Grades 1-5

2012-13 Lower School Curriculum

Westminster does not use one single curriculum for all subjects or all grades. Through the collaboration of teachers and administration, curriculum in each subject is evaluated. We tailor our various curricula to meet the academic needs of our students in each grade.

MATH
A Beka Math • Mountain Math • Timed Drills
Math programs emphasize problem-solving, critical thinking skills, and concept development.

WRITING
All grades use the 4 Square Writing Method.

LANGUAGE ARTS
Grammar • Open Court • Harcourt Brace • A Beka
Handwriting • D’Neilian
Reading • Open Court • Various Novel Studies

SPELLING
Open Court • Steck-Vaughn • Wordly Wise 3000

SOCIAL STUDIES
1^st – 5^th grades: Harcourt

2^nd – 5^th grades: God’s World magazine
Our social studies series encourages students to learn about their world while reinforcing reading, math, and language. Citizenship, geography, history, cultures, map skills, and government are some areas covered.

SCIENCE
Silver Burdett and Ginn • Harcourt Brace
Inquiry based science program with grade appropriate kits; hands-on units based on National Science standards. Science programs teach physical, earth, life, and health sciences through science texts, videos, computer resources, and field trips. We have a major emphasis on scientific inquiry, including process skills and the scientific method.

BIBLE
Scripture memory program in all grades. Christian Schools International chronological study of key Old and New Testament stories in all grades.

There are weekly chapels in all grades.

COCURRICULAR
All grades have Physical Education, Library/Media, Computer Skills, Art and Music (Kodaly based, with Orff and Suzuki)

Art and Music have coordinated curricula on a five year cycle, running from the Medieval era through the 20th century.