Sing praise to him, play music; proclaim all his wondrous deeds! Psalm 105:2

St. Joseph School’s students are exposed to a wide variety of cross-curricular learning activities through our “Specials” classes. Students in all grades are provided with out-of-classroom instruction in Art, Music, Physical Education, Computer Technology and Science Lab. A weekly Spanish class is provided to students in Grades 5 – 8. Students in Grades PreK – 4 attend Library on a weekly basis.

Below is an overview of each of our “Specials” classes.

ART

St. Joseph School’s Art program is dedicated to heightening a child’s appreciation of art through a variety of techniques. Our program is aligned with the Archdiocese of Philadelphia Visual Arts curriculum. Students in grades K-8 will be exposed to art from the past and present. Students will: explore art from diverse cultures; study various artists and their work; and have opportunities to use a variety of media and techniques. The children will be encouraged to think creatively, learn how to appreciate and discuss numerous works of art and will ultimately gain confidence through their own artistic expression.

MUSIC

The Music program at St. Joseph School is designed to broaden a student’s general knowledge of basic musical skills and concepts at all levels of elementary education. Through participation in the music program, students are lead in a deeper appreciation of liturgy, ethnic cultures, and musical styles. By keeping the music curriculum engaging, we’re able to help our students cultivate a strong love of music!

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

Our Physical Education program emphasizes coordination, rules of activities and collaboration as a group in the primary grades. Various team activities and sports are taught to middle and upper level grades. The aim of our Physical Education is to:

• appreciate and understand the value of physical education and its relationship to a healthy, active lifestyle
• develop the motor skills necessary to participate successfully in a variety of physical activities
• experience enjoyment and satisfaction through physical activity
• develop social skills that demonstrate the importance of teamwork and cooperation in group activities

SCIENCE LAB

New at St. Joseph School for the 2014-2015 school year is the state-of-the-art science program, LabLearner™. The LabLearner science program is a 100% research-based, hands-on system of Grades K – 8 science education that includes a fully equipped in-school laboratory, complete curriculum including all assessments, on-line parent and teacher resources, and teacher professional development. Developed by Cognitive Learning Systems (CLS) in conjunction with practicing scientists and educators, LabLearner incorporates the latest in brain research and classroom practice into a program that teaches students science in a way they can truly understand and enjoy. Students in the LabLearner Program engage in hands-on experiments performed in a laboratory setting as well as in lessons integrated into their classroom. Experiments and classroom lessons use metacognitive tools that prompt students to use numerous learning and thinking strategies.

LIBRARY

The St. Joseph School Library program serves to instill a love of reading, inspire life-long learning, and foster independent library use. Students in Grades K – 5 visit once a week with their class to check out materials and to practice information literacy skills.

TECHNOLOGY/ STEM

The St. Joseph School Technology program is designed to encourage critical thinking, communication, collaboration and problem-solving skills. The program facilitates evaluation and synthesis of information and 21st-century skills are learned through project-based integration. The current school curriculum is integrated with technology in order for the students to have a well-rounded learning experience. The program also encourages ethical practices and provides education for internet safety and digital citizenship.

SPANISH

Spanish instruction begins in Grade 5. Students learn the basic vocabulary and rule of the Spanish language via the SymTalk Program, utilizing picture vocabulary cards and a textbook. The program also incorporates music, conversation, and cultural events to help students develop confidence in the new language, expand their awareness of other cultures and prepare them for language in high school.