Primary School
Kindergarten
Kindergarten Concept: The Child in the Family
In Kindergarten, our overall concept revolves around God’s creation and the child in the family. We begin studying the child as an individual, including our bodies, families, and feelings. The students will learn to compare their family structure and culture to those of their classmates as well as families in different places around the world.
Academically, we focus on reading readiness and beginning math skills. We use Wilson Fundations for Phonics, whole language experiences, literacy centers/guided reading, and read-alouds. By the end of Kindergarten, most students are reading and writing. Because it is important to modify instruction according to each child’s learning styles and skill level, we differentiate by grouping the students into Learning Stations and Guided Reading Groups. A highlight for Kindergarten students is “Fun Friday!” The children work on crafts and “cooking” activities that relate to the unit or season.
Child in the Family
Concept Statements
- God created the world and everything in it and gave people the responsibility for the stewardship of the environment (Creation).
- Plants and animals were created with similarities and differences (Creation).
- God created all people in His own image (Creation).
- People have different roles in their families.
- People receive a heritage from their families.
- God’s creation was spoiled by man’s disobedience (The Fall).
- God wants to restore a right and loving relationship with Himself (Redemption).
Grade 1
Grade 1 Concept: The Family in Community
First grade studies how communities and families are similar and different around the world. This is the basis for our units about different countries throughout the year. We focus on building a strong foundation in reading, writing and math. A typical day in first grade consists of several different types of instruction- direct, small group, and individual. The students learn reading on an individual or group basis, depending on their level.
Family in Community
Concept Statements
- Families belong to a larger unit of society: extended family, clan, tribe, community.
- Living in community helps people meet basic needs.
- Basic needs, belonging, physical characteristics, language, religion, and the arts look different from community to community.
- God established families (Creation).
- Our treatment of others reflects our relationship to God (Creation, The Fall, Redemption).
Grade 2
Grade 2 Concept: Physical Environments
Second grade is the year of Physical Environments. We teach reading, writing, science and social studies by weaving together concepts such as: the world has many different environments; people use the environment for food, clothing and shelter; and God has given man the responsibility to care for the environment. Students learn about many different kinds of environments like oceans, polar regions, mountains, the prairie, and rainforests.
Second graders have weekly writing workshops where they learn the craft of creative writing. In our daily math class, we emphasize problem solving. For these and other core subjects, second graders are placed in appropriate groups with differential instruction. In Bible class, students cover Moses to the early life of David. Besides memorizing weekly verses, students learn to apply Biblical principles to their own lives.
Physical Environments
Concept Statements
- God made the world to have many environments with unique features (Creation).
- Environments are determined by the interaction among these features: (a) topography, (b) climate, (c) Earth’s movements (seasons), and (d) geographic location.
- Plants and animals are specific to certain environments.
- Environments influence how people live: (a) people use the resources in their environment for food, clothing, shelter, and tools; (b) people use interactions with their environments to develop myths and rituals.
- God reveals Himself through the power and complexity of nature (Creation).
- God has given humans the responsibility for the stewardship of the environment (Creation, Vocation).