Kindergarten

French is a part of the Sacred Heart heritage and so it's fitting that SHA students are introduced to French in Kindergarten.  Students are introduced to sentence structure and vocabulary with the focus on  developing oral and auditory skills by engaging in basic conversation. During class, students use visual aids, write stories, perform skits, and sing songs to learn French language and culture. 

The developmental program, Second Step, is used during weekly lessons with the Lower School Guidance Counselor. Students 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 their classmates' unique experiences, 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 propel our students to be 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 SHA 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. 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.

In Kindergarten, locomotor and non-locomotor activities are introduced to the students through a variety of games. In addition to the activities performed, the girls experience comradery, teamwork, the importance of safety, and overall excitement while promoting enjoyment for physical activity. 

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. Our educators make known the love of God revealed in the Heart of Christ. Roman Catholic Doctrine is taught. 

The SHA Religion curriculum, 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.

Our young science students learn through inquiry-based discovery. They observe objects and events, think critically, investigate and test ideas in logical ways, and generate explanations that integrate the new information. Students gain proficiency in the natural and designed worlds and apply newly acquired knowledge to solve real-world problems, just as a career scientist would. 

The curriculum is designed using FOSS (Full Option Science System) in alignment with NGSS (Next Generation Science Standards). Hands-on lessons explore Life Science and 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. Field trips, books, songs, and presentations boost the curriculum and bring concepts to life.