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The goal of our program is to develop students’ proficiency in math skills and technology (calculators, computers, etc.) so that they have the tools they need to successfully identify, strategize and solve real-world mathematical problems. Grades K-5 are taught with the Houghton Mifflin math series, which incorporates students’ everyday experiences into lessons. This is supplemented in the primary grades with the hands-on Math Their Way approach. The grade 6 curriculum introduces pre-algebra while sharpening student's computational and problem-solving skills. Grade 7 concentrates on algebra skills along with geometry. Grade 8 stuents learn algebraic expressions plus equations and geometry and may, at the discretion of the teacher, study ninth-grade algebra. Nativity of Mary graduates often test into honors algebra or tenth-grade geometry in high school.
All Nativity of Mary students are actively involved in music-making. With grades K-5, our music specialist uses the Orff Schulwerk method, combining song, speech and drama, creative movement and instrument playing. Children learn to play together as a small orchestra using special Orff instruments. In grades 4-5, recorder training is added. Upper-level students continue music training in their choice of choir, band or handbell group. Students may join the fifth-grade band and fourth- and fifth-grade choirs as extracurricular activities. All groups have opportunities to perform throughout the year. The BRAVO music appreciation curriculum is also taught in K-4 classrooms. Private band instrument and piano lessons are available for a fee.
Our teacher-developed physical education curriculum emphasizes participation over competition and aims to prepare children to lead active, healthy lifestyles into adulthood. Primary grades concentrate on developing locomotor and nonlocomotor skills, perceptual motor proficiency, coordination and strength through fitness and recreational activities. In grades 3-5, the fundamental knowledge and technical skills of various team sports are added, including volleyball, basketball and soccer. Upper-level classes continue building on basic individual and group activity skills. Sportsmanship and team cooperation are stressed at all levels. The Presidential Fitness Test is used in all grades to assess fitness levels.
Daily religion classes, drawing on materials by Silver Burdett Ginn and Pflaum, help instill in students the importance of prayer, familiarity with the Scriptures, the life of Christ, sacramental preparation, liturgical study and the history and doctrine of the Catholic Church. In addition, students deepen their faith through participation in regular Masses and prayer services, upper-level spiritual retreats and a variety of service projects throughout the year. (These have included, for example, making holiday decorations for a hospice, raising money for a school in Iraq and serving breakfast at Sharing & Caring Hands). Through such faith-forming instruction and activities, Nativity of Mary students learn to incorporate Christian principles into their daily lives.
Through Nativity of Mary’s science program, students become increasingly astute observers and critical thinkers about the natural world around them. Our K-5 classes learn scientific concepts and reasoning using the FOSS curriculum, a research-based program that actively engages children through their own inquiries, experiments and analyses. In grade 6, students are introduced to a general science curriculum (Scott Foresman) with hands-on activities that support each lesson. Grades 7 and 8 delve more deeply into life and earth science, respectively, using materials from Prentice Hall.
Our objective in teaching social studies is to prepare students to be informed, conscientious citizens who will help build a better world, now and in the future. In K-5 classes, using a Houghton Mifflin curriculum, students study such topics as citizenship, current events, national holidays, map skills, U.S. geography, colonial America, American government, Native Americans and early explorers. Weekly Reader is also used as a resource in K-4 classrooms. Upper-level grades focus on Minnesota history, ancient civilization, U.S. history from the colonial era to modern times (Prentice Hall). At all levels, multicultural study is interwoven in social studies classes (as well as other subject areas). A highlight of this emphasis is Multicultural Day, when international students from the University of St. Thomas teach about their native cultures and traditions.
All Nativity of Mary students in grades 6-8 study Spanish. The class is taught using Adelante and En camino, programs from Holt, Rinehart and Winston designed specifically for middle school students. Students learn basic conversation skills and build vocabulary while exploring Spanish-speaking countries and their cultures. Every year, seventh-graders have the opportunity to practice their español on a field trip to a Twin Cities-area Mexican market and restaurant. In grade 8, students read Spanish-language plays.
Note: Nativity of Mary students needing extra assistance in core curriculum areas can receive help from paraprofessionals working under the guidance of classroom teachers; they also have access to Bloomington Public Schools’ special education services.
Incorporated into Nativity of Mary’s curriculum are activities that have children of various ages working, playing and praying side by side. Every student is assigned to a PALS group, led by a teacher and comprised of a few children from each grade to attend Mass together.We also pair up first-graders with sixth-grade Guardian Angels to collaborate on projects – and have fun, too! Through such connections, older children learn responsibility and the power of their example; and younger students get to know “big kids” who become friends and role models.
“I like that I have a PAL who helps me in church
and I can say hi to in the hall.”
— Davis, first grade
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