Lower School (grades 1-4)

Lower School art provides opportunities for students to advance their skills in drawing, painting, sculpting, and ceramics. Students will develop an understanding of how to use the elements of art and principles of design in the art making process. Numerous art media and resources are available for creative exploration that supports artistic growth. Reflecting on the work of selected artists increases students’ awareness of how images influence our views of the world and advances their understanding of content and form in a work of art. Many Lower School units of study are integrated with core subjects and address contemporary issues in art and culture.

The objective of the Lower School mathematics program is to help students understand concepts and number relationships as they skillfully compute and problem solve. The curriculum develops students’ self-confidence while solidifying their understanding of mathematical practices: Problem-solving, perseverance and precision, quantitative and abstract reasoning, explaining strategies and discussing with peers, and modeling. In addition, students build skill in using various strategies, previous knowledge, and repetition in reasoning.

Lower school students continue to explore basic concepts in physical, earth, and life sciences, apply appropriate technology to their investigations, and integrate reading, writing, and mathematics into their studies. As they grow in understanding, confidence, and curiosity, students engage with the process of scientific inquiry, build scientific literacy, and learn more about matters of scientific concern as well as ethical and social dimensions of scientific applications.

The development of reading, writing, and analytical thinking skills are the principal goals of the Lower School language arts program.

Social studies looks at human behavior within a social and environmental context. As such, it encompasses several disciplines, including history, geography, economics, and civics. The social studies program at Sacred Heart assists students in establishing habits of careful inquiry, supported by a sound knowledge base and a firm commitment to personal responsibility through good citizenship. Students grow in their appreciation of the diversity of human experience, culture, and values.

The intent of physical education is to motivate students to create, improve and maintain their personal health and fitness. Physical well-being is directly linked with academic learning. The healthy, physically active child is more likely to be intellectually motivated and alert. Physical education promotes the social skills that are increasingly viewed as essential for success in school. Physical education at Sacred Heart offers activities that allow students to make developmental transitions from childhood to adolescence. Games and sport are viewed as a means to an end, not an end in themselves. Competition is put into proper perspective. Students are encouraged to develop a positive outlook to personal fitness and relate to others in encouraging ways. The program helps students develop an age-appropriate level of fitness, a broad spectrum of physical skills, and the enjoyment, understanding and self-confidence needed to motivate a lifetime of active participation.

The music program nurtures the natural creative impulse in each child through a wide range of vocal and instrumental activities. The program consists of three primary activities: singing, instrument playing, and musical academics. Singing is taught as a form of personal expression, for enjoyment, and as a form of prayer. Instrument playing accompanies singing and is used as a practical expression of other music skills, such as keeping time and music reading. In the academic portion of class, students explore the history of Western music, orchestral music, American folk music, and African-American spirituals. Children learn to enjoy music and to participate with confidence. Children at all grade levels participate in performances.

Lower School students are developing their faith in a variety of ways.  They are eager to join in with their faith community, understand the human need for rules in our society, and exhibit an innate concern for fairness and justice that brings about God’s love in the world. Feast days and liturgical seasons are studied, and children learn the traditional prayers of the Church. Students become familiar with the themes of Jesus’ teachings and the Holy Spirit as gift and guidance. The spirituality and traditions of the Society of the Sacred Heart continue to play an important role in the developing faith of each child.

Lower School students study both French and Spanish using a communicative approach to learning. The foundation of this program is a progression of partner conversations, which allows students to have meaningful, authentic interactions in French and Spanish. Students continue with both languages until 5th grade, when they select to focus on French or Spanish through 8th grade.