Foreign
Language\Technology\PE
Foreign Language
Students begin learning Spanish in Kindergarten with thirty-minute classes, three days each week. For students in Grades One through Eight, Spanish instruction increases to forty-five minutes, three days a week. The goal of the Spanish program is to develop an appreciation of a new language and culture by learning the vocabulary through games, songs, and hands-on activities. The Total Physical Response (TPR) method of learning is used which incorporates all five senses to develop new language skills. Core vocabulary and linguistic structures appropriate for each grade level are taught in addition to aspects of the culture of Spanish-speaking countries. Eighth Grade students have the opportunity to take the CRES test for Spanish I high school credit.
Technology
Teachers bring technology into the classrooms via Power Point and other multimedia presentations. Students in grades five to eight receive formal technology classes beginning in fifth grade one time weekly for one hour. Students practice correct fingering on the keyboard using Type to Learn to become proficient touch typists by eighth grade. Programs such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Publisher, as well as online resources are introduced and used in a variety of projects to demonstrate skill and creativity. Students progress with each grade onto more complex uses of these programs and integrate their use into other subject areas. Internet research and safety are taught and practiced. Cyber-bullying and digital citizenship are examined to promote awareness and proper usage of all modern forms of communication. Projects are often tied into each grade's curriculum. For example, 8th Grade students create newsletters about the novel Animal Farm using Microsoft Publisher and 7th Grade students use Google Sketchup to design medieval cathedrals.
Physical Education
Students at Trinity attend physical education four times per week for forty-five minutes in a full size gymnasium and on regulation size fields. The enjoyment of physical activity is an integral part of the program. Students are expected to participate in a variety of sports and activities that are both noncompetitive and competitive in nature. These activities help develop gross and fine motor skills while focusing on building enthusiasm for teamwork and fitness. Students are challenged to set individual goals. Each grade learns an appreciation for teamwork, fitness, leadership and sportsmanship. Students also learn the proper skills to improve and become well-rounded athletes in a safe and fun learning environment.
Health education at Trinity is unique as
compared to other programs in Maryland. In The Lower School, it is
incorporated throughout the year into the curriculum. In Middle School, it
is given extra attention and is taught once a week during P.E. There are eight units covered in an interactive, hands-on
approach consistent with Trinity's educational philosophy. Each year, the Middle School students are certified in either Red Cross, CPR, first aid, or babysitting. Classes are taught in the gym so that the students have ample room to move while playing games and performing skits to enforce learning.