Grades K - 4 Teacher: Ms. Jamie Howell
Lower Grades School Supply List
In the lower grades class we offer Bible, Math, Guided Reading, Writing, Language Arts, Social Studies, and Science. Kindergarten has hands on activities throughout the day, but joins with the 1st-4th graders for Bible, Science, Social Studies, and some Writing. All of our curriculum is faith based.
Bible
Our Bible curriculum in the lower grades is a mix of hands-on activities and discussions. Depending on the year, we work our way through the Bible stories beginning with Creation and Adam and Eve and ending with Solomon. There are also stories of Jesus and Salvation interspersed throughout.
Multi-grade Subjects
Because we have multi-grade classrooms at our school, we have some subjects that are taught to the whole class rather than split into grade levels. Bible, Social Studies, and Science are taught together with grades K-4th. Language Arts is taught with 1st-2nd and 3rd-4th combined into two groups. All other subjects are taught on grade level.
Grades 5-8 Teacher: Ms. Jenny Pulis
Upper Grades School Supply List
Teaching Approach
The teaching approach in the classroom is project-based paired with an emphasis on independent learning. Each student is at their own pace when it comes to the regular academics to help scaffold their learning more effectively. Frequent projects are assigned instead of formal tests to engage students rather than use the typically type of assessments. The Math and Language Arts classes are specifically tailored to each students individual needs.
Parents should be aware that our school has chosen to to adapt the Standards Based Learning (SBL) model for teaching and this method is incorporated into every class. Our school has NOT chosen to adapt the SBL model for grading and will continue to use the typical letter grades (A,B,C,D, and F).
Language Arts
In the upper grades classroom, the Language Arts (LA) period is comprised of Guided Reading, Writing Workshop, Creative Writing, Grammar Practice, Word Studies, and Handwriting. In Guided Reading the students will read a text in either level based small groups or whole class depending on the chosen text. They practice skills such as before, during, and after reading deep dives. For Writing Workshop the students will learn poetry, essay writing of all types, and editing skills. In Creative Writing, the students will be given prompts or topics for which they can free write and express their creativity through the use of their imagination. In Grammar Practice, the students will use the Easy Grammar and Daily Grams curriculums for daily grammar practice. In Word Studies, the students will use the Wordly Wise curriculum to delve deep into the study of 15 words throughout the course of 2 weeks and be assessed through the use of a spelling and vocab test at the end of the 2 weeks mark. For Handwriting, the students are given a handwriting workbook through which will they practice a cursive letter each day.
Science & Social Studies
The approach to science and social studies is very different than the average. The year is split into two semesters; one where the focus is only on Social Studies and the other Science. This large class period is intentionally molded to create a space for deeper learning. Monday-Thursday for about an hour and a half, the class engages in independent or pair project-based learning. Each new unit brings a new project, typically one or two. These projects range depending on the topic. Since only half of the year is geared towards one of the subjects, the learning is at a faster pace but offers the chance to dive deeper due to the amount of time dedicated to each subject.
Bible
In Bible class we take deep, individual, hands-on approach to learning the stories of the Bible. With the combination of discussion, reflection, and projects, the students are able to dive deep into each topic we approach in class. In the past, we have done film projects and drama projects.
Math
In adapting the Standards Based Learning model, math class has changed into unit based whole class teaching with differentiated paired/independent practice. IXL for math is also utilized as a form of reinforcing concepts students are struggling in.
Physical Education
On Wednesdays, we offer 1 hour of Physical Education. About 15 minutes is dedicated to warmup/conditioning and the rest of the period is dedicated to a certain game or sport. The focus for the year 2022-2023 was soccer. The focus for the 2023-2024 will be team building games such as Eclipse Ball, Handball, Tchoukball, and Danish Longball.
S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math)
On Fridays (half-days), the upper grade students engage in STEM challenges and Art projects. These are always directly tied into what they are learning in Social Studies or Science to further their understanding on the unit. These activities develop students' problem solving and cooperative learning skills.