Religion
Our Heavenly Father created each child to be a unique individual. He has chosen them to be a member of His flock. Each child will come to understand that, by nature, we are separated from God by sin, and therefore are in need of a Savior. Children will be assured that Jesus suffered, died, and rose again for their sins. It is the Holy Spirit who works faith in a person’s life. It is the Holy Spirit’s work that enables God’s Children to understand His Word. They will be empowered to serve others, as Jesus served while on earth. Students will see and experience the power of prayer in their lives. They will commit scripture to memory regularly. They will learn more about God through Bible study. Students will follow the Israelites through the Old Testament and continue to learn about the ministry of Jesus in the New Testament. They will gain an appreciation for Martin Luther and his teachings as well as recognize the liturgical seasons and the significance of visual symbols in the church.

Math
Relationships with numbers are explored to endure a basic understanding of our number system. Students begin by experimenting with different problem-solving strategies. Memorization of the basic number facts is used to enhance the students’ ability to work with numbers. Manipulatives are used as aides to conceptual understanding. Estimation skills are honed in problem solving activities. Life skills such as counting money, counting change, telling time, measurement, and reading a thermometer are incorporated into the lessons. Addition and subtraction skills are mastered. Multiplication, division, decimals, graphing activities, square roots, angles, geometric shapes, and fractions are concepts that are introduced and explored. Problem solving skills are developed through daily interpretation and analysis of word problems.

Language Arts
As students encounter more opportunities to read they will discover strategies that build word attack skills and foster comprehension. Exposure to different genre of literature and poetic devices takes place. Grammar skills begin to build a foundation in the understanding of our language, with students being exposed to more specific information regarding subjects such as parts of speech, capitalization, punctuation, and subject/verb agreement. Emphasis on writing takes on more of an individual effort as students write creatively and descriptively; however, they continue to work on the entire writing process. A sequential system of spelling is used to help students master the basic rules of spelling. Spelling is linked to written symbols. This daily practice builds familiarity and a working knowledge of these phonemes.

Handwriting
Emphasis is placed on the correct formation of manuscript letters at the beginning of the year. Students continue to work on cursive techniques and on proper letter formation. Special attention is given to correct writing posture, as well as working in the paper slant, and the formation of each letter. First semester is dedicated to practicing proper letter formation. During the second semester cursive writing is gradually incorporated into the daily lessons until finally all lessons are completed in cursive.

Social Studies
Understanding that God is at work in their world, students explore local, national, and international communities. Students discover for themselves why communities are started in certain areas and discover what changes, both positive and negative, bring to communities. Students are given the opportunity to compare and contrast themselves and their communities with people and places near and abroad. Students begin to understand the economic processes that govern our capitalistic society. They learn about the rights and privileges citizens have to make communities safe and prosperous to live. Map skills broaden as students learn how they impact the environment and about the environment’s impact on them.

Science
Students will learn about basic plant anatomy and animal life cycles. They will also learn about animal habitats and how people affect the environment. Students will learn about matter and how machines and energy work in their world. In the latter half of the year students will learn about volcanoes, the rock cycle, the solar system and how storms are formed. Finally, students will learn about how God designed our bodies, and how to keep them healthy.

Computer Science
Instruction begins with identification of the parts of the computer and basic computer care. Students explore desktop publishing through projects completed on graphics programs such as “Kid Pix.” As students work on their word processing skills in “Kid Pix” and “Microsoft Word,” they learn to use the computer as a valuable resource to edit their stories before they print them out. Building the proper keyboarding techniques begins second semester. Reinforcement of classroom objectives continues with the use of educational software. Students strive to become proficient at formatting text, inserting pictures/objects, and editing documents.

Art
Instruction includes four basic strands—perception, creative expression, historical and cultural heritage, and critical evaluation. Students rely on their perceptions of the environment, visual awareness, and sensitivity to surroundings, memory, imagination, and life experiences as sources for creating artworks. They express their thoughts and ideas creatively, while challenging their imagination and fostering reflective thinking. Craft projects provide different mediums as outlets for the students’ creativity. Demonstrating examples of God’s creation in their work encourages the students to be aware of God’s magnificent works.

Music
Experimenting with percussion allows the students to try innovations with rhythm. As they try new ideas, they are also exploring meter and tempo. They recognize simple melodies, scales, and keys. Learning to harmonize with a counter melody is accomplished as they sing in groups and rounds. Appreciating music and musical instruments from other countries broadens their knowledge base.

Latin
The history of the Romantic languages is discussed with their relationship to Latin. Over the course of the year students learn Latin vocabulary, Latin verb conjunction, noun declension, and English words derived from Latin roots. The development of the Roman Empire and its impact on other civilizations is also discussed.

Physical Education
Exercises for aerobic and kinesthetic training are fun for these students. Further development of muscular strength occurs as they are provided more opportunities for activity. Throwing and catching a variety of balls is challenging and rewarding as more accuracy is possible with this age group. Their attitudes towards physical activity are important as they learn courage to try new things, develop self-control, and understand the importance of playing not just to win but to have fun.

Stories of God and His People, Concordia Publishing House, 1992
Voyages, Concordia Publishing House, 2001
The Adventure Bible—NIV
Johnny Can Spell (Spalding Spelling), Alice Nine, 2001
Languages, HBJ, 1993
Literacy Place, Scholastic, 2000
Literacy Place Workbook, Scholastic, 2000
Science, Scott Foresman, 2003
Saxon Math, Saxon, 2001
Living in Our World, HBJ, 1997
Latin Primer 1, Martha Wilson, 2001
Dynamic Physical Education for Elementary School Children, Allyn and Bacon, 2001