Educating the whole child: preparing for middle school
Published 7:52 am Friday, January 27, 2017
By Stephanie Solland
Grade 4 Teacher Pacelli Catholic Schools
At Pacelli, we believe that it is important to educate the whole child. A major part of educating the whole child involves a strong focus on academics.
In fourth grade, students begin the transition to middle school. Our fourth and fifth grade team of teachers works very hard to ensure that students are guided in this transition process and given the opportunities they need to take responsibility for their own learning.
Fourth grade students receive instruction in six different classes each day including: reading, language arts, math, religion, science or social studies, and a special (gym, art, or music). Students begin traveling to different classrooms each day for forty-five minute science and social studies classes. Students have Latin, computer lab, and library on a weekly basis. During the month of January, fourth grade students will participate in a spelling and geography bee. After completing classroom bees, two students from grades four through eight will participate in a school bee.
The fourth grade and Tiny Shamrock preschool reading buddies. Pictured in the back row from left are: Layla Wollenberg, Yong Achuoth, Aiden Uher; in the middle row from left: Knox Heimer, Diego Nieto Sorela; and in the front from left: Daran Plunkett and Logan Schafer. Photo provided
Another way that Pacelli works to educate the whole child is by giving all students the opportunity to be involved in extracurricular activities and to try new things. Beginning in fourth grade, students may choose to participate in band and orchestra classes through a partnership with MacPhail Music. This year we have fourth grade students learning to play saxophone, flute, percussion, and violin. These students meet for band and orchestra classes twice a week as well as having a private lesson weekly. Students may also choose to be involved in our Clover Choir which consists of fourth and fifth grade students.
Lastly, we are blessed to be able to educate the spiritual child. In fourth grade, we begin each day with prayer, a scripture reading, and petitions. By incorporating prayer in our day, students are able to grow closer to God by thanking Him, praising Him, and asking Him for help when needed.
Students are given leadership opportunities throughout the year to help others grow in their faith. In fourth grade students plan and prepare Mass several times throughout the school year. Students are responsible for reading and singing at Mass. During one week of the Advent season they also take responsibility for leading Pacelli elementary students in prayer as we light a candle on our Advent wreath.
At Pacelli, students are fortunate to receive opportunities to grow in all aspects of their lives.
If you are interested in learning more about Pacelli Catholic Schools visit our website at www.pacellischools.org, email admin@pacellischools.org or call 507-437-3278.
