Holy Trinity Catholic School curriculum adheres to the Indiana Academic Standards and Diocesan guidelines. Staff members frequently consult the Indiana Department of Education’s website to ensure that the scope and sequence of learning objectives are being met in a manner that achieves vertical alignment and addresses college and career readiness. The main focus in the primary grades is in the areas of literacy and mathematics, as the basic elements in each are crucial for the success of the student in future grades.
The reading/language arts curriculum consists of many different components. Based upon the Indiana Birth-Age 5 and K-6 Reading Frameworks and Indiana Academic Standards, students build foundational literacy skills in the big five components of reading: phonemic awareness, alphabetic principle, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. Strategies include the use of a 90 minute block, Daily Five, and CAFÉ. Students can be seen doing Word Work, Read to Self, Sustained Reading, and Small Group Instruction during stations as part of the 90 minute block. A variety of genres and literary texts are utilized including: the basal reader, leveled readers, poetry, informational text, and reader’s theater scripts. Students have the opportunity to be exposed to a wide variety of literary works and various authors through their weekly library visits. The language arts curriculum employs Shurley English to engage students in grammar, sentence structure, and conventions. Six Traits writing further enhances instruction through writer’s workshops and author’s chair.
Mathematics instruction is concentrated on attainment of basic math skills. Basic mastery of skills is taken to the next level through application to authentic situations, requiring higher order
thinking skills and problem solving. Frequently, students will be engaged in math stations where they can refine their computation and problem solving skills.
While the focus is mainly on literacy and mathematics, science and social studies are part of the curriculum, too. Often, they are integrated as pieces of reading that the class may focus on during literacy instruction. Sometimes, they are included through hands-on exploration or guest speakers.
The Fine Arts curriculum provides students with art and music weekly. The art program explores a variety of mediums and often integrates reading into art projects. The music curriculum incorporates singing, movement, instruments, and music history. Annually, students showcase their talents through art contests and the Christmas and spring programs.
The physical education curriculum concentrates on the healthy development of the child.
Thirty minutes of daily physical activity during recess in conjunction with the structured physical education class, which meets twice a week, develop motor skills and promote sportsmanship. Students also participate in the Minds-In-Motion activities three times a week to help develop their brains, improve gross motor skills, and just have fun!
The reading/language arts curriculum consists of many different components. Based upon the Indiana Birth-Age 5 and K-6 Reading Frameworks and Indiana Academic Standards, students build foundational literacy skills in the big five components of reading: phonemic awareness, alphabetic principle, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. Strategies include the use of a 90 minute block, Daily Five, and CAFÉ. Students can be seen doing Word Work, Read to Self, Sustained Reading, and Small Group Instruction during stations as part of the 90 minute block. A variety of genres and literary texts are utilized including: the basal reader, leveled readers, poetry, informational text, and reader’s theater scripts. Students have the opportunity to be exposed to a wide variety of literary works and various authors through their weekly library visits. The language arts curriculum employs Shurley English to engage students in grammar, sentence structure, and conventions. Six Traits writing further enhances instruction through writer’s workshops and author’s chair.
Mathematics instruction is concentrated on attainment of basic math skills. Basic mastery of skills is taken to the next level through application to authentic situations, requiring higher order
thinking skills and problem solving. Frequently, students will be engaged in math stations where they can refine their computation and problem solving skills.
While the focus is mainly on literacy and mathematics, science and social studies are part of the curriculum, too. Often, they are integrated as pieces of reading that the class may focus on during literacy instruction. Sometimes, they are included through hands-on exploration or guest speakers.
The Fine Arts curriculum provides students with art and music weekly. The art program explores a variety of mediums and often integrates reading into art projects. The music curriculum incorporates singing, movement, instruments, and music history. Annually, students showcase their talents through art contests and the Christmas and spring programs.
The physical education curriculum concentrates on the healthy development of the child.
Thirty minutes of daily physical activity during recess in conjunction with the structured physical education class, which meets twice a week, develop motor skills and promote sportsmanship. Students also participate in the Minds-In-Motion activities three times a week to help develop their brains, improve gross motor skills, and just have fun!