I Prep (Grade 5)

LANGUAGE ARTS

English Language Arts covers a wide range of communication techniques that are critical skills in the 21st century: reading and responding, writing, speaking and listening, and the use of information resources. Students will complete independent reading and writing projects as well as receive direct, explicit instruction in grammar, spelling, vocabulary, writing, and reading.

ENGLISH

Writing Workshop is a student–centered approach to guide purposeful and effective writing in units of narrative, information, and argument. Clear guidelines, expectations, and procedures will be practiced as we learn the habits of effective readers and writers and develop our ideas into actual pieces of writing. Students also receive direct, explicit instruction in grammar, vocabulary, and spelling. Backed by extensive research, our programs incorporate a variety of hands–on activities, motivating online resources, and differentiated instruction.

READING

Reading Workshop  is a student–centered approach to guide purposeful and effective reading. Reading  is a life–long skill that is best developed with practice and purpose. Real readers choose literature for entertainment or instruction and know how to organize, understand, and apply what they read. Students will have numerous opportunities to read independently and collectively in partnerships, book clubs, and small groups. In First Preparatory, units of study include interpretation book clubs, fantasy book clubs, and nonfiction/research.

MATHEMATICS

In First Preparatory math, students review the basic facts of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division and expand their skills through repeated drill and practice and through the use of computer technology. Students are taught to develop number sense—the intuitive, meaningful use of numbers in mental computation, estimation, problem solving, and practical application. Second Preparatory math actively engages students in inquiring, reasoning, and communicating about math and provides skill development necessary to solve real–world problems.

Math elements covered in the fifth grade program are: place value of whole numbers and decimals; addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division of whole numbers and decimals; geometry concepts; division of whole numbers by one– and two–digit numbers; statistics and graphing; number theory and fractions; use of fractions; measurement; perimeter, area, and volume; and ratio, percent, and probability.

SOCIAL STUDIES

The First Preparatory social studies class centers on the history of America through the American Revolution. Units of focus include early peoples of the Americas, European exploration and colonization, influences of Native Americans, Western European, and African interaction, religious freedom and changing political institutions, and factors leading to the American Revolution. Geographic concepts are reviewed and note– taking skills are emphasized. Assessments include tests, projects, and opportunities for creative expression. The history of this period of time will come alive for the students through discussions, field trips, guest speakers, literature, internet research, and projects.

SCIENCE

The science program in the First Preparatory provides students with opportunities to develop important science concepts and to develop positive attitudes toward science. Students are provided with stimulating experiences in life science, earth science, physical science, and technology, with a focus on developing their critical–thinking and problem–solving skills. Knowledge is actively constructed by each learner in hands–on, experimental environments, where he can make his own discoveries.

 

In Life Science, students cover basic particles of matter to simple living organisms. Students explore experimental design, learning about the processes that scientists use to examine the world around them, and put their understanding to the test. Students in first preparatory germinate, nurture, and plant oak trees with the LSU Coastal Roots program. In Earth Science, students study Earth’s place in the universe, renewable resources, and pollution effects on our Coastal Louisiana. 

 

In each unit, students are able to explore and clarify ideas they already have about each topic and engage in hands–on explorations of the objects, organisms, and science phenomena to be investigated. Our 250– acre campus provides a natural laboratory for the boys to explore the flora and wildlife native to this area of Louisiana. Students are encouraged to discuss their observations, to reconcile their ideas, and finally, to apply their new ideas to new situations. Students are assessed through tests, journals, labs, teacher observations, projects, and quizzes.

 

Throughout the year, the scientific method is practiced in various activities and experiments, with emphasis placed on the development of critical thinking skills. Technology is embedded into the science classroom and students will produce many products using a variety of technology including slide shows, hyper docs, concept maps, infographics, videos, and more.

RELIGION

Religion in the First Preparatory focuses on Sacred Scripture, the Second Vatican Council, and the writings and teachings of Pope John Paul II. The approach emphasizes the dignity of each individual as a person made in the image of God. The program emphasizes in particular three truths of the Faith: Christ, Church, and the sacraments. Assessments include tests and projects.

II Prep (Grade 6)

 

LANGUAGE ARTS

English Language Arts covers a wide range of communication techniques that are critical skills in the 21st century: reading and responding, writing, speaking and listening, and the use of information resources. Students will complete independent reading and writing projects as well as receive direct, explicit instruction in grammar, spelling, vocabulary, writing, and reading.

ENGLISH

Writing Workshop is a student–centered approach to guide purposeful and effective writing in units of narrative, information, and argument. Clear guidelines, expectations, and procedures will be practiced as we learn the habits of effective readers and writers and develop our ideas into actual pieces of writing. Students also receive direct, explicit instruction in grammar, vocabulary, and spelling. Backed by extensive research, our programs incorporate a variety of hands–on activities, motivating online resources, and differentiated instruction.

READING

Reading Workshop  is a student–centered approach to guide purposeful and effective reading. Reading  is a life–long skill that is best developed with practice and purpose. Real readers choose literature for entertainment or instruction and know how to organize, understand, and apply what they read. Students will have numerous opportunities to read independently and collectively in partnerships, book clubs, and small groups. In Second Preparatory, units of study include historical fiction book clubs, character study book clubs, and nonfiction/research.

MATHEMATICS

In Second Preparatory math, the basic facts of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division are important; however, computers are used to allow all students to expand and extend much of traditional school math far beyond the basic math facts and repeated drill and practice. The program helps students to develop number sense, the intuitive, meaningful use of numbers in mental computation, estimation, problem solving, and applications.

At this level students cover the following math elements: representation of data; geometry concepts; adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing decimals; patterns, functions, and equations; measurement; fraction concepts and operations; ratio, proportion, and percent; probability; and integers and coordinate graphing.

SOCIAL STUDIES

The Second Preparatory social studies class centers on the study of Ancient History from earliest humanity to the dawn of the Renaissance. Topics of study include ancient cultures of Egypt, Israel, Italy, India and China, along with an examination of the various religious, political, social, and cultural contributions from this period of time. History will come alive for the students through discussions, field trips, guest speakers, literature, internet research, and projects. Geographic concepts are reviewed and note–taking skills are emphasized. Assessments include tests, projects, and opportunities for creative expression.

SCIENCE

The science program in the Second Preparatory provides students with the opportunity to develop important science concepts and to develop positive attitudes toward science. Students are provided with stimulating experiences in life science, earth science, physical science, and technology, with a focus on developing their critical–thinking and problem–solving skills. Knowledge is actively constructed by each learner in hands–on, experimental environments where he can make his own discoveries.

In the Life Sciences, Second Preparatory students study interdependent relationships spanning from our local waterways to the United States to the world as a whole. Students participate in a watershed cleanup experience, working to clean a waterway and then analyze their data. The Physical Science units include sound, motion, forces, and properties of energy. In each unit, students are able to explore and clarify ideas they already have about a topic and engage in hands–on exploration of the objects, organisms, and science phenomena to be investigated. They are encouraged to discuss their observations, to reconcile their ideas, and finally to apply their new ideas in new situations. Students are assessed through tests, journals, labs, teacher observations, projects, quizzes, and portfolios.

In each unit, students are able to explore and clarify ideas they already have about each topic and engage in hands–on exploration of the objects, organisms, and science phenomena to be investigated. Our 250– acre campus provides a natural laboratory for the boys to explore the flora and wildlife native to this area of Louisiana. Students are encouraged to discuss their observations, to reconcile their ideas, and finally, to apply their new ideas to new situations. Students are assessed through tests, journals, labs, teacher observations, projects, and quizzes.

Throughout the year, the scientific method is practiced in various activities and experiments, with emphasis placed on the development of critical thinking skills. Technology is embedded into the science classroom and students will produce many products using a variety of technology including slide shows, hyper docs, concept maps, infographics, videos, and more.

RELIGION

Using the Bible as the basic conveyor of the story of faith, the Second Preparatory religion program presents the major Biblical characters and their stories of faith. Then the students explore the dimensions of their own faith and are challenged to live a life of faith in today’s secularized world.

III Prep (Grade 7)

LANGUAGE ARTS

English Language Arts encompasses Reading and English classes. ELA covers a wide range of communication techniques that are critical skills in the 21st century: reading and responding, writing, speaking and listening, and the use of information resources. Students will complete independent reading and writing projects   as well as receive direct, explicit instruction in grammar, spelling, vocabulary, writing, and reading. By creating a literature–rich environment focused on the writing process, the goal is that students will:

• build knowledge, gain insights, explore possibilities, and broaden their perspective through reading a diverse array of classic and contemporary literature as well as challenging informational texts in a range of subjects.

• gain, evaluate, and present increasingly complex information, ideas, and evidence through listening and speaking as well as through media.

• write routinely over extended time frames (time for research, reflection, and revision) and shorter time frames (a single sitting or a day or two) for a range of tasks, purposes, and audiences.

• produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.

• gather relevant information from multiple print and digital sources, assess the credibility and accuracy of each source, and integrate the information while avoiding plagiarism.

• demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking and capitalization, punctuation, and spelling when writing.

• determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple–meaning words or phrases by using context clues, analyzing meaningful word parts, applying grade–level phonics and word analysis skills, and consulting general and specialized reference materials, as appropriate.

ENGLISH

English class seeks to make students better communicators by improving their writing and speaking skills. Writing is refined through grammar development; sentence formation; and the use of the writing process to draft, revise, and create coherent writing. Grammar skills are improved through grammar lessons and exercises on parts of speech, punctuation, capitalization, and usage. Students use the grammar skills learned to craft increasingly complex, yet clear sentences. Through the writing process, students are taught to write in a variety of contexts. Argumentative writing requires students to make specific claims and support these claims using analysis, reasons, and evidence. Students are also taught to develop a distinctive voice through creative and personal writing. Students periodically share their writing aloud and create presentations to practice speaking and listening skills.

READING

Reading class seeks to build reading comprehension, literature analysis, and vocabulary development skills, as well as nurture a continuing love for and habit of reading. Several books are read by the whole class throughout the year with accompanying lessons and activities that are designed to make students active readers that annotate, respond to, and write about texts. Active reading fosters vocabulary development, literature analysis, and reading comprehension. In addition to the books students read with the whole class, students are also constantly reading books independently. Through the independent reading program, students are encouraged to read texts that they are interested in that are both challenging and age– appropriate. Students write quarterly responses to these books that challenge them to reflect upon and write about the book that they just read. The ultimate goal of the independent reading program is to make reading habitual and enjoyable, fostering a love for reading that will continue throughout their lives.

MATHEMATICS

There are two math options available to Third Prep students: Regular Math and Pre–Algebra.

In Third Prep Regular Math, students continue to work with the basic facts of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division while using computer technology to expand their mathematical comprehension and skills beyond the basics and to grow in their development of number sense in such a way as to solve real–world problems.

Math concepts covered in Third Prep are: interpretation of data, geometry, applications of decimals, measurement, patterns and functions, number theory, applications of fractions, reasoning with proportions, probability, and graphing in the coordinate plane. In addition, students are introduced to basic concepts in algebra.

Students in Third Prep math are introduced to pre–algebra concepts. The pre–algebra course focuses initially on review of basic math skills. Once the students have mastered these, the course proceeds to drawing conclusions from data, patterns and measurements in geometry, integers and variable expressions, algebraic equations and inequalities, graphing in the coordinate plane, functions, rational numbers, applications of percents and proportions, and probability. Emphasis is placed on skills mastery and on using math concepts to solve real–life problems.

SOCIAL STUDIES

The 7th Grade social studies program analyzes the history of the United States from its earliest beginnings through the late 1800s. Students will develop responsible, global maturity through a close examination of the geography, economics, politics, and social issues that shaped the people and events that formed our nation.

SCIENCE

The science program in the Third Prep provides students with the opportunity to develop important science concepts and to develop positive attitudes toward science. Students are provided with stimulating experiences in life science, earth science, physical science, and technology, with a focus on developing their critical– thinking and problem–solving skills. Knowledge is actively constructed by each learner and in hands–on experimental environments where he can make his own discoveries. 

In Life Science, students study cell processes, genetics and inheritance, living organisms, and life cycles focusing on that of the paddlefish. In a partnership with the LDWF, students participate in the Native Fish in the Classroom program. Students assist with the removal and fertilization of paddlefish eggs, transporting them to the classroom where they will be raised until ready to release into the wild. The Physical Science units include elements of the periodic table and chemical reactions. 

In each unit, students are able to explore and clarify ideas they already have about each topic and engage in hands–on explorations of the objects, organisms, and science phenomena to be investigated. Our 250– acre campus provides a natural laboratory for the boys to explore the flora and wildlife native to this area of Louisiana. Students are encouraged to discuss their observations, to reconcile their ideas, and finally, to apply their new ideas to new situations. Students are assessed through tests, journals, labs, teacher observations, projects, and quizzes.

Throughout the year, the scientific method is practiced in various activities and experiments, with emphasis placed on the development of critical thinking skills. Technology is embedded into the science classroom and students will produce many products using a variety of technology including slide shows, hyper docs, concept maps, infographics, videos, and more.

RELIGION

In Third Prep religion, the New Testament, which tells the story of Jesus, provides the background for the study of Jesus and His mission. The students examine the life of Jesus, and they explore the meaning of His teachings. The Sacraments are then presented as a continuation of the life–giving mission of Jesus. Students are asked to measure their values with those of Jesus and are challenged to integrate Jesus’ values with their own. Lessons on prayer and liturgy are presented as aids to this integration.

Prep Spanish

Preparatory Spanish balances the four elements of language learning: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Students increase and expand their mastery of everyday vocabulary, while focusing on the use of idiomatic expressions. School terms, telling time, sports, and describing oneself are among the concepts covered. Games requiring conversation in Spanish provide drill; tests on the four elements, listening exercises, and individual and group projects provide assessment. In addition, students participate in a play, which is presented from memory in Spanish.

In III Prep (Grade 7) Spanish, students expand their vocabulary of everyday language and learn terms connected with geography and travel. Students practice speaking through guided conversations, games, in–class oral reading, and oral presentations; listening through classroom exercises and oral instructions. Evaluation takes place through written and oral tests and oral and written projects. In addition to the play given in Spanish students will participate in the Foreign Language Festival reciting a poem from memory or reading prose before judges and peers.

Fine Art

Students in Preparatory art study the basic elements of color, shape, line, and texture. They are introduced to beginning drawing and simple crafts, using a variety of media. Stress is placed on self– expression and creativity. An appreciation for art is developed through studies of master artists and famous works of art.

MUSIC

The music program for Preparatory is based on the study of the basic elements of music: rhythm, melody, and harmony. Students experience these elements through singing, listening, and analyzing. Students learn music appreciation throughout the year through studies of classical and contemporary composers.

MUSICAL

Each spring, all Berchmans Lower School students perform in a musical written and directed by our Lower School Music Instructor, Mr. Henry Hample.  It is a widely attended, culminating event to celebrate the musical gifts and talents of our entire Berchmans Lower School.

 

PRIVATE MUSIC LESSONS

Mr. Henry Hample offers private music lessons during the school day and after school for Berchmans students.  Instruments include piano, guitar, accordian, violin, banjo, drums, ukelele, and more!

ROBOTICS

Using LEGO® MINDSTORMS® Kits, students design, construct, program and control fully–functioning robots through a series of real–life activities, covering topics in science, technology, engineering, and math. They use software to plan, test and modify sequences of instructions for a variety of behaviors as well as learn to collect and analyze data from sensors, using data logging functionalities embedded in the software. Students also participate in a regional robotics tournament, with the possibility to compete at the state level.