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Elementary |
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Elementary Curriculum
(Grades 1-5)
- Religion
- Language Arts
- Math
- Science
- Social Studies
- Art
- Physical Education
- Spanish
- Music
We teach the Word of God through daily Bible story lessons, focusing on application as well as knowledge. We encourage worship through daily devotions and prayer, as well as weekly chapel services. Throughout the year, students are given opportunities to put their faith into action with various service projects. God's Word is a natural part of every day in our classrooms.
Our Language Arts program builds confidence in our students as readers and writers, and expands their joy of language. Our curriculum consists of Reading, Writing, Phonics, Spelling, Handwriting, Vocabulary, and Speaking/Presentation Skills. Students participate in independent and small group activities that incorporate a variety of multi-sensory approaches. Students are provided ample opportunities to read, both in the classroom and as required homework.
Comprehension strategies, literature appreciation, and critical thinking are taught to develop the students’ fluency in reading. Instructional groups are formed on an as-needed basis according to the developmental needs of the children.
Students discuss and write about their reactions to the material they read, thereby kindling personal connections and excitement about books.
The goals of the reading curriculum are to continue to nurture an enjoyment of reading and to further develop reading comprehension, study, and organizational skills.
Comprehension strategies, literature appreciation, and critical thinking are taught to develop the students’ fluency in reading. Instructional groups are formed on an as-needed basis according to the developmental needs of the children.
Students discuss and write about their reactions to the material they read, thereby kindling personal connections and excitement about books.
The goals of the reading curriculum are to continue to nurture an enjoyment of reading and to further develop reading comprehension, study, and organizational skills.
The St. John’s Lutheran School elementary math curriculum is based on the principles and standards put forth by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics and appropriate state standards. In order to develop and enrich student understanding of mathematics, math is taught with a focus on learning computational, critical thinking, and reasoning skills, and applying those to real world problem solving activities. A balanced instructional approach is used to provide students with concept exploration, along with specific skills-based teaching from their teachers at the beginning of each new lesson, and is followed by both guided and independent practice. Instruction includes continuous modeling by the teacher, followed by the gradual release of students to independent work as they begin to master the material. To support the understanding and development of mathematical concepts and skills, technology and concrete manipulatives are used. The curriculum is designed to allow students to experience success, and help students build positive attitudes toward mathematics and confidence in their abilities to be mathematical problem solvers.
The science curriculum is designed around the belief that God created the universe. Students use the scientific method to investigate and acquire new knowledge about the world around them. Through inquiry, technology, application, and experiments students will discover the world God has created for them. At the elementary level the topics covered include Life science: animals, plants and habitats. Earth science: earth, natural resources, geology, weather, and space. Physical science: matter, energy, force, motion and the human body. Teachers also include STEM into the curriculum.
Social Studies focuses on topics of particular interest to children of this age. Friendships, families, community helpers, special Americans, American History, Geography, and celebrations are all themes that the children can relate to and provide a basis for future formalized Social Studies instruction. A special unit on the Presidents of the United States is also taught.
St. John's uses the Art Attack series, which is led by their classroom teacher. In addition, once a month students enjoy Brush With Art, which encompasses Art History in special lessons where students learn about artists and create projects based on their art media.
St. John’s offers Physical Education to all of its grade levels.
First through fourth graders have physical education instruction each day for 30 minutes. They continue to build on what was learned in earlier grades, and enhance those skills as they participate in a variety of games and activities designed to keep them moving and improve on various skill levels. An introduction to various team sports also takes place.
In middle school (grades 5-8) the students are required to wear a PE uniform, which can be purchased through the school office. Fifth through eighth grade students meet 3 to 4 times a week for 45 minutes each period. Basic physical fitness is stressed throughout the curriculum, while students participate in recreation activities, group games, and team sports.
In addition to Physical Education class, the students do have opportunity for exercise during recess periods throughout the day.
First through fourth graders have physical education instruction each day for 30 minutes. They continue to build on what was learned in earlier grades, and enhance those skills as they participate in a variety of games and activities designed to keep them moving and improve on various skill levels. An introduction to various team sports also takes place.
In middle school (grades 5-8) the students are required to wear a PE uniform, which can be purchased through the school office. Fifth through eighth grade students meet 3 to 4 times a week for 45 minutes each period. Basic physical fitness is stressed throughout the curriculum, while students participate in recreation activities, group games, and team sports.
In addition to Physical Education class, the students do have opportunity for exercise during recess periods throughout the day.
Grades 3-4
The Spanish program for grades 3 – 4 is centered around a communicative approach that emphasizes oral language skills pertaining to everyday conversations. The student will receive Spanish instruction once a week for a half hour each session (3-4 grades).
The Spanish program for grades 5 – 8 is centered around a communicative approach that emphasizes oral language skills pertaining to everyday
conversations. The junior high student will receive Spanish instruction twice a week for 40 minutes each session.
The Spanish program for grades 3 – 4 is centered around a communicative approach that emphasizes oral language skills pertaining to everyday conversations. The student will receive Spanish instruction once a week for a half hour each session (3-4 grades).
- LISTENING COMPREHENSION Understand simple descriptions, stories, and conversations.
- Follow simple directions given in Spanish
- SPEAKING Mimic correct Spanish pronunciations
- READING Recognize the alphabet, sound/letter correspondence and target vocabulary words in Spanish.
- CULTURE Recognize common Hispanic holiday traditions and celebrations
- Participate in children’s songs and games from Spanish-speaking cultures.
The Spanish program for grades 5 – 8 is centered around a communicative approach that emphasizes oral language skills pertaining to everyday
conversations. The junior high student will receive Spanish instruction twice a week for 40 minutes each session.
- Most of the instruction will take place in the classroom using the book Realidades Peggy Boyles, Myriam Met, Richard Sayers, Book 1, Prentice Hall, but there are also frequent teacher devised homework assignments.
- This curriculum content aligns with the Illinois Learning Standard[28.D.1b]. Foreign Languages. Use the target language to present information, concept and ideas for a variety of purposes to different audiences.
Students will learn standard notation such as note names, values of notes and beginning musical terms. Compose simple rhythmic and melodic patterns. Use simple harmonic musical ideas. Demonstrate and apply what has been learned through performing music with technical accuracy and expression for an audience through the use of instruments, singing and dynamics.