MUSIC

Goals of the Saint Henry School music program are to develop skills to bring a lifetime of recreational and aesthetic pleasure, as well as develop the students’ aural, visual, spatial, tactile, and emotional intelligences. We also strive to develop the students’ spirituality by expressing prayer through music. The program encourages students to listen to music and participate in making music. All students experience music through singing in the classroom and at mass. The program also strives to let children experience music through using instruments.

The curriculum for kindergarten through third grade focuses on singing and learning the very basics of music like dynamics and simple rhythms. The students also use Orff instruments and percussion instruments to enhance their music making experiences.

The fourth grade curriculum carries on the curriculum from the younger grades but also adds in playing an instrument. All fourth graders are required to play the recorder. The fourth grade has two opportunities, Christmas and Spring Concert, to perform and show off what they have learned on their recorders.

In 5th through 8th grade, students have an opportunity to choose an instrument and join the band. There are three bands at Saint Henry. There is the beginning band which is made up of fifth grade students. There is the intermediate band which is made up of sixth grade students and then there is the advanced band which includes seventh and eighth grade students.

Fifth and sixth grade students, who are not in band, attend music class. During these years, the curriculum continues covering singing, and learning basic music reading skills. The program also teaches music history and appreciation of other musical styles.  5th grade learns beginning techniques of hand bells.  6th grade will incorporate proper vocal techniques and continue exploring ways to make music.

The junior high choir is made up of seventh and eighth graders who enjoy singing. The choir has the opportunity to sing at our weekly school masses and prepares for two concerts throughout the year. The 7th/8th choir students will have the opportunity to take a field trip to share their musical talents with the Nashville community.
 

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

The Kindergarten and first grade Spanish program at Saint Henry School is focused mainly on the areas of listening and speaking. In the second, third, and fourth grade the children move more into the other key areas of language learning, adding reading and writing. The program is interactive in that students are asked to use the target language as much as possible. . I try to involve as many of their senses as possible- so we do occasional art projects, and listen to music as well. They learn greetings, days of the week, colors, numbers, weather, food, and clothing to name a few. In the third and fourth grade students are introduced to more specific grammar points such as adjective agreement, verb conjugation and articles. All grades learn prayers in Spanish. Much of the material in the early grades is taught through songs and rhymes as well and games and other hands on activities. I believe that learning about the culture of Spanish speaking countries is also important, and so I try to weave this information into my lessons.

Spanish 5th-8th offers beginners a solid understanding of Spanish grammar, vocabulary, and culture.  Students are exposed to various exercises that enhance their abilities to speak, write, read, and listen in Spanish.  More than this, students will touch on various aspects of Spanish culture such as art, customs, celebrations, and history.  In 5th grade, students will learn how to introduce themselves, and talk about things they like.  They will learn numbers, descriptive adjectives, and several verbs among other things.  They will read from authentic texts, and will write letters.  In 6th grade, students will learn Spanish grammar more in depth while still building on vocabulary.  They will learn how to conjugate verbs in the present tense; they will study pronouns, adjectives nouns, gender, etc.  In 7th and 8th grade, students will start to prepare for high school.  They will work on various parts of grammar; they will translate texts, learn additional vocabulary, and communicate more in Spanish.

USEFUL LINKS:

PRAYERS IN SPANISH
 

HOMEWORK

Time allotment for homework must, of necessity, be flexible. All children vary in their ability to perform any task. Parents should provide proper conditions in the home, and, as far as possible, a specific time span when homework can be done. Parents are also urged to help the child realize that study and review assignments are as vital and necessary as any written work.

Teachers at Saint Henry do not usually assign homework on weekends; however, it is the prerogative of the individual teacher if he/she feels the need to assign weekend work at some time.

Assignment notebooks are required of all students in Grades 2-8. These may be checked at any time by the teacher or the Principal. Parents are encouraged to review these notebooks with their children.

Please refer to student handbook for recommended homework time.
 

HONORS/AWARDS

Grades 5-8 are eligible for the Honor Roll. Grades for academic eligibility are required from the following subject areas: Religion, Language Arts (Reading/Literature; English Grammar, Spelling), Mathematics, Science/Health and Social Studies/History. Effort and Conduct grades in the additional areas of instruction included in Honor Roll eligibility are: Art, Music, Physical Education, Computer Science, and Spanish.

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