Elementary School
(Grammar) Grades K-5
"For Thou didst form my inward parts; Thou didst weave me in my mother's womb. I will give thanks to Thee, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made."
Psalm 139: 13 & 14
This outline may help answer some questions you have regarding our classical elementary program. There are two main differences between a "traditional" program and a classical one, addressing the how and what of education. To understand how lessons are taught one needs to look at how the Lord made each and every one of us. By examining the student characteristics below you will notice that young children were created to naturally absorb information. Memorization and the dissection of words and their sounds are enjoyable and come easily to this age group. TCA's elementary curriculum continues to instruct in the basics of math, spelling and grammar, but the real difference lies in the execution of the content. Chanting and fun memorization drills are used constantly to take advantage of the student's innate ability to take in a multitude of facts, figures and sounds.
Latin is a singular field of study that addresses what is unique to our elementary currucilum. Instruction begins in the third grade and continues through fifth grade. By introducing children to the language at an early age, we take advantage of their vast capacity for learning vocabulary and their love for rhythmic chanting. Latin is taught for its development of analytical skills, for ease in learning foreign languages and as an aid for understanding English grammar and vocabulary.
Student Characteristics:
Obviously excited about learning new facts
Enjoys games, stories, songs, projects
Short attention span
Wants to touch, taste, feel, small, see
Imaginative, creative
Easily memorizes
Likes collections, organizing items
Can assimilate another language well
Likes chants and clever, repetitious word sounds
Teaching Methods:
Guided discovering
Explore, find things
Use lots of tactile items to illustrate point
Sing, play, chant, paint, build
Use body movements
Short, creative projects
Show and Tell, drama, hear/read/tell stories
Field Trips
Make collections, displays, models
Recitations, memorization
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Curriculum Activities | |
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Art |
Mathematics |
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Extra Curricular Activities | |
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Operation Christmas Child |
Intramural Sports |
Scripture teaches in Deutronomy 6:4-9 and Ephesians 6:1-4 that parents, not the state or church, are responsible for the education of their children. Therefore, we seek to serve parents who desire that their children be educated according to the doctrines and principles that identify us as a classical and Christian school. We strive to provide various opportunities for parents to be actively involved in the day to day functions of the school. Upon enrolling, parents sign a "Statement of Commitment" contract with the school acknowledging their commitment to fulfill their pre-eminent role in this endeavor.
Recommended Reading
The following publications would be useful in gaining a better insight into a classical Christian education.
Repairing the Ruins
Douglas Wilson, editor
Recovering the Lost Tools of Learning
by Douglas Wilson
The Lost Tools of Learning
by Dorothy Sayers
"So they will be called oaks of righteousness, the planting
of the Lord, that He may be glorified."
Isaiah 61:3
