StoneBridge Lower School Curriculum

BIBLE:  The Bible is taught as the inspired Word of God.  Students are encouraged to develop a personal relationship with Christ while internalizing Biblical principles and qualities.  Portions of scripture are memorized at every grade level.  The Bible is the primary reader used for reading instruction. 

 

ENGLISH:  The teaching of English is broken down into orthography, reading, and composition.  Orthography is taught using the "Writing Road to Reading," a holistic approach to phonics that integrates the teaching of reading, writing, and spelling.  Phonetics, basic spelling rules, and grammar are mastered.  In reading, curriculum emphasizes comprehension and vocabulary skills.  Literature fosters a love of and appreciation for the great classics.  An individualized supplemental reading program meets the reading needs of each student.  The teaching of reading skills is integrated into every subject.  The Bible is used as the basal reader at each grade level.  Book reviews begin in second grade.  Through composition, students learn how to organize and express their thoughts.  Students learn to clothe their ideas with words, think reflectively, and master Basic English grammar. 

 

LITERATURE:  Literature is taught to elevate the student's mind and heart to love his literary heritage of Christian values.  The student's imagination and creative potential are expanded as he delights in the great classics.  Studying the classics helps develop critical thinking skills and provides a model and inspiration for thinking and writing.

 

HISTORY:  A biblical and a providential view of God, man, and government is introduced.  The importance of each individual in God's plan is recognized as major events, beginning with creation, are taught.  Each grade level focuses on particular occurrences and individuals building a scope and sequence of historical events.

ARITHMETIC:  The mathematics curriculum is designed to prepare our students for their role in becoming our nation's future leaders and fulfilling God's cultural mandate found in Genesis 1:28.  We recognize that mathematics plays a vital role in our world today and thus we endeavor to prepare our students for the challenges they will face in that realm.  Through our curriculum, students grow closer to our Creator, the Author of Mathematics.  They also become precise thinkers that can reason from cause to effect in real-life problem situations, and they learn to use mathematics in everyday life.  Students begin arithmetic in kindergarten using manipulatives to internalize the concepts of quantity, numeration, and problem solving.  In first through fifth grades, the MacMillan/McGraw-Hill mathematics series serves the mastery of basic arithmetic skills.  These courses provide opportunities for students to build understanding of mathematical concepts and also provide ample time to practice and master important skills.  Most importantly, all concepts are taught and practiced within a strong problem-solving environment ensuring that students become life-life problem solvers. 

 

GEOGRAPHY:  The purpose of teaching Geography is to help the student gain a sense of dominion over his world.  Basic geography skills are introduced including the use of maps and globes.

 

TYNDALE BIBLE AWARD:  In this extra-curricular activity, students are encouraged to memorize and recite Bible passages.  Students have the opportunity to recite in chapel.

 

SPEECH MEET:  All primary students participate in a yearly classroom Speech Meet.  Winners are selected to participate in The School Speech Meet.

 

SCIENCE:  Students learn about God's character as revealed throughout natural creation and through the laws that govern it.  The various disciplines of science are taught emphasizing hands-on activities and methods of observation and research.  Individuals who contributed to the development of science are also studied.

 

ART:  The goal of the primary art curriculum is to lay a firm foundation for the development of the creative potential within each individual.  Students are exposed to the great masters and their masterpieces.  A wide range of media is used in the instruction of basic art techniques.

 

FRENCH:  The teaching of French at an early age establishes a pattern of language learning and develops an aptitude for future language study.  Students gain insight into the individuality and unique characteristics of the French people and their culture.

 

MUSIC:  Through a variety of activities, students experience and appreciate many facets of music.  Music writing and theory, recognition of instruments, great composers, and movement with song are all introduced.  Students have the opportunity to perform in school events through the year.

 

PHYSICAL EDUCATION:  P.E. classes are designed to strengthen the student's perceptual-motor skills.  Physical activities are planned to meet the varying developmental needs within the primary grades. An interest in sports is fostered.

 

ART FESTIVAL:  During the school year students compile an art portfolio.  Work is selected from each student's portfolio and entered in the school art festival.  Winners then submit their work to the district competition.

 

FIELD TRIPS:  Many field trips enrich and promote classroom lessons.  Visits to Chrysler Art Museum, the ballet, and other performances enhance the curriculum.  Advantage is taken of the many historical, scientific, and cultural opportunities in our area.

 

SPECIAL DAYS:  Special days are set aside to celebrate various aspects of our curriculum.  Classrooms come alive with costumed students, authentic foods and crafts, music, visuals, and much more.  In the past primary grades have highlighted Beatrix Potter, colonial life, Abraham Lincoln and frontier life, Dutch culture, Heidi, and Pinocchio through the use of special days.  Christian Heritage Day and a Shakespeare Arts Festival are special days in which the whole school participates.

 

JUNIOR ATHLETICS:  Students are permitted to participate in the swimming, track and field, basketball and soccer programs as early as K4.

 

LATIN:  In fourth and fifth grades Latin is introduced.