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CURRICULUM
Language Arts
 We
use an integrated approach in instruction based on the belief that
integrating subjects makes them more meaningful. Reading, writing,
listening and speaking are included in all areas of curriculum such as
math, science, and social studies as well as language arts.
Open Court, published by SRA, is the reading curriculum used by primer
and first grade. Primer uses Harcourt Brace reading. This series
concentrates on word families and provides a strong phonetic background for
Primer children. Second through fifth grades follow MacMillan-McGraw-Hill.
This updated series, published in 2006, offers a strong program in quality
children's literature. Upper grades also participate in regular literature
circles for an in depth study of novels read.
Students will participate in the Accelerated Reader Program by
reading books chosen for them on their reading level. All students will be
required to work at their own pace in this program.
Mathematics
The University of Chicago School Mathematics Project is the basis for
the math curriculum, better known as "Everyday Mathematics". This
program easily becomes a part of the ongoing daily routines of the
classroom, outdoor play, and transitional moments that occur every day.
Hands-on activities are designed to utilize problem solving skills as they
appear in the child's everyday life. Sharing ideas through discussion and
cooperative learning will take place daily. Frequent practice is sometimes
necessary for a child to master a specific skill. Generally, the use of
math games will replace tedious drills to keep children's enthusiasm high
and make learning more effective. Primer math is SRA Explorations and
Applications which teaches essential skills through the use of games and
manipulatives.
Social Studies
 Students
will learn first about the environment they are in at school. Rules and
classroom etiquette will be explored, as well as cooperative learning and
play. They will then begin to extend their horizons to include studies of
their community and country. Children will gain an understanding of the
laws which govern us and freedoms which enrich our lives. Appropriate
literature and activities will be introduced with each unit. Charts,
graphs, and map skills will be a part of each lesson. Learning will take on
an imaginative dimension when students participate in holiday celebrations
and create original projects to share with the school. Primer students use
Harcourt. Fourth grade will study Texas, its laws and history. Fifth grade
will focus on US History. All classes will have Discovery Education's Video
Streaming installed to enhance the study of unit work.
Science
Harcourt Science gives the children the opportunity to investigate
the natural world, learn about interesting science ideas, and link science
to other aspects of elementary curriculum. A science lab is available twice
a week for all classes. A teacher trained in science instruction will offer
experiments to reinforce curriculum taught in the classroom.
Art and Music
We believe the aesthetic aspect of a young child's education should foster
a positive self-image and encourage self-expression. Art will be an
integrated part of the language arts, math, social studies and science,
rather than an isolated activity. Art classes will be a regular weekly
activity with an experienced art teacher.
Music will be taught twice weekly by a trained music teacher. Musical
games and simple rhythmic songs will be a part of the daily classroom
activities. Music appreciation will be taught by the music teacher.
Students will participate in two musical presentations each school year.
 Physical Education
Children will have supervised P.E. instruction five days a week. We
will also have a scheduled playground time every day.
Foreign Language
Spanish will be taught in the classroom two days a week by a teacher
fluent in the language.
Computer
Students attend computer lab for 45 minutes each week. Basic
technology skills will be covered including word processing, Internet
research, and keyboarding. Promethean ACTIVboards , ACTIVotes and
ACTIVslates have recently been added to our technology program.
Chapel
All classes will visit the chapel once a week for a service conducted
by the School Chaplain. There is a daily morning devotional time at the
beginning of the school day. Positive character traits are emphasized during
this devotional time.
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