CATHOLIC CURRICULUM FRAMEWORKS GRADES 1-8

Follow this link for: REVISONS FOR JUNIOR AND INTERMEDIATE CATHOLIC FRAMEWORKS

Then little children were being brought to him in order that he might lay his hands on them and pray.  The disciples spoke sternly to those who brought them; but Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs.”  And he laid his hands on them and went on his way.  (Matthew 19:13-15)
 

What People Are Saying

“Very often I visit classrooms of new and experienced teachers and I note that many of them feel overwhelmed with the number of expectations contained in each of the subject disciplines of the Ontario Curriculum.

Since coming to Algonquin & Lakeshore CDSB, I have come to understand the value of the Catholic Curriculum Frameworks that are now developed for Primary, Junior and Intermediate grades. These frameworks assist teachers in planning an entire year (either a straight grade or combined grade) ensuring that all enduring expectations are delivered in a balanced and integrated fashion within the Catholic context. The frameworks bring a degree of clarity and purpose to the design of Catholic curriculum delivery like no other resource I have seen.

These Catholic Frameworks provide the kind of organizer that all teachers need to ensure that our Catholic values and the Ontario Curriculum expectations are planned for and delivered in a coherent and meaningful way. 

I encourage you as Catholic Curriculum leaders to take another look at these powerful resources designed to assist you in providing rich, meaningful and values – drive instruction.”
                                                                                                                                 Mike Schmitt, Director of Education
                                                                                                              Algonquin & Lakeshore Catholic District School Board

“As you may recall, in 1999 – 2001, the Ministry provided funds for the development of elementary units – to be written expressly for use in Catholic schools. Many welcomed the opportunity for the professional development and ability to network with colleagues while developing units from a Catholic perspective. We embraced the Ontario Catholic School Graduate Expectations as the foundation for the Catholic elementary units that continue to provide excellent sample units for our teachers. At that time, many expressed the desire to develop a framework or context for the delivery of curriculum in Catholic schools.

In an effort to provide a framework for teachers, the Eastern Ontario Catholic Curriculum Cooperative has responded to a real need expressed by our teachers, consultants and administrators. The writing team comprised teachers from the four Eastern Ontario Catholic School Boards who took on the challenge to incorporate meaningful activities that spring from the Catholic themes contained within the CD – Curriculum Support for Catholic Schools Using the Ontario Catholic School Graduate Expectations, Scripture and the Tradition of the Church. Ultimately, our hope is that students will benefit by the enriched learning opportunities reflected through meaningful integration of the church’s teaching into the curriculum.

I am confident that you will find the Catholic Curriculum Frameworks a most practical and supportive planning tool for Primary, Junior and Intermediate teachers.”
                                                                                                                            Ann Perron, Former Director of Education
                                                                                                                     Catholic District School Board of Eastern Ontario

Why These Frameworks?

The Catholic Curriculum Framework initiative provides a framework or model for the delivery of programs within Catholic schools in the province of Ontario. It is an integrated approach for teachers to use with students at the elementary level. Embedded in these frameworks are specific program expectations or overall expectations and enduring understandings. It provides teachers within the Catholic system with the major components to ensure the delivery of a balanced, integrated curriculum.

Goals

• The Catholic Curriculum Frameworks were developed for a number of reasons:
• To capture the year at-a-glance
• To provide an integrated perspective
• To provide detailed long range planning
• To provide an idea for a connecting task that links a number of program areas
• To focus on the Ministry expectations
• To reference the Ontario Curriculum Units, the Ontario Catholic Curriculum Units and other units and materials available from the Cooperatives
• To provide suggestions and ideas for the classroom teacher
• To provide a framework that illustrates how to manage and incorporate available learning materials
• To provide parents and students with a visual image of the nature of curriculum delivery in Catholic schools

Framework Components

Each straight or combined grade is provided with six frameworks for the school year. Each framework includes the following:

• A central Catholic theme such as Community and the Common Good
• A Biblical quote
• Ministry expectations – specific or overall expectations and big ideas
• Recommended activities for each program area
• Journey activities where applicable
• A variety of recommended teaching/learning strategies
• A variety of assessment strategies
• A suggested task, Making Connections, that integrates the skills and knowledge of a number of    program areas

Each set of  grade specific  frameworks is accompanied by a manual which provides additional information for the teacher. An at-a-glance table outlines the themes, dates and highlights of each framework. In addition general overviews are provided for each framework and the teacher notes list information such as web sites and reminders for the educator. For each framework there is a list of resources which includes the titles of the Ministry Curriculum units, units created by the Ontario Catholic Curriculum Cooperatives as well as other key resources. The manual also includes lists of the overall or specific expectations that are covered in each particular framework.

How would a teacher use the frameworks? There are six frameworks per grade which provide an overview of the year and guide the teacher in the delivery of the Ministry expectations.  Teachers are encouraged to modify and adjust the suggested materials to suit their specific class’ teaching/learning needs. These charts could be used at parent information meetings to explain the nature of the material taught and to provide the parents with an overview of the year’s curriculum. Teachers will note that the frameworks are not printed with front and back on the same sheet. This has been done deliberately so that a complete framework can be displayed side by side. By posting the frameworks in the classroom the students also benefit from seeing the big picture and how the program material is connected.

In conclusion, it is our hope that this initiative provides a useful model with meaningful, relevant learning opportunities for the elementary students in Ontario’s Catholic schools.

                                                           Look Before You Plan and Save Time

The  Catholic  Curriculum  Frameworks  provide all  your  long range  planning   for the year.   Whether you have a straight or combined grade these frameworks have captured all program areas and linked them in a complementary, integrated manner built on specific Catholic themes. They illustrate how the curriculum delivered  in the  Catholic schools of Ontario  is  unique and demonstrate  the close ties  that  exist between  the different  program areas.  Founded on sound  pedagogical principles these plans will provide guidance and save the teacher endless hours of long range planning.

Click here for Catholic Frameworks Demo