Grades 3-5 are self-contained classes under the direction of a classroom teacher. Hands on learning combined with field trips enhance this program. Special teachers handle PE, Music, Library and Technology classes.
The focus of study is God’s Word, the Bible. Devotions, Scripture memorization and daily study are the means. The Voyages curriculum, published by Concordia Publishing House is one of the tools.
| Grade 3 | Grade 4 | Grade 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Students will learn: • Old Testament and New Testament Bible stories • How to use the Bible as a reference tool • The 10 Commandments and their meaning • How to share their faith with others |
Students will learn: • Old and New Testament Bible stories with increasing depth and meaning • God’s plan for people from Creation to the early Christian Church • Key concepts of sin, grace, repentance and forgiveness |
Students will learn: • The origins of the Bible • God’s truths through Biblical events • Our Christian heritage • Scripture memory projects |
Students continue their understanding and appreciation for an expanding world, moving from community to state to country. Studies include reading, research, field trips, and use of tools for investigation. Adventures in Time and Place is one textbook used in our program.
| Grade 3 | Grade 4 | Grade 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Communities in our Country • Using globes, maps and timelines • Study native Americans of the Northwest, Southwest, Plains and Eastern Woodlands • Our government and Presidents • Explorers • Rural, urban and suburban development |
Our State: Oregon • Geography of our state, emphasizing regions and maps • History and culture of our state, including study of Native Americans • Government of our state • Field trips to several sites relating to Oregon history and government |
The United States of America • Geography of our country • History of our country • Cultures which have lived and developed in our country • How our country is governed |
Students develop critical thinking skills and scientific reasoning skills by actively investigating concepts and evaluating the results of their study. Discovery Works is one of the textbooks which guide the study of various units.
| Grade 3 | Grade 4 | Grade 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Cycles in Science • Seeds and flowers • Animal stages • Eating healthy • Magnetism • Simple machines • Water, precious water • Birds |
Discovery Works 4 A. Earth’s Land and Resources B. Properties of Matter C. Animals D. Magnetism and Electricity E. Weather and Climate F. The Body’s Delivery Systems |
Discovery Works 5 A. Plants (especially trees) B. The Solar System and Beyond C. Energy, Work and Machines D. Populations and Ecosystems E. The Solid Earth F. Light and Sound G. Movement and Control |
Everyday Math, based on extensive research by the University of Chicago, provides the framework for math instruction in these grades. The program is both fun and challenging for students, who learn to apply math concepts to everyday situations.
Content by Strands Students are expected to master a variety of mathematical skills and concepts but often not the first time they are encountered. Each grade level builds on and extends concept understanding so that children approach each new challenge from a firmly established |
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Reading, writing, speaking and listening are taught through the use of language and literature. Students in these classes learn through:
• Daily Oral Language (DOL) to promote the application of grammar, punctuation capitalization and spelling skills
• Literature as the basis for reading instruction
• Use of reference materials - dictionaries, thesaurus’, and others
• Spelling through emphasis on words written most frequently at this age level
• Writing as a process which involves planning, drafting, editing, revising and presenting
• Writing for different purposes
• Oral presentation
• Listening skills in following directions, asking questions and listening for understanding
• Word study for vocabulary and comprehension
• Cursive writing which begins in 2nd grade
Classes meet twice weekly in the school’s gym with organized instruction in four parts:
• warm-up activity
• strength and fitness development
• physical skills
• games and activities
Most instruction occurs in the school’s gym or outdoors on the sports field under the direction of the PE specialist teacher.
Music, art and drama are integrated into the other areas of the curriculum and given
special emphasis:
• Art literacy units are offered several times during the year. Special artists-inresidence and parent volunteers work with all classes.
• Handbell teams and school choir are open to 4th and 5th graders. Band instruction begins in 4th grade.
• School-wide special programs at Christmas and in the Spring offer combine music, art and drama.
Weekly trips to the school library help students with library and research skills. Students spend time browsing and checking out books, listening to read-alouds and practicing research.
Keyboarding, word processing and researching are skills taught in the computer lab. Skills are integrated with other areas of the curriculum.