Norwood Fontbonne Academy’s Primary English Language Arts (ELA) program uses a Reading and Writing Workshop model. Through the use of teacher-read mentor texts, shared texts, and active independent reading, reading strategies are taught through mini-lessons and practiced independently. Students in primary grades focus on building phonemic awareness, phonics and word recognition, fluency, and vocabulary through a systematic, multisensory approach. By providing explicit instruction, teachers focus on a  writer’s craft and create a predictable, safe environment where students take ownership of their writing, share their writing, and become competent with the writing process (planning, drafting, revising, editing, publishing).

Students are exposed to a variety of genres including fiction, non-fiction, and poetry. All students are encouraged to see themselves as readers and writers and develop a love of the written word.

• Workshop model for reading and writing

• Guided Reading and Literature Circles

• Phonics and spelling through Wilson Fundations Program

Norwood Fontbonne Academy’s Primary Math Program pushes students to build independence with math skills, persist through challenges, and apply math to the real world. Students develop a positive relationship with themselves and mathematics through the various components of math class. At the primary level, students will focus on mastering basic math facts and gaining confidence solving multistep problems. Stepping into a primary math class, you will see students engaging with manipulatives to gain a concrete understanding of abstract mathematical concepts. Students are challenged to explain their mathematical thinking while engaging in discussion about their strategies and approaches to various problems. 

• Place Value and number sense

• Number relationships including basic facts and computation

• Concrete Skills: time, money, measurement

• Fractions

• Geometry 

• Focus on problem solving, representation, communication, reasoning and proof, and connections within a mathematical world

The science program at Norwood Fontbonne Academy integrates scientific concepts with literacy skills.  Students develop critical thinking through hands-on exploration, investigation, and collaboration. Inquiry guides young scientists to draw conclusions about life, physical, and earth science concepts. 

• Matter and Its Interactions

• Ecosystems: Interactions, Energy, and Dynamics

• Biological Evolution: Unity and Diversity

• Earth’s Systems

• Engineering Design

Norwood Fontbonne Academy’s primary social studies curriculum provides students with a background in government, economics, geography, and history with the goal of creating global citizens. Students participate in map navigation and creation, study of:

• Civics and Government
  • Principles and Documents of Government
  • Rights and Responsibilities of Citizenship
  • How Government Works
• Economics
  • Scarcity and Choice
• Geography
  • Basic Geography Literacy
  • Human Characteristics of Places and Regions
  • Physical Characteristics of Places and Regions
• History:
  • Pennsylvania history
  • United States history
  • Significant state and country symbols

Religion classes at Norwood Fontbonne Academy focus on: 

• Catholic Sacrament prep for grade 2 sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist
• Understanding of parts of the mass and names for people and things in the church
• Bible stories
• Chapel Experience - Monthly Visits
  • Prayer Etiquette 
  • Explanation of objects we see at Mass and in Church
• Service-Learning and special projects centered around the cohort theme of Unioning Love.

Grades 1st - 3rd STEM program introduces the LAUNCH cycle of design thinking. Students will start by learning how to work together to solve various problems, learning that there are different roles needed in every group. From there, students will learn how to use various engineering tools they will encounter in their STEM careers and eventually use them to build larger projects. Students will also spend some time learning the basics of coding. These early stages will help them with projects not only in the STEM classroom but through all their academia.

Grades 1st-3rd  music program strengthens students’ musical knowledge and provides opportunities for students to demonstrate learned skills. Students will develop knowledge and skills related to the elements of music  such as dynamics, tempo, rhythm, pitch, tone poems, musical stories, instruments of the orchestra, echo singing and vocals. These skills will be demonstrated in classroom activities.

In art class, students in the first, second and third grade primary and JLM levels get messy and engage in the art making process through hands-on projects.  The teacher introduces different mediums, artists and techniques  to expose students to the rich history of fine art.  Students have hands-on experiences with fibers, paper mache, plaster, wire, recyclable materials, natural materials, installation, pastels, painting, drawing and printmaking.  Through exposure to these mediums students build a foundation of abilities, which they will eventually use as a springboard for self-directed projects in middle school.

The elementary level Spanish program continues to build on the child’s foundation for foreign language learning. After we review and expand on all elements introduced at the preschool/kindergarten levels, we develop Spanish language skills in conversation, writing, song, prayer, movement, and global perspective.* Hispanic and Afro-latinx identities are explored by way of geography, music, and The Afro-Latino ABC Alphabet by José and Keaira Faña-Ruiz. At this level, students become quite enthusiastic as they discover their natural abilities in the target language.

Elementary level Spanish curriculum texts include:

• The Afro-Latino ABC Alphabet by José & Keaira Faña-Ruiz (All level)
• N is for Navidad by Merry Banks & Susan Middleton Elya (All level)

*Through age 5 we acquire the following skills and knowledge: yoga, breathing exercises, vowel sounds, the alphabet, animals, colors, days of the week, months, parts of the body, basic classroom instructions etc.

Physical Education at the lower elementary  level is an avenue for engaging in developmentally appropriate physical activities designed for children to develop their fitness, gross and fine motor skills to enable them to participate in games. They learn essential skills to become physically literate. Physical Education activities include Locomotor skills, non-locomotor skills, manipulative skills, balance and dance. They learn modified games and sports. The curriculum leads the students to participate in the Intermediate grades curriculum.

The Social-Emotional Learning curriculum at the Elementary Level is designed to support students in learning the developmentally appropriate skills and attitudes needed in order to develop healthy identities, self-awareness, and social awareness. It also teaches students the important skills needed for managing big emotions, feeling and showing empathy for others, developing the skills to create and identify positive and supportive relationships, and making responsible and caring decisions. Through this work, students begin to deepen their understanding of themselves and others, take pride in themselves and their uniqueness, foster inclusivity, and become a productive member of the community.