Artistic Process

Lower School is the first place where creativity flows boundlessly with collective innocence, confidence, and pride. Every child has a natural sense of what they want to convey visually and often is willing to inform the teacher of an idea that they feel needs to be expressed. Every Lower School student is a Picasso at “The Heart! “. Thus, to inspire the students’ individual imaginations, the Lower School art curriculum embraces the Disciplined Based Art approach; elements and principles of art are taught in combination with art history and technical skill development. The students experience a variety of book readings, print and movie visuals, artists’ biographies, and technique demonstrations (drawing, painting, printmaking, pastel, and clay demonstrations) in preparation for each topical lesson. While every project includes a variety of goals, the children’s artistic interpretations are always distinctive and delightful. Their work demonstrates an understanding of line, color, texture, emotion, and art appreciation. Artists include but are not limited to Cassatt, Homer, Matisse, Monet, O’Keeffe, Picasso, and Van Gogh

The main objective of our foreign language program is to develop oral and auditory skills while presenting a fun setting where learning French is exciting and part of our Sacred Heart heritage. Lessons are constructed to help students develop an ear for the language and to engage in conversation using the introduced structures and vocabulary. During class, students use visual aids, write stories, perform skits, and sing songs to reinforce and learn the language of French while learning to appreciate another culture.

The developmental program, Second Step, is used during weekly lessons with the guidance counselor. The girls learn to express their feelings and concerns positively. Each class incorporates mindfulness, role-playing, hands-on activities, and whole group instruction with follow-up discussions. A structured mindfulness-based curriculum teaches skills for self-confidence, effective verbal communication, and enhanced self-esteem. Students learn about empathy and how to incorporate it into their daily lives. Emotion management and problem-solving strategies are also addressed. Lessons are designed to help students grow into individuals who respect and value others, share, cooperate, show confidence, develop healthy friendships, and use conflict resolution skills.

The language arts program emphasizes the strong link between reading and writing. Substantial reading and writing make our students proficient readers who develop independent analytical minds. Our program incorporates the following elements: a phonics and word identification program for decoding, comprehension strategy and reading skills instruction, discussion of various genres of literature, independent and oral reading, teacher and student read-aloud time, and creative and purposeful writing efforts.

Spelling, vocabulary, handwriting, grammar, and the mechanics of writing are incorporated into daily lessons through large and small group instruction and writing activities. Vocabulary and challenging spelling words are taken from the readings to build vocabulary knowledge while helping the students recognize the connection between the reading and writing activities. Spelling and grammar rules are examined, and students apply these skills to their writing assignments. The D'Nealian handwriting program provides a smooth transition from the manuscript in grades one and two to cursive in grades three and four.

The Sadlier Mathematics program is based on the premise that young children gain a better understanding of math if they move from the concrete to symbolic to the abstract when exploring math concepts. Using a variety of manipulatives, our students gain an intuitive understanding of math and can apply these skills to situations in their daily lives. A strong emphasis is placed on problem-solving and the retention of the basic facts. Enrichment activities help students with critical thinking processes. Through repeated practice in the classroom and the use of the MATHLETICS online program, our students strengthen their addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and problem-solving skills. Having a strong foundation in the basic math principles helps our students to move on to more difficult concepts with ease.

Students learn a wide variety of songs that are geared toward their interest and ability level through creating and performing music. Attention is given to accurate pitch production and singing accompanied by movement. Instruction of melody, harmony, rhythm, form, and music reading are the components of music classes. Musical activities develop vocal ability (accurate pitch production) with the introduction of syncopated rhythms and simple parts of singing.

Violin instruction focuses on note reading, note values, and different musical symbols.

Students in grades three and four are invited to participate in Les Petites Voix, an after-school choir club that includes students from grades three through twelve.

In Kindergarten, locomotor and non-locomotor activities are introduced to the student through a variety of games. In addition to the activities performed, the girls experience comradery with each other, sportsmanship, the ability to develop teamwork, the importance of safety, and overall excitement while promoting an atmosphere of enjoyment for physical activity in the beginning years.

In Grades 1-2, students work to further develop fundamental skills that will lead them into playing team sports. A strong emphasis is placed on safety, cooperation, and knowing the value of fair play. The concept of teamwork and resolving conflict are introduced.

During Grades 3-4, students are exposed to field hockey, basketball, paddleball, and soccer as team sports. Emphasis is placed on skill improvement, field positions, and concepts of the game. The goal is to build skills and knowledge to prepare students for our middle school teams. Continued emphasis is placed on safety and sportsmanship.

Public speaking is emphasized throughout the curriculum. Beginning in kindergarten, students are encouraged to practice speaking to an audience and to develop effective oral communication skills. Weekly presentations help students learn to present their ideas in an organized and logical sequence, improve their verbal and non-verbal communication skills, and become confident speakers

A commitment to personal and active faith in God is an integral part of the Lower School. Through the education of girls, St. Madeleine Sophie Barat, and the Religion of the Sacred Heart, our educators set out to make known the love of God revealed in the Heart of Christ.

The Sadlier Religion series, along with a selection of spiritual resources, are used during instruction. Classes focus on developing a sense of God who cherishes each of “His children.” Students learn that God’s love is transforming and powerful, and to follow in His footsteps of love, care, and concern for others and the world. Roman Catholic doctrine is taught following the Archdiocese Guidelines. Grade two prepares for and receives the sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Holy Eucharist. Prayer services, communion services, reflection time, service activities, and First Friday liturgies encourage spirituality among members of the Sacred Heart community.

Second and sixth grade Sacrament Buddies work together several times a year building special bonds as they support and encourage each other during their sacramental preparation. Service and community-building activities reinforce Goal One: Schools of the Sacred Heart commit themselves to personal and active faith in God.

Our young science students learn through inquiry-based discovery and:

• observe objects and events
• think about how to relate to what they already know
• test ideas in logical ways
• generate explanations that integrate the new information
• gain proficiency in the natural and designed worlds
• apply new knowledge to solve real-world problems just as a career scientist would

Students actively learn through investigations that engage and lead to a deeper understanding of the world around them while experiencing an inquiry-based approach like real-world engineers.

The curriculum is designed using FOSS (Full Option Science System) in alignment with NGSS (Next Generation Science Standards). Hands-on lessons will explore:

• Life Science
• Physical Science

Project-based topics include American history, Pennsylvania, and the study of local and global communities, neighborhoods, and families. Cultures are explored through seasonal activities and projects.

Each year, grades one through four participate in Women of Achievement assemblies. Each student selects a woman who they are inspired by and who has made an impact on society. She then completes research and prepares an oral report to present to the lower school students and guests. These assemblies are always a highlight of the year and help our students captivate an audience while practicing their research and oral presentation skills.