Elementary Curriculum

“Being made in God’s image, we are given the ability and the drive to be creative.”
~ Thomas Martin, Elementary Art Teacher

In Kindergarten, students learn the basics of drawing using simple shapes, how to use a watercolor paint set and brush. The process of refining motor skills is also begun using the tools to produce an art piece; pencils, paintbrushes, scissors, clay, oil pastels and such. Each year, curriculum is designed to build on what was learned in the preceding year, while adding new elements. The art pieces become more complex, the coloring becomes shading, and the shapes become 3-D forms. K-2 students begin with drawing or painting simple compositions preparing for more complex projects in grades 3-5, using reference photos and the “grid system.” In fourth and fifth grade, students sculpt using oven-baked clay. In fifth grade, students are introduced to one point perspective.

Art Competitions

• K-5th graders compete in the ACSI Art Festival with many students earning top level ribbons and medals.
• Elementary students participate in the Houston Rodeo Art Competition with many pieces of artwork winning top honors.

Each K-5 class attends music class once per week for fifty minutes. A strong emphasis is placed on worship – what worship is and ways in which to worship through music. Students also take part in general music education including rhythm, pitch, harmony and form, to name a few. Students participate by singing, moving, playing games, creating music and playing instruments such as BoomWhackers, rhythm sticks, drums, recorders and ukuleles.

Musical Opportunities and Performances

• All elementary students worship during chapel each Wednesday morning.
• Fourth and fifth-graders perform patriotic selections during the Veterans Day program in November.
• All elementary students perform at the annual school-wide Christmas program in early December.
• All elementary students perform at Grandparents and Special Friends Day in February.
• In fourth and fifth grades, students learn to play the recorder, and each student is provided his/her own during the unit of study.
• Fifth-graders learn to play the ukulele. Numerous chords are taught and simple songs are played.
• In the spring, students have the opportunity to participate in Performance Days where they can prepare a solo or ensemble to perform within the classroom setting.
• Kindergarten also performs a few special songs during Kindergarten Graduation in May.

The Elementary Library is designed for students to check out books once a week, meet with the librarian for a lesson time, and enjoy a storytime. Throughout the year library activities will include special events such as the Book Fair, Cookies and Milk in the Library (for Kindergarten students), Children’s Book Week and other reading incentive programs. Fourth and fifth grade students also participate in the Accelerated Reader program. With the help of such characters as “Skoob the Shelf Elf” and “King Dewey,” the elementary library is a fun place for students to regularly visit.

It is our goal to provide students with a challenging, yet fun environment that increases their academic success. Computer classes include: basic computer skills, word processing, and safe internet usage. Whenever possible, the classroom connections are made in computer. Microsoft Office Suite, keyboarding, and various education software is used. Teachers seek to incorporate computer usage with assignments that are given in class power point presentations for topics studied in science or typing reports and doing research for Middle Ages and Renaissance.

The elementary P.E. Lab is designed to help children develop the skills necessary for learning readiness and mastery of their environment. It helps to improve the child's ability to maneuver and function in their environment leading them to better performances in tasks such as handwriting, sitting still, paying attention, speaking and behavior.

“The more I study nature, the more amazed I am at the work of the Creator. Science brings men nearer to God.” ~Louis Pasteur

In the Elementary Science and STEM Lab, we strive to incorporate science, technology, engineering and math at age-appropriate levels through exploration and investigation of physical, life, earth and space sciences. All K-5 students learn to develop and design investigations which will yield wonder and answers to God’s creation of the roles of plants and animals in our physical world; as well as, explore and investigate physical characteristics of objects as they test and model forces. Students will not only examine and test scientific processes in the lab, but they will also examine the world around them outdoors with God’s creation.