Engaging young hearts to prepare for higher learning

Child-directed play is a vital component of our  Kindergarten program. There is so much power in play! Child-directed play lends towards healthy learning and development for all children. Through play, children learn important social skills such as negotiating, problem solving, inventing and creating. Each day, kindergarteners are able to engage in creative play both inside and outside the classroom.

Balanced Literacy

In kindergarten, we use a balanced literacy program that is research based and strikes a balance between both whole language and phonics. The strongest elements of each are incorporated into a literacy program that aims to guide students toward proficient and lifelong reading. Reader’s Workshop and Writer’s workshop includes the following elements:

• Modeled reading (read alouds)
• Guided reading (small flexible groups)
• Shared reading (working collaboratively through the use of reading strategies)
• Independent reading (read at their own level)
• Word study (sight words)
• Modeled writing (verbalizing thoughts while demonstrating process of writing)
• Shared writing (interactive writing)
• Guided writing (mini lessons and small groups)
• Independent writing

Math

Daily 3 math is used alongside large group instruction. Daily 3 is a framework that allows students to develop deep conceptual understanding and mathematical proficiency. Small group stations are use to allow for differentiation where teachers are able to work in smaller groups on specific topics. Students visit 3 math stations:

• Math writing (practicing number writing and math sentences)
• Math by yourself (working independently on a specific skill)
• Math with a buddy (partner work, games, manipulatives and shared activities)

Bible

Bible is integrated throughout the day in all topics. Additionally, there is specific Bible instruction, Bible stories, mini lessons on character, weekly memorization of Bible verses and weekly chapel.

Social Studies

Social studies focuses on civics, governmental institutions and economic reasoning. We teach on important concepts such as why rules exist, why we have authority figures, what it means to be a good friend and citizen and many other social and emotional concepts. Bible is integrated closely with social studies as these concepts are taught through a Biblical perspective.

Science

Kindergarteners have hands-on science activities to explore various topics. Additionally, students have a weekly STEAM class where they work in the makerspace center.

First grade is a year of growth and discovery.  Children become independent learners as they build the foundation for future studies.

Reading and Language Arts

Children develop skills in reading comprehension, accuracy, fluency and vocabulary.  Each day they have an opportunity to write original stories as well as be instructed in the conventions of good grammar and mechanics.  The goal is to develop independent, fluent readers and writers who love to read and write.

Math

Throughout the year students learn numbers to 120, understand place value in the ones, tens and hundreds place and add and subtract to and from 20.  The basics of geometry, fractions, telling time, using money and graphing are part of our math program.  We teach concepts and then provide manipulatives and activities to deepen comprehension.  Children learn to solve word problems and learn to read and use math vocabulary.

Social Studies

History, Geography, Cultures, Economics and Citizenship are covered in Social Studies. History begins with creation as recorded in Genesis. Early North American history begins with the Native Americans and through events and people who led to the Separatists who came to Plymouth in 1620. An awareness of world cultures, continents and oceans in introduced in map work. Children are introduced to saving money and American symbols in Economics and Citizenship.

Science

Science is an inquiry-based hands-on program that engages students in the study of the concepts and practices of science. Three main units of investigation are covered: Pebbles, sand and silt; Balance and Motion; Plants and animals. First graders are required to write up each investigation in a science notebook that reinforces scientific methods and data reporting. As part of our STEAM program, students also have STEAM classes once a week where they work exploratively in the makerspace center.

Bible

The principles of God’s Word are part of our whole day in first grade as well as a complete Bible curriculum. Our goal during Bible time is to recognize the character and work of God in our lives and throughout history. We develop Bible study skill by looking up verses in the Bible and by reviewing the Bible stories in our workbook as we read and write vocabulary from the Bible.  Students will also learn and recite a weekly Bible verse.

Second graders have a developing sense of independence and ownership of learning.  Ideas comes alive and the enthusiasm for learning that we see in the classroom is absolutely contagious.  Students are encouraged to explore their creativity through our hands-on activities and projects.

Bible

Students develop an understanding of how God tells His great story in the Bible and that His Word is truth.  We examine the lives of different heroes found in the Old and New Testament and how they responded in faith and obedience to God’s leading. We become familiar with the books of the Bible by memorizing them and also practicing how to locate verses in the Bible.  Students will also memorize weekly Bible verses.

History

Students develop an interest in history, geography, citizenship, economics, and culture.  This is highlighted through their study of the events and circumstances that shaped the formation of a new nation, the United States of America.  Throughout History, we look at early explorers, Native Americans and their resourcefulness, the Pilgrims, the Thirteen Original Colonies, the Revolutionary War, the Constitution, and the birth of a new nation.

English/Language Arts

Reading really becomes exciting for our Second Graders.  While foundational skills are still being reinforced at this age, students amaze themselves with their own reading ability and once this has clicked, they develop a voracious appetite for reading, which quickly spreads to others!  We use the Daily 5 framework to set up our students for success with this balanced literacy approach.

Math

During their year as a Second Grader, students learn different addition and subtraction strategies so that they can solve problems with greater ease and ultimately begin to memorize these basic addition and subtraction facts until they have become fluent. We also work through finding the place value of numbers to 1,000, as well as adding and subtracting two-digit and three-digit numbers. Time, money, shapes, fractions and probability are all explored.

Science

Our FOSS Curriculum takes a hands-on, exploration approach to learning.  Throughout the year, we focus on three main units: Air and Weather, Solids and Liquids, and Plants and Animals. In addition to the  numerous projects students work on in these three main units, they also have STEAM class once a week where they work in the makerspace center.

Third Grade classrooms are filled with joyful, high energy, curious learners.  We believe that these students learn best through modeled instruction and active, concrete experiences, and our lessons are designed with student needs in mind.

Bible

While every New Life classroom raises Jesus to a place of highest honor, 3^rd grade has the special privilege of focusing all of our formal Bible instruction on the life of Christ.  Weekly memorization of verses are directly related to the Biblical account being studied that week so that a richer and deeper understanding can be obtained.

Social Studies

Third graders at New Life grow in their understanding of traditional elements of Social Studies, including geography, government/citizenship, and economics, but special emphasis is placed on US History during the late 18^th and 19^th centuries. The year concludes with our “Town Builder” unit, where students work in democratic communities to build and name their very own town.

English/Language Arts

We want our students to be avid readers and prolific writers who can communicate clearly with the world around them.  We use Words Their Way for differentiated spelling instruction that focuses on learning phonics/phoneme patterns instead of simply memorizing words.  For Reading instruction we use the Daily Five as an instructional framework, blended with a more traditional reading curriculum (Treasures).

Math

Our goal is that students are fluent in foundational math skills and facts so that they are prepared for the rigor of upper elementary math and science coursework. Third graders will master all basic facts of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division by the end of the school year.  Problem solving is also heavily emphasized.

Science

The FOSS science program includes activities that are matched to the way students think at different times in their lives. Students learn science best from direct experiences in which they describe, sort, and organize observations about objects and organisms. Special hands-on investigation activities in the third grade include growing seeds, dissecting owl-pellets, and caring for and observing live crayfish. Students also have weekly STEAM class where they work in makerspaces.

Fourth grade classrooms are filled with critical thinkers and more independent, enthusiastic learners. We believe students work best through the gradual release model of “I do”, “we do”, “you do”. Since our classroom is made up of various learning styles, we create differentiated lessons to help all students grow. We focus on creating a community of learners. It is not uncommon to see our students working together on projects, skits, book clubs, and participating in group discussions.

Bible

In 4^th grade, students learn about the attributes of God. Each week students study a specific character trait of the Trinity: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. Since Scripture is the Word of God, students memorize Bible verses that coincide with the weekly attributes of God.  In addition to memorizing scripture, students reflect on what they learn throughout the week in a personal Bible journal. This gives them a safe place to express their thoughts and prayers to God.

Social Studies

students learn about the history of the United States, world geography, government, economics, and culture skills, as well as a knowledge of God and Christian character. Each chapter includes practical Biblical integration and helps students reflect on history through a Biblical perspective.

English/Language Arts

We strive to encourage students to become passionate readers through group discussions and  independent reading. We use Daily Five which inspires students to take ownership of their reading by making the choosing Good Fit Books that strengthen and push the growth of their reading. In order to create a reading environment that challenges all students, they participate in individualized novel studies. Daily Five, Being a Writer and Words Their Way are used to strengthen writing, grammar and spelling.

Math

In fourth grade, our goal is for students to use foundational math skills and apply them to more complex concepts. Students continue to work on specifically mastering basic multiplication and division math facts throughout the school year.

Science

The FOSS program activities are matched to the way students think at different times in their lives. Students learn science best from direct experiences in which they describe, sort, and organize observations about objects and organisms. FOSS investigations are carefully crafted to guarantee that the cognitive demands placed on students are appropriate for their cognitive abilities. In addition to classroom science, students have a weekly STEAM class where they work in makerspaces.

Fifth Grade is a time of growth in student responsibility and skills to be successful as they move on to middle school. They learn to become better at making decisions, solving problems, and working in groups. They are developing crucial analytical and critical thinking skills that will become ever more important as they progress in their education.

Bible

The focus in fifth grade Bible is to help students make the connection between the stories they’ve learned from the Bible to the gospel message of Jesus Christ, and how this good news changes how they live. We challenge the fifth graders to shift their focus from themselves to God and to join in his kingdom work of redeeming creation. Students write reflective journals and memorize Bible verses to help internalize what they learn so it is not just head knowledge, but also to engage their hearts and apply it to their lives.

Social Studies

The goals of the social studies program are to strengthen students’ knowledge and understanding of God, develop good citizenship through the balanced use of history, geography, government, economics, and cultural skills, present a balanced overview of American and world history, and to promote an understanding and ability to discern connections between major historical events.

English/Language Arts

We use “Being a Writer” program which helps us create a classroom writing community where our students feel empowered, supported in taking risks, and responsible to themselves and the group. This program weaves cooperative learning, social skill instruction, and discussion of values throughout the writing lessons.

Math

Scott-Foresman-Addison Wesley Envision Math is used to teach math skills and problem solving strategies. We pre-assess before each topic as a way to tailor instruction to each individual learner. Students interact with their teachers and classmates while engaging in problem-based activities. A strong emphasis in fifth grade is placed on operations with decimals, fractions, and algebraic thinking.

Science

We use FOSS Science activities that use hands-on learning and investigating opportunities. Students construct advanced concepts by classifying, testing, experimenting, and determining cause and effect relationships among objects, organisms, and systems, and record and share all their findings in a notebook. We cover Earth Science (soils, rocks, minerals, and landforms), Physical Science (forces, motion and models) and Life Science (environments). In addition to classroom science, students have a weekly STEAM where they work in makerspaces exploring and creating.