ELEMENTARY CURRICULUM
Kindergarten
Religion
Students have optimal opportunity to grow in their faith and in their relationship with God. The concepts presented are God, God the Father, God the Son (Jesus), God the Holy Spirit, the Bible, heaven, angels, sin, law and gospel, worship, prayer and thanksgiving, witnessing, and stewardship. Children hear Bible stories from the Old & New Testament, learn to say memorized and personal prayers, and sing Christian songs. They learn that God knows them, forgives their sins, and loves them dearly.
Reading/Language Arts
This program helps students develop a variety of strategies and skills that will allow them to become independent, competent, and confident readers. Instruction is given in phonics and phonemic awareness that is meaningful and integrated with classroom themes. The children are exposed to a print rich kindergarten environment. Reading/Language Arts concepts consist of rhyming, alphabet & alphabet sound recognition, decoding words, inventive spelling, high frequency words, word opposites, syllabication, sequencing, journaling, and increased vocabulary development.
Handwriting
Good writing habits are introduced at this level. Children are instructed in correct formation of upper and lower case manuscript alphabet letters and numerals.
Mathematics
Our math program helps students develop higher-order thinking, to become fluent in math vocabulary, to form problem solving strategies, and to build true concepts of what mathematics is and what it means to "do" math. Math concepts presented are sorting, classifying, geometry, patterns, positions, estimation, numbers 1-100, money, tables, graphs, fractions, addition and subtraction, time, and measurement.
Social Studies
Kindergartners become more familiar with God’s world as they study geography, map skills, government, citizenship, economics, history, society, and culture. Learning is made meaningful through such topics as family and neighbors, transportation, community helpers, holidays, and customs and traditions.
Science
Children learn that the world and everything in it was created by God. Kindergartners use science process skills and the methods of science through hands-on activities. Many concepts are introduced such as weather, the four seasons, external and internal body parts, pushes and pulls, the five senses, animals & life cycles, plants, and seeds.
Art
Children express themselves creatively through various art medias: watercolor paints, tempera paints, pastels, sculptures, collages, clay; and childhood favorites: crayons & markers. Students learn about the elements of design as they work with line, shape and color.
Technology
Students will understand the many types of technology, the importance of them, and identify the common uses of technology in our everyday lives. Students will learn the basic parts of the computer and be able to recognize and name them. Identify the basic functions and care for various hardware on the computer.
Physical Education
Students learn that they are "wonderfully" made by God, and that God wants them to take care of their bodies. Children participate in many age appropriate games and activities that promote good health and a positive attitude toward exercise.
Music
Music at this level is especially fun. The students sing, play percussion and handbells, learn the role of different notes, including whole notes, half notes, quarter notes, and eighth notes. Students may even explore imaginary adventures and listen for sounds in nature made by percussion instruments and rain sticks.
Textbooks and Other Sources
Faith Alive Concordia Publishing
Invitations for Literacy Houghton Mifflin
Progress in Mathematics Sadlier-Oxford
Friends & Neighbors Houghton Mifflin
Discovery Works Houghton Mifflin Science
EPEC (Exemplary Physical Fitness Curriculum)
Michigan Fitness Foundation
Field Trips
Grade 1 Curriculum
Religion
The students will learn about God's love and promises through a chronological walk through the Bible. They will learn that Jesus, their Savior, died to take away their sins. Students will have a weekly memory lesson, daily devotions and lead chapel twice a year.
Language Arts
First grade curriculum incorporates reading, listening, writing, speaking and thinking to build the skills for communication. The children will develop their decoding skills through phonemic awareness and their comprehension skills through the use of guided reading, semantic maps, weekly assessment of stories and the accelerated reader program. Spelling activities will assist reading skills through word families, word sorts and dictation. Children will read poems, informational text, Big Books, and leveled readers to develop fluency and comprehension. Grammar and punctuation will be introduced through daily writing activities and English lessons.
Mathematics
First graders will explore number sense, addition and subtraction through eighteen, place value, data and graphs, geometry, time, money, measurement and probability. Students will experience these math concepts through the use of a variety of manipulatives, diagrams, and daily lessons.
Social Studies
First grade curriculum will focus on citizenship within the family and the community. The students will learn about geography, economics, and history.
Science
There are four units that are emphasized in first grade; the Human Body, Earth Science, Physical Science, and Life Science. Students will learn about living and non-living things and their habitats, the earth's surface, natural resources, and weather, the three states of matter, and the fives senses.
Art
Students will be introduced to various media and explore some of the principles and elements of art and design through drawing, painting, sculpture, and collage. Students will explore art as it relates to other disciplines and units of study such as social studies, science and literature.
Spanish
This year-long course is proficiency orientated with a focus on meaningful communication rather than on grammatical structure. The targeted language is used as a means of communication so that students first understand and then produce the language. Students start by simply recognizing and responding to the target language and then begin to use words independently within an appropriate conversational context.
Technology
Students will understand the many types of technology, the importance of them, and identify the common uses of technology in our every day lives. Students will learn the basic parts of the computer and be able to recognize and name them. Identify the basic functions and care for various hardware on the computer. Students will use a variety of age appropriate technologies for sharing information (drawing and writing) and recognize the functions of basic file commands (new, open, close, save, print).
Physical Education
Students will demonstrate an awareness of fitness components, progress toward the mature form of locomotor and non-locomotor skills, and exhibit body awareness thorough exploration of speed, space and direction. Students will demonstrate progress toward the mature forms of throwing, kicking and catching. Students will understand good sportsmanship in activity, as well as the importance of physical activities leading to a healthy lifestyle.
Music
Students are offered the opportunity to explore various beats and rhythms. Students play percussion and sing. In addition, the students learn the written value of musical notes, and become acquainted with compositions and composers of various time periods.
Choir (Sonshiners) Grades 1-4
Students meet weekly and learn many songs, which are sung throughout the year, during Chapel (monthly), Church (quarterly), Christmas Musicals, Spring Musicals, and in a special Student Led Worship once a year.
Textbooks and Other Sources
Next Generation Science Foss, 2019
One in Christ Concordia Publishing House, 2011
Progress in Mathematics Sadlier Oxford, 2011
People and places McMillan/McGraw-Hill, 2005
Handwriting Zaner - Bloser, 2012
Reading McMillan/McGraw-Hill, 2005
Field Trips
Grade 2 Curriculum
Religion
The course is a chronological study of Bible stories, beginning with the creation of all things by God. The balance of the lessons is based on selected sequential Bible stories that span biblical history from Exodus through the formation of the early church and the beginning ministry of the apostle Paul.
Memory
Memory includes Bible passages and the Ten Commandments. Memory development is an important educational skill, which also forms a firm foundation in God's Word.
Mathematics
A review and extension of addition and subtraction, along with multiplication and division facts, and problem-solving application. Also includes introduction to statistics and probability, measurement and time, geometry, fractions, and decimals.
Social Studies
A study of communities in the United States. The studies include the structure of a community, history of communities in the U.S., living and working in communities, government, and cultures.
Reading
A variety of stories and novels are read to develop comprehension, style, character, setting, plot, and interpretation along with an extension of basic reading skills.
Spelling
A new set of words is introduced weekly. Students are exposed to the words daily in the reading curriculum and practice reading, spelling, and applying the words through various activities. Tests are given weekly on Friday.
Language
The work-text is used to provide written practice for the concepts taught in language class. The concepts include sentences, capitalization, punctuation, possessives, contractions, word usage, subjects, verbs, adjectives, and creative writing.
Science
The study of science is broken into three areas: Life Science (plants and insects), Physical Science (solids and liquids), Earth Science (pebbles, sand, and silt).
Art
Students will explore various media through drawing, construction, painting, sculpture and collage. Students will begin to recognize and apply some of the principles of art and design as it relates to their individual artwork. Students will learn to recognize, evaluate and appreciate the aesthetic and social value of artwork of various cultures and artists.
Spanish
The course continues to focus on proficiency and meaningful communication, rather than grammatical structure. Students build review and build upon their first grade curriculum. Students begin to use words independently within an appropriate conversational context.
Technology
Students will recognize ways technology has changed and help their lives at school and at home. Students will recognize the need for security applications and how to keep their computer safe, especially on the Internet. Students will learn how to use basic input/output devices, proper keyboard and typing techniques, manage and maintain files on a hard drive or network, and demonstrate proper care of hardware, software and storage media. Students will identify search strategies for locating information, and proofread and edit using appropriate resources.
Physical Education
Students will demonstrate and identify fitness components, demonstrate progress toward mature forms of throwing, catching, kicking striking, rolling and locomotor and non-locomotor skills. Students will develop responsible personal behavior traits, social character traits and the use of good sportsmanship in sports. Students will have an understanding of physical activities that lead to a healthy lifestyle, the importance of them, and begin to learn the basic muscles of the body and how to exercise them.
Music
Students are offered the opportunity to explore various beats and rhythms. Students play percussion and sing. In addition, the students learn the written value of musical notes, and become acquainted with compositions and composers of various time periods.
Choir (Sonshiners) Grades 1-4
Students meet weekly and learn many songs, which are sung throughout the year, during Chapel (monthly), Church (quarterly), Christmas Musicals, Spring Musicals, and in a special Student Led Worship once a year.
Textbooks and Other Sources
Religion Voyages Concordia Publishing House, 2001
Mathematics Progress in Mathematics Sadlier Oxford, 2006
Social Studies Our Communities MacMillan McGraw-Hill, 2005
Reading Reading Books 1 & 2McGraw-Hill MacMillan, 2005
Spelling Spelling & Poetry 3Beka 2008
Language Language 3A Beka Book, 1996
Science Science Scott Foresman, 2003
Field Trips
Grade 3 Curriculum
Religion
By God’s grace, lessons (1) confront learners with the Law, showing human sin and our need for a Savior; (2) lead learners to see God’s grace in sending Jesus to redeem us from sin, death, and the power of the devil; and (3) encourage learners as they daily live in Christ, empowered by the Holy Spirit. The curriculum helps students to understand God and His Word, how the Holy Spirit blesses the church, God the Father’s gracious gifts to us, how Jesus brings salvation, how God hears and answers his people, how God leads us to respond in love, and how God comes to us through the Means of Grace.
Memory
Memory includes 17 legacy Bible passages, the Ten Commandments with meaning, Apostle’s Creed, Lord’s Prayer, Luther’s Morning and Evening prayer, and the OT and NT books of the Bible. The 17 legacy verses are to be “laid in their hearts and in their souls, bound on their hands, and placed as frontlets between their eyes.” (Deuteronomy 11:18)
Mathematics
A review and extension of addition and subtraction, along with multiplication and division facts, and problem-solving application. Also includes introduction to statistics and probability, measurement and time, geometry, fractions, and decimals.
Michigan History
Students will explore Michigan and its first people, how Michigan changed when the first Europeans came, how Michigan continued to be changed by war and growth, and Michigan during the 20th century. Maps and diagrams, and primary sources will be used to understand these topics.
Science
The study of science is broken into three areas: Life Science (plants, animals, and environments), Physical Science (matter and energy, forces, machines, and work), Earth Science (geology, sun, moon, and planets, and weather). By using hands-on, active learning, the students are expected to gain a deeper understanding of these concepts.
Reading
A variety of stories and novels are read to develop comprehension, style, character, setting, plot, and interpretation. There is a big shift from learning to read to reading to learn. Predicting, drawing conclusions, making inferences and understanding cause and effect relationships is emphasized.
Language
The work-text is used to provide written practice for the concepts taught in language class. The concepts include sentences, capitalization, punctuation, possessives, contractions, word usage, subjects, verbs, adjectives, and creative writing. Daily Language Review is used to help further develop all these skills.
Art
Students will be introduced to various media and explore some of the principles and elements of art and design through drawing, painting, sculpture, and collage. Students will explore art as it relates to other disciplines and units of study such as social studies, science and literature.
Spanish
The course continues to focus on proficiency and meaningful communication, rather than grammatical structure. Students continue to build upon themes from prior grades while they add new topics to their repertoire. Students will begin to use words independently within an appropriate conversational text.
Technology
Students will recognize ways technology has changed and help their lives at school and at home. Students will recognize the need for security applications and how to keep their computer safe, especially on the Internet. Students will learn how to use basic input/output devices, proper keyboard and typing techniques, manage and maintain files on a hard drive or network, and demonstrate proper care of hardware, software and storage media. Students will know how to exchange files with other students using technology, identify search strategies for locating information, and proofread and edit using appropriate resources.
Physical Education
Students will demonstrate and identify fitness components, demonstrate progress toward mature forms of throwing, catching, kicking striking, rolling and locomotor and non-locomotor skills. Students will develop responsible personal behavior traits, social character traits and the use of good sportsmanship in sports. Students will have an understanding of physical activities that lead to a healthy lifestyle, the importance of them, and begin to learn the basic muscles of the body and how to exercise them.
Music
Students are offered the opportunity to explore various beats and rhythms. Students play percussion and sing. In addition, the students learn the written value of musical notes, and become acquainted with compositions and composers of various time periods. Third graders also receive recorder instruction.
Choir (Sonshiners) Grades 1-4
Students meet weekly and learn many songs, which are sung throughout the year, during Chapel (monthly), Church (quarterly), Christmas Musicals, Spring Musicals, and in a special Student Led Worship once a year.
Textbooks and Other Sources
Religion One in Christ Concordia Publishing House, 2011
Mathematics Progress in Mathematics Sadlier Oxford, 2006
Michigan MacMillan/McGraw-Hill, 2007
Reading Reading Books 1 & 2 McGraw-Hill/
MacMillan, 2005
Spelling McGraw-Hill/MacMillan, 2005
Language Language 3A Beka Book, 1996
Scienc Foss, 2018
Field Trips
Grade 4 Curriculum
Religion
A study of Bible accounts starting with creation through the Apostles and the early church. Through the Bible accounts studied, the students learn the attributes of God, His love for them, and His grace offered through Jesus Christ.
Memory
Memory work consists of weekly written tests taken from Lutheran's Small Catechism. Bible verses are also recited orally on a weekly basis. The Bible verses assigned reinforce the chief parts of the catechism that the students are learning.
Mathematics
Students review and build upon their knowledge of place value, addition, subtraction. Emphasis is placed upon multiplying and dividing multi digit numbers. Measurement, fractions, geometry, and decimals are also introduced.
Social Studies
Students explore the characteristics that make the regions of the United States unique. The regions' climate, geography, resources, and industry are all studied. Map skills are learned and practiced through a variety of activities. Field trips to Lansing and Mackinaw enhance and reinforce some of the concepts studied in Social Studies. Research skills are also developed and practiced through three projects during the year.
Reading
Through a variety of short stories and novels the students learn a variety of literary elements. Reading fluency and comprehension are monitored and improved upon throughout the school year. Class novels that are read during the year include Sarah Plain and Tall, Dear Mr. Henshaw, and The Best Christmas Pageant Ever.
Spelling
Weekly spelling lessons review, build on, and introduce spelling skills. Each lesson also introduces students to new words as vocabulary words. Mastery of the spelling and vocabulary words is assessed at the end of every week.
Language
Students review the rules for capitalization and punctuation. Students also learn how to identify the parts of speech with in a sentence. Creative writing allows students to learn how to write for different purposes and in different forms while using and applying the rules they learn from the textbook.
Science
The three major units of study are life science, physical science, and earth science. Within life science students explore characteristics of plants, animals, ecosystems, food chains, and food webs. A field trip to the zoo enhances the study in this unit. Within physical science students explore forces, motion, energy, electricity, magnetism, light, and sound. Within earth science students explore weather, space, rocks, oceans, and volcanoes.
Handwriting
Students review and continue to practice their cursive writing. All written work is completed in cursive.
Art
Students will explore the visual arts through the creation of various artworks and crafts. Students will apply continued knowledge of the elements and principles of art and design through a variety of media. Students will become more involved in problem solving on individual levels, and evaluating their choices along the creative path of their work. Music
Students are offered the opportunity to explore various beats and rhythms. Students play percussion and sing. In addition, the students learn the written value of musical notes, and become acquainted with compositions and composers of various time periods.
Spanish
The course continues to focus on proficiency and meaningful communication, rather than grammatical structure. Students continue to build upon themes from prior grades while they add new topics to their repertoire. Students will begin to use words independently within an appropriate conversational text. Students continue to develop their listening and speaking skills along with guided reading and writing of familiar topics and vocabulary. They create and present authentic skits mirroring real life situations.
Technology
Students will recognize ways technology has changed and help their lives at school and at home. Students will recognize the need for security applications and how to keep their computer safe, especially on the Internet. Students will learn how to use basic input/output devices, proper keyboard and typing techniques, manage and maintain files on a hard drive or network, and demonstrate proper care of hardware, software and storage media. Students will know how to exchange files with other students using technology, identify search strategies for locating information, and proofread and edit using appropriate resources.
Physical Education
Students will demonstrate and identify fitness components, demonstrate progress toward mature forms of throwing, catching, kicking striking, rolling and locomotor and non-locomotor skills. Students will develop responsible personal behavior traits, social character traits and the use of good sportsmanship in sports. Students will have an understanding of physical activities that lead to a healthy lifestyle, the importance of them, and begin to learn the basic muscles of the body and how to exercise them.
Music
Students are offered the opportunity to explore various beats and rhythms. Students play percussion and sing. In addition, the students learn the written value of musical notes, and become acquainted with compositions and composers of various time periods. Fourth graders also receive recorder instruction.
Choir (Sonshiners) Grades 1-4
Students meet weekly and learn many songs, which are sung throughout the year, during Chapel (monthly), Church (quarterly), Christmas Musicals, Spring Musicals, and in a special Student Led Worship once a year.
Textbooks and Other Sources
Voyages Exploring God's Word Concordia Publishing House,2001
Progress in Mathematics Sadlier-Oxford, 2006
God's Gift to Language A Beka, 1998
Reading MacMillian/McGraw-Hill, 2005
Science Foss, 2016
Our Country's Regions MacMillian/McGraw-Hill, 2005
Michigan Map Skills and Information Workbook Hillsdale Educational Publishers, 2004
A Reason for HandwritingConcerned Communication, 2001
Spelling, Vocabulary MacMillian/McGraw-Hill, 2005
Field Trips
Grade 5 Curriculum
Religion
Religion consists of a study of the Lutheran doctrine through Martin Luther followed by a summary of the Old Testament, Genesis to Kings, with meaning and application.
Memory
Memory is found in Luther's Small Catechism, and its Six Chief Part Memory also include various Bible passages. Memory development is an important educational skill, which also forms a firm foundation in God's Word.
Mathematics
Math contains review and extension of addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and fractions, decimals, ratios and percentages along with an intro to geometry, and one to three step problem solving operations.
Social Studies
The study of the history of the United States from its founding to present time is covered throughout the year with emphasis on the appreciation of our freedoms and rights. Political, physical and historical map skills are incorporated in the subject. This is the subject in which note-taking and study guides are developed along with special individualized learning projects.
Reading
A variety of stories and novels are read to develop comprehension, style, character, setting, plot, and interpretation along with an extension of basic reading and vocabulary skills. SRA and Accelerated Reading are supplemented to aid in comprehension, basic reading skills, and management.
Spelling
Attack, meaning, and application of words are dealt with daily. A quiz will be given every Wednesday. Those receiving a perfect score do not need to take the test on Friday.
Language
Textbook is used to review and extend the grammar skills that will be applied weekly to creative writings. Monthly projects are given to work with speaking, writing and research skills along with scrapbooking of variety events and writing the school newspaper.
Science
Basic general science is taught along with note-taking. Areas covered are human body, life, physical and earth science with an emphasis on God's role in the sciences. Whole group experiments will be worked on in the classroom.
Technology
Students will recognize ways technology has changed and help their lives at school and at home. Students will recognize the need for security applications and how to keep their computer safe, especially on the Internet. Students will learn how to use basic input/output devices, proper keyboard and typing techniques, manage and maintain files on a hard drive or network, and demonstrate proper care of hardware, software and storage media. Students will know how to exchange files with other students using technology, identify search strategies for locating information, and proofread and edit using appropriate resources.
Art
Students will create artwork in the style of the Native American cultures and others to gain an understanding of the traditional, social, and historical aspects of that culture. Students will use a wide variety of media including sculpture, painting, drawing, paper mache', and collage to create beautiful and meaningful works of art.
Spanish
The course continues to focus on proficiency and meaningful communication, rather than grammatical structure. Students continue to build upon themes from prior grades while they add new topics to their repertoire. Students will begin to use words independently within an appropriate conversational text. Students continue to develop their listening and speaking skills along with guided reading and writing of familiar topics and vocabulary. Students synthesize topics and simple grammatical construction to provide a sense of connection and purpose to their oral proficiency. The unit incorporate new themes and scaffold many of the themes studied in previous years. Students combine all of these topics and skills into a summative performance.
Physical Education
Students will demonstrate and identify fitness components, demonstrate progress toward mature forms of motor skills such as kicking, catching, throwing, striking and rolling. Students will exhibit responsible personal behavior traits, social character traits, the use of good sportsmanship and an understanding of rules in organized games and sport. Students will gain a basic understanding of the large muscle groups in the body, how to exercise them, and why it is important toward leading a healthy lifestyle. Students will recognize physical signs (heart rate, breathing) while performing moderate and intense levels of physical activity.
Beginning Band
The Beginning Band is open to all 5th grade students who are interested in playing an instrument. Students will learn how to play their chosen instrument, read music, and learn fundamentals of music and music making. Members of this band are given opportunities to perform throughout the year.
Choir (Unashamed) Grades 5-8
Students meet twice per week and learn many songs, which are sung throughout the year, during Chapel (monthly), Church (quarterly), Christmas Musicals, Spring Musicals, and in a special Student Led Worship once a year. They have the opportunity to participate or assist with the lower grade students in the Spring Musical.
Textbooks and Other Sources
Holy Bible NIV
Luther of God Concordia Publishing Company, 2003
Spelling: Vocabulary and Poetry A Beka, 1999
God's Gift to Language A Beka 1998
Science Scott Foresman 2003
Reading MacMillian/McGraw Hill 2005
Progress in Mathematics Sadlier-Oxford 2006
Our Nation MacMillian/McGraw-Hill, 2005
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
Bridge to Terabithia
Where the Red Fern Grows
Field Trips