Curriculum

Language Arts
The elementary Language Arts curriculum at Grace embraces a Balanced Literacy approach to reading and writing instruction. Guided reading groups provide a forum for teachers to individualize reading instruction. In these small groups, students read and discuss a variety of genres, both narrative and non-fiction, and are encouraged to think beyond the text. Grace teachers enjoy sharing authentic literature experiences with students through reading aloud books and poetry. Grace students write everyday and learn to value themselves as authors. A word study program supports our readers and writers and incorporates spelling, phonics and vocabulary to round out the language arts curriculum. The goal of the Language Arts program at Grace is to is to instill a love of reading and writing in each child and to encourage students to become lifelong learners. Latin is incorporated into the Language Arts curriculum in the Fifth and Sixth Grades.

Math
Everyday Mathematics is our Math curriculum for First through Fifth Grade students.  Eight Math “strands” are introduced in the First Grade and built upon in each successive year.  These strands include: numeration and order; measurement; reference frames mental arithmetic and number systems; algorithms and procedures; geometry and spatial sense; patterns, functions, and sequences; and algebra. Math instruction includes the use of manipulatives, cooperative learning groups, mental math, facts drill, computation, and the use of calculators and other math tools, and the application of Math to everyday living is emphasized.  An advanced program in Mathematics begins in Fourth Grade for students who have shown through standardized tests and class performance that they have a particular aptitude for the subject.  This program leads to the completion of Geometry in Eight Grade.

Science
For First through Fifth Grade students, Science comes to life through experiential, hands-on activities that allow students to explore the natural world. Whether on our nature trail or in the lab, students work in an environment that sparks curiosity and fosters enthusiasm. Explorations, labs, and demonstration are integrated into the Earth, Physical, and Life Science topics cycle.  Through this engaging curriculum and approach, students develop a working mastery of scientific processes while gaining a fundamental understanding of the concepts being addressed. 

History
Students look beyond their own communities to examine the history, civics, geography, and government systems of peoples outside of our country and at various points in world history. Field trips, current events, technology, and primary sources are the mechanisms utilized to build student motivation and enhance the learning experience. Students learn to appreciate the significance of their democratic citizenship and to understand the meaning and importance of global interdependence. Social Studies lessons are enhanced through curriculum units that are integrated where possible with Language Arts, Math, Art, Music, Science, and Spanish. Through Social Studies, students learn to think critically and creatively, employing skills such as reasoning, decision-making, and negotiation. It is our goal to prepare students to become informed and contributing members of a diverse America and a global society.

Visual Arts
Beginning in First Grade and continuing through Middle School, students receive instruction in Art each week. The curriculum incorporates exposure to and application of a variety of techniques and has been developed to foster self-expression, creativity, and awareness of the world around us. Students work with a variety of media including acrylic and tempera paints, watercolors, inks, crayons, chalk, oil pastels, charcoal, paper maché, plaster, wood, and clay. Students also learn about arts of other cultures, the great masters, and the importance of a visual history. The Art curriculum is also integrated into the Social Studies and Language Arts curriculum.

Music
Music at Grace begins in the First Grade.  Through each grade, the curriculum includes music appreciation (exposure to the diversity of folk music and music history) music literacy (reading and writing music) and vocal and instrumental techniques.  In addition, students learn movement and folk dance during Music classes. Along with preparing hymns for our weekly Chapel service, students sing songs that assist them with cross-curricular, multi-cultural, social-emotional and service learning.  All instruction is sequenced to ensure that students understand concepts and gain skills on one level before going on to the next. The entire program is thus driven by essential learner outcomes that are age-appropriate.

Physical Education
Students at Grace participate in a well-developed Physical Education curriculum that encourages fitness and a lifelong love of physical activity. Students use the skills developed in the earlier years to engage in sports, fitness, and team building activities. The importance of daily exercise and healthy nutrition is emphasized. Physical fitness testing is administered beginning in the Second Grade with the focus on developing strength and endurance.  Both organized and informal sports are available to students as they progress through the grades.

Technology
Technology and computers are viewed as a teaching tool rather than a separate subject. Grace believes that students should learn computer skills through the subjects that they are studying. The classroom teachers design activities for the computer lab that compliment the development of computer skills with the content being taught in the classroom. The Director of Educational Technology is available to assist with planning lessons, helping students, or teaching specific computer skills.