Special Classes
Mater Christi School provides not only the core subjects, but also special area classes. These include art, music, library, Spanish, STREAM, and physical education.
Areas
Art
Preschool - Grade 8
Working within the New York State guidelines for art education, our PreK - 8 art program integrates multicultural concepts, an awareness of various artistic styles and periods, the ability to manipulate different mediums, and an appreciation of key individuals’ contributions to the arts. The students learn not only how to create expressive artwork, but also how to discuss their own and others’ imagery. Additionally, by viewing a vast number of paintings and sculptures from all over the world through Internet galleries, students gain a sense of connection with other artists painting.
Salma Sinha
Music
Music education is part of weekly instruction for all students PreK-5th. Music classes are hands-on, developmentally appropriate, and based on the NYS standards for music education.
-
In early childhood, the focus is on the development of a healthy natural singing voice and a sense of steady beat through creative and expressive movement, playing classroom percussion instruments, and listening experiences. These are the building blocks of good musicianship and further music study.
-
In the elementary grades, students learn the skills of good musicianship and music literacy through singing varied repertoire, playing and improvising on classroom instruments, performing expressive movement (including folk dances and circle games), music theory instruction, and listening experiences. Students experience music literature from a wide variety of genres, time periods, and cultures. K-5 students perform in our annual Christmas and spring concerts.
-
In middle school, students learn about the genres of music and how music reflects the periods in history.
Instrumental study is available through private and small group lessons after school.
Melanie Hardage
Physical Education
Preschool - 8th Grade
The physical education curriculum promotes good sportsmanship, cooperation and a positive attitude while participating in a variety of sports and physical activities. The kindergarten through 2nd grade curriculum introduces activities and games to help develop gross motor skills including balance, body awareness, major muscle coordination, and spatial awareness. Grades 3 through 8 participate in lead-up activities and team sports. Individual skill development and teamwork are emphasized. Stretching and running are a part of every class to improve and encourage lifelong fitness activities.
Christopher Natoli
Spanish
The Spanish language curriculum for the lower school is designed and coordinated to enhance the foundation and development of basic language skills. Classes are taught almost entirely in Spanish, with a focus on The Natural Approach and Total Physical Response. Instructional strategies and learning activities are culturally based and include the following: technology, asking and answering questions, repeating, listening, singing, drawing, dancing, observing, playing games, reading, writing, and role playing. The objectives of the curriculum are to provide meaningful communication experience appropriate to each grade level, develop a solid base of Spanish pronunciation and provide activities that encourage learning through active participation.
-
The middle school Spanish class is designed to develop proficiency and confidence in conversational and written Spanish. Emphasis is placed on vocabulary, listening comprehension, pronunciation, and Spanish culture. Students will learn Spanish syntax, developing an understanding of parts of speech and sentence structure. Activities focus on the essential language skills of listening, writing, reading, and speaking.
-
High school Spanish I course is completed in two years, beginning in the 7th grade and continuing instruction in 8th grade. Grade 8 students take The Diocesan Spanish Proficiency Exam, conducted by the New York State Association of World Language Administrators (NYSAWLA) in June. Upon passing this exam, students may take Spanish II, Spanish Honors or Spanish III in their first year of high school.
Maria Soledad Pauli
STREAM
Kindergarten - 5th Grade
STREAM stands for science, technology, religion, arts, and mathematics. Students in kindergarten through grade 5 spend time each week in the lab. They work on integrated projects based on their classroom curriculum. The lab has a Smart Board, a blue/green screen, robots, and even virtual reality equipment.
The lab has science kits for kindergarten through fifth grade that coincide with their next generation standards science books. Students are able to learn about science hands-on. The lab is open and inviting with alternative seating, tables, and rugs that move giving students a comfortable environment for learning.