LatinThe study of Latin is integral to a classical curriculum. By studying the language of the Romans, students not only learn the roots of many English words but also lay the foundation for further language study. Because the grammar of Latin is so regular and clearly formulated, their aptitude for understanding other languages (even non-Romance languages) increases.
At Our Lady Star of the Sea, students begin by memorizing Catholic prayers. Having learned various prayers, younger students then focus on learning vocabulary and derivatives. Older students learn various grammer forms in parallel to memorization of prayers and vocabulary. Ultimately, students lay a solid base for future language study. |
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Physical Education
Our Lady Star of the Sea PE curriculum includes its StarFit workout into its classes regularly. StarFit enhances the natural process of motor development which increases learning effectiveness and efficiency. Children have a natural inclination for constant and varied movements that StarFit channels.
In addition, it creates a physical learning environment that builds on the idea that all children have differing abilities and need to be challenged at different points of development. This differentiated instruction allows a child to continually and efficiently progress, minimizing the risk of frustration or stagnation. Every skill, every movement, every workout and every game can be scaled to a child’s ability (made easier or harder) so he or she is challenged. Main areas of fitness that will be targeted are: cardiorespiratory endurance, stamina, strength, flexibility, power, speed, coordination, agility, balance and accuracy.
Each class includes a warm up, skill instruction, a workout of the day and a game. Games such as Musical Wall Balls, Empire Mania, Noodle Tag, Volcano Monster and many others are played at the conclusion of each class. Since OLSOS provides volleyball and basketball as extra-curricular sports, aspects of these games will be presented during the year.
One bible verse will be presented, discussed and reiterated throughout each month. This will be done to encourage the practice of the faith as it’s to be incorporated into all subjects and parts of a student’s life.
Music/Choir
Students in K-2 have vocal music taught within the classroom. Students in grades 3-8 are taught in a choral setting.
3rd and 4th Grade:
Students learn the mechanics of singing and begin the study of theory.
Objective: Students should leave this class able to sing, particularly Gregorian chant, but with a foundation for choral singing.
Students learn the mechanics of singing and begin the study of theory.
Objective: Students should leave this class able to sing, particularly Gregorian chant, but with a foundation for choral singing.
5th and 6th Grade:
Students continue learning the mechanics of singing but become much more rooted in music theory and the theology of sacred music. The basis for this class is Gregorian chant and principally focuses on Gregorian notation.
Objective: Students should leave this class able to sing, particularly Gregorian chant, but with a foundation for choral singing and be able to sight-read basic music and understand the theory behind written music.
Students continue learning the mechanics of singing but become much more rooted in music theory and the theology of sacred music. The basis for this class is Gregorian chant and principally focuses on Gregorian notation.
Objective: Students should leave this class able to sing, particularly Gregorian chant, but with a foundation for choral singing and be able to sight-read basic music and understand the theory behind written music.
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7th and 8th Grade:
Students continue learning the mechanics of singing and theory but also delve into the history of music and appreciation as listeners. While this course explores Gregorian chant, more time is spent on reading modern musical notation, understanding rhythms, and working toward singing polyphony. Students will have a major presentation to their class on a piece of historic Catholic music: its origins, composer, text, etc. Objective: Students should leave this class able to sing in a variety of musical styles, able to read music well, with basic knowledge of the history of (mostly Catholic) music and able to appreciate it both liturgically and in casual listening. |
Art
Our art docents present programs on the masterpieces to students in grades K-4. We emphasize art appreciation as well as hands-on exercise in a variety of styles. All teachers integrate art into the other subject areas such as Literature and History.
Library
All grades have regularly scheduled time in our 9,000+ volume library. To find out more about our library program, visit our library page.
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