Grades K-2
Kindergarten- Grade 2 Curriculum Overview
The curriculum in grades K-2 provides a systematic approach which meets the needs of the whole child while teaching students to think critically and express themselves clearly. The use of technology supports ongoing trends in education, and each classroom has tablets or Chromebooks for students to conduct research and practice academic skills. Utilization of formative and summative assessments in grades K-2 enables progress monitoring. Academic support is available at each grade level through the Student Success Team.
Reading/Language Arts
Students in grades K-2 work to develop foundational skills in reading, writing, spelling, grammar, listening, and speaking. The reading curriculum includes both whole and small group instruction that focuses on five major components of literacy - phonemic awareness, phonics, comprehension, vocabulary and reading fluency. Leveled reading is facilitated by the Fontas and Pinnell Guided Reading Program. Faculty are trained in Orton Gillingham, a comprehensive and multi-sensory approach to teaching phonics. To personalize instruction, guided reading groups are used and afford time to work with small groups of students reading on or near the same reading level. A variety of instructional strategies assist students in reading skills through questioning and practice while encouraging fluency, rhythm, and intonation. Reading, listening, and writing centers support formal instruction. Students in grade 2 participate in Accelerated Reader and Simple Solutions English Grammar and Writing Mechanics. Handwriting in grades K-2 is implemented through IMSE materials and Handwriting Our Catholic Faith by Universal Publishing. Cursive writing begins in grade 2.
Math
The focus of the math curriculum is on the foundational concepts of numbers (cardinal, ordinal, nominal) and the base ten number system. Students read, compare, and represent numbers, identify measurable attributes, build a foundation of linear measurements and spatial configurations, construct simple shapes, and begin data analysis. Students are exposed to various math strategies, discover the connection between real life and math through hands-on activities, and are challenged to think critically about math. The Sadlier series, Progress in Mathematics, is the interactive text used in grades K-2.
Science
Science teachers incorporate project-based learning in grades K-2 and follow the NGSS (Next Generation Science Standards) to guide the curriculum. To be good stewards of our world, science classes include how people impact the environment and the importance of conservation. STREAM (Science, Technology, Religion, Engineering, Art, and Math) activities are prevalent in all grade levels. STREAM is also a weekly Specials class and meets in our school's STREAM Lab. Faculty in grades K-2 use formative assessments in dynamic ways through projects, models, centers, and programs that reinforce the science curriculum.
Social Studies
Students learn about their communities by exploring people and places, learning the responsibilities of being a citizen, and identifying their roles at home, school and the larger community. The introduction of basic map skills, class discussions, and hands-on activities engage students as they develop an awareness of the world God created. K and 1st grade use a variety of age-appropriate texts and resources to meet instructional standards, while grade 2 begins a more formal study with Social Studies Weekly publications.
Religion
Religion is a core course throughout all grade levels and is the underpinning of the educational experience at Queen of Angels Catholic School. Rooted in the teachings and traditions of the Roman Catholic faith, Queen of Angels fosters a love for and respect for God, God's creations, self and others. Students begin each day in prayer, pray during the day, attend weekly Mass, and participate in various liturgies/ prayer services throughout the year. Catholicity is integrated into all subject areas to instill student knowledge, inspire spirituality, develop critical thinking through a Catholic lens, and enable each student to live as a disciple of Christ. The Sadlier text series We Believe provides the framework for daily religious instruction.
Foreign Language
Students have Spanish one period per week, where the Spanish teacher visits the classroom and offers basic instruction in the language, exposes students to different cultures, and integrates the Catholic faith into lessons.
Computer Lab
Students attend computer lab once a week for instruction in keyboarding, coding, and various technology applications.
Media Center
Weekly, students visit the Media Center to learn research skills, hear stories, and choose books to check out for enjoyment and to develop reading skills.
Field Trips
"Field Trips” come to the school to provide enrichment and hands-on experiences for grades K-2. Each grade level has a High Touch High Tech science program in the fall and a visit from the Chattahoochee Nature Center in the spring. We have regular visits from the Roswell Police and Fire Departments to talk about their roles in keeping our community safe. Queen of Angels also hosts an annual presentation from a notable author or guest speaker. Over the years, we have welcomed guests such as children's author Carmen Deedy, Ultramarathoner Dion Leonard and his dog Gobi, and conservationist and filmmaker Peter Schriemer.