing
Religion
Saint Rose uses the Word of Life and focuses on using modern day examples for children to know and learn their Catholic faith. Examples of the standard topics include a focus Saint for each chapter, Liturgical seasons and corresponding lessons, the Mysteries of the Rosary. Chapters also include how God calls us to faith, God’s plan of love, and how Jesus Brings us to the Kingdom of God.
Highlights include:
- Hands on and handmade activities
- Adoration visits
- Monthly Confession times
- Social Justice
- Weekly Mass attendance
Social Studies
The Social Studies series is My World Social Studies by Pearson. Examples of the standard social studies topics taught include types of communities; geography; explorers; economics; locating communities and describing community characteristics; explaining the role of local, state and national government branches; and organizing and presenting information using maps, graphs, and tables. We also include several thematic units including Native Americans, Pilgrim life, Christmas Around the World, National Symbols, and map skills.
Highlights include:
- Sam Davis Home field trip
- Visit to Hatcher Dairy Farm
Science
Our science curriculum is enhanced by using Mystery Science. The curriculum includes the scientific process; life science including plant and animal life cycles as well as habitats; earth science; weather; space; and physical science and chemistry. Scientific concepts and assessments are enhanced with hands-on learning whenever possible.
Highlights include:
- Science experiments
- Building a habitat with food webs
- Life cycle book report
- Creating a creature out of recyclable items
- STEM activities
Fourth Grade Curriculum
At the beginning of each school year, teachers utilize the previous year’s Iowa Tests of Basic Skills (ITBS), report card performance, and summer math and reading enrichment packets to determine the course of curriculum for each individual child for the upcoming year. Teachers follow the Diocesan curriculum guide coupled with Catholic based textbook series to teach 4th grade standards.
The fourth grade teaching team is made up of two teachers, each with their own homeroom class.
Along with the concept of meeting the student’s individual needs, our curriculum pulls resources from many places depending on the students’ needs. Here is an overview of materials and resources we use during the year.
Math
Our math curriculum is taught using Singapore Math Level 4 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. Examples of the standards topics covered include:
- Multiple digit multiplication and division
- Fractions and mixed numbers
- Decimals
- Whole numbers to seven place values
- Geometry and measurement
- Enrichment Opportunities in Math
- Catholic Math League
- Math Olympiad
Language Arts
Our language arts curriculum is taught using the Open Court and Sadlier programs and select literature studies. Examples of the standards topics covered include:
- Comprehension for factual and inferential information
- Reading class novels including realistic and historical fiction and broadening their vocabulary
- Expanding spelling using Open Court Skills Practice
- Developing writing skills through letter writing, persuasive speeches, and expository paragraphs with an emphasis on ideas, word choice, and organization
- Improving grammar skills through Sadlier Workshop
- Reading and writing a variety of poetry
Religion
Our religion curriculum is taught using Word of Life by Augustine Institute/Ignatius Press. Examples of the standards topics covered include:
- Daily Gospel/Saint of the Day reflections
- Virtues & the life of true happiness
- Christian vocations
- The Blessed Trinity
- The Beatitudes
- The Works of Mercy
- Enrichment Opportunities in Religion:
- Fourth Grade Saints Alive Project: Students choose a saint, conduct research, write an expository report and speech, and participate in a ‘living museum’ dressed like his/her saint.
Social Studies
Our social studies curriculum is taught using Core Knowledge History & Geography. Emphasis is placed on the geography and evolution of the United States of America. Examples of the standards topics covered include:
- Prehistoric natives, ancient and modern Native American tribes
- Medieval Europe & the role of the Catholic Church
- The 13 Colonies
- Westward Expansion
- The American Revolution and formation of the government of the United States
- The five regions of the United States include learning all 50 state capitals and location on a map.
- Tennessee state history and government
- Enrichment Opportunities in Social Studies:
- School geography bee
- Class projects
Science
Our science curriculum uses Mystery Science. Our students work with lab teams to do hands-on investigation and analysis. Examples of the standards topics covered include:
- Classifying living things in the animal and plant kingdoms
- Exploring the functions of human body systems
- Developing health and safety habits
- Weather
- Classifying rocks and minerals
- Matter and chemistry
- Electricity
Fifth Grade Curriculum
Math
Our math curriculum is taught using Math in Focus: Singapore Math by Marshall Cavendish/Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. This program is accessible online.
Examples of the standard topics covered include mastering operations with large numbers, fractions, decimals, probability, geometry, statistics, measurement, and problem-solving using various strategies, including bar models.
The Singapore Math concept utilizes concrete pictures and bar models to introduce mathematical concepts, leading to a deeper understanding of abstract math. Math is made authentic through real-world applications.
Language Arts
Our language arts curriculum is taught using a variety of programs.
- Textbook: Voyages in English by Loyola Press is used for Writing and Grammar.
- Introduction to a 5 Paragraph Writing Style, utilizing the RAPS writing Method.
- The writing process (prewriting, drafting, revising, editing, and publishing)
- Writing applications (analytical, persuasive, expository, narrative, descriptive, poetry, and letters)
- Google Classroom for note-taking, digital assignment submission, essay writing, and teacher feedback.
Textbook: SRA Open Court Reading Level 5 by McGraw-Hill is used for literature as well as:
- Literature-based curriculum
- A variety of pre-selected books from various genres are used to focus on literary analysis and literary elements.
- Literature circles develop critical thinking skills as well as comprehension and speaking skills.
- CommonLit Digital Reading Comprehension Skill Building
- Textbook: Sadlier Vocabulary Workshop Level Blue Enriched Edition with iWords Audio Program is used for both Vocabulary and Spelling
Religion
The 5th-grade religion curriculum is based on the foundations of Catholicism, and the Word of Life series by the Augustine Institute and Ignatius Press is used in conjunction with the Catechism of the Catholic Church.
In 5th grade, there is an emphasis and review of the Seven Sacraments: Baptism, Reconciliation, Confirmation, the Eucharist, Holy Orders, Matrimony, and the Anointing of the Sick. We delve into the richness of the Catholic faith's doctrine and each sacrament throughout the year to help students gain a deeper understanding of their faith. In 5th grade, students also receive their own Bible, and they begin to read, pray with, and study the Bible more in depth.
Social Studies
Our social studies curriculum uses Core Knowledge History and Geography. Examples of the standard topics covered include ancient civilizations, the Age of Exploration, the Civil War, Westward Expansion, the history of Tennessee, and the Modern Era. We also cover central units on geography and government. We take field trips to the Tennessee State Capitol and JA BizTown in the spring, where students run a simulated town for a day, exercising their skills in economics, communication, and citizenship.
Science
Textbook: Scott Foresman Science: See Learning in a Whole New Light by Pearson Education, Inc.
- Life Science: Cells to body systems, Microscope used to observe various types of cells, Frog dissection to help visualize the organs of the human body
- Earth Science: Protecting Earth’s Resources, Weather, and Water on Earth
- Physical Science: observe and discuss properties of matter, Physical vs Chemical changes, Periodic table and elements, Observe and discuss chemical reactions, Study topics of forces and motion (Newton’s Laws of Motion and Simple Machines)
- Space: Stars and Galaxies, Earth in Space