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Pre-K and Kindergarten
tHe barnabas early Childhood Experience
Our classrooms use Center-Based Learning to encourage children to make their own choices about selecting activities. This creates self-motivated, independent thinkers and helps them develop social skills as they interact with their peers during various academic and play activities.
Each of the core academic subjects (literacy, math, science and social studies) has its own center. In addition, separate spaces are dedicated to our kitchen, dress up and dramatic play, snack, art, dollhouse, blocks, technology, SMART Board, listening and sand/water centers. Music and movement help children develop body awareness and outdoor play and recess promote motor and social skills.
The Archdiocese of New York Early Childhood Curriculum for Pre-K and UPK is based on the Core Curriculum Learning Standards, Developmentally Appropriate Practice, and NAEYC guidelines.
Each day begins with a morning meeting, establishing purpose for the work of the day as well as traditional routines and procedures (i.e., calendar, weather, classroom jobs, etc.) Students then explore the "question of the day" according to the thematic unit of study in each of the classroom centers.
Student centers include: dramatic play, blocks, art, writing, math, science, library, sensory table, and light table. Completely student-driven, children are able to navigate the classroom independently and guide their own learning according to their interests.
This design drives small-group instruction throughout the day offering teachers the ability to focus their attention strategically on individual students. Through consistent observation of student behavior and performance, teachers are able to tailor lessons to meet student needs while sharing specific strengths/ areas of growth with families.
Classroom learning is matched with a daily gross motor period outdoors. This allows student to run, jump, hop, skip, and exercise larger muscle groups necessary for development. Group games are not only exciting but also foster hand-eye coordination and communication skills. Bikes, chalk, jump ropes, balls and other toys offer endless possibilities. -
Grades 1 and 2First and second grade students at St. Barnabas dive into content specific learning with defined blocks of time for all academic subjects - ELA, math, science, social studies, and religion.
The Barnabas lower Elementary Experience
Students in lower grades begin to seek more autonomy as they become fluent readers, writers, and problem solvers. Project-based learning encourages creativity and develops cross-curricular thinking. This sort of design allows for students to apply knowledge from all major subject areas into one specific task.
Extending the foundation of center-based learning from their earlier years, student choice drives a bulk of the day. Students work on their core studies via whole class instruction which is immediately follow-up with with small group collaboration that fosters leadership skills, teamwork and critical analysis.
A daily internvetion period allows for students to strengthen and extend their skills in specific ELA and math concepts. This prepares students to be sound mathematicians as they master addition/subtraction concepts as well phonics skills and comprehension strategies necessary for success. -
Grades 3 and 4Third and fourth grade students assume greater responsibility for their learning and are challenged to further extend their foundational skills while finding their personal voice and style.
The Barnabas Upper elementary Experience
As students transfer from learning to read to reading to learn, classroom libraries are rich sources of exploration and excitement. Novel studies and exploration of high-quality book series are matched with feature authors and a deep exploration of poetry. A particular focus on nonfiction texts pushes students to explore and question the scientific and historic world around them.
Personal voice is a key component to upper elementary students’ development. Through research with digital and print sources, students explore the power of persuasion with opinion writing pieces. Healthy discourse and debate are fostered as students rely on evidence and facts to defend oral statements made, engaging in lively, productive classroom discussions.
A daily intervention period allows for students to strengthen and extend their skills in specific ELA and math concepts. This prepares students to be sound mathematicians as they master multiplication/division/ fraction concepts as well vocabulary skills and comprehension strategies necessary for success.
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Grades 5 through 8
The Barnabas Middle School Experience
Students in grades five through eight begin to prepare for high school and college. These middle school students benefit from a rigorous curriculum combined with art and music education allowing them to explore their interests and identify their strengths. Students switch classes for each academic subject and learn from content experts.
Through a technologically immersive environment, students prepare to tackle modern problems with modern solutions. Our 1:1 device program allows each student to have his/her own Chromebook during the day and a fully-equipped science lab maximizes hands-on learning. Middle school students deepen their study of religion and faith through weekly Mass attendance.
Middle school specific clubs such as Student Council and Yearbook allow young people to explore leadership opportunities and become advocates within their school community. Participation in these clubs also helps students hone communication skills and strengthen character development.