Emphases - Lower School
Joyful Discovery
Whether in science and literature discussions, in math-meetings and picture
studies, during bible or history readings, at field trips or special
days, we cultivate a joy of discovering and learning.
Accelerated Curriculum
Each class generally is working a grade level ahead. For example,
Class One students do Saxon 2 Math and are generally reading at a second
grade level. Students with above average ability find this pace
challenging and rewarding.
Words, Words, Words
These are the years to equip children with the tools to be great
readers. The core of our early reading program is our phonics-based
system, and we further develop oral language skills through various
“language-eliciting” activities such as narration, picture studies,
recitation, and reading aloud living books.
Mastering Math and Science Concepts and Methods
Students master math facts and concepts through a balance of
instruction, practice, and interaction. Through Nature Studies, the
classroom literally becomes a “living classroom” as students and
teachers collect specimens for examination. As the class observes,
questions, and investigates, students learn the scientific method.
Habits
Children are developing long-term patterns of thinking, acting, and
interacting during these formative years. We cultivate specific habits
such as attentiveness, orderliness, kindness, follow-through – habits
which make for good students, good citizens, and good friends.
History and Geography
In the grammar years at Wilberforce, history is read and narrated
rather than merely studied. Students read aloud rich stories, and they
discover beginning biographies about inspirational men and women from
the past. We begin with the exploration and settlement of America, which
affords a rich body of literature that is accessible to early readers.
Then students begin a cycle of Ancient, Middle Ages, Renaissance and
Reformation, and Modern History, which takes them into Middle School.
With timelines and maps in every room, as well as formal geography
texts, students learn to place the events and characters of history in
context of space and time.
Latin
Latin instruction begins in Class Three. Grammar students’ love for
memorization and chants makes this an ideal time to learn vocabulary and
grammatical forms, which equip them to understand the structure of any
language, and open the way for more lengthy translations in later years.
Bible Reading, Classic Hymns, and Chapel
Students read through the Bible, both in class and at home, on a
four-year schedule, , giving them broad familiarity with the whole of
Scripture. By learning the “hymn of the month,” students gain rich
musical and lyrical history of Christian devotion. Weekly chapels
cultivate devotion and biblical thinking.
Fine Arts
As a classical school, our curriculum highly values the arts. The
FINE ARTS curriculum balances art and music history and the development
of technical skills. The students learn from master works and progress
through observation, evaluation, and imitation of these works. Drama is
woven throughout the curriculum through in-class plays and
presentations drawn from our literature or history readings.
Physical Education
Students develop gross motor skills using a combination of
calisthenics, games, and exercises. Group competitions teach
sportsmanship while engendering camaraderie. In addition to these
lessons, they learn principles of personal wellness and establish
patterns to encourage of lifetime of physical health.
For a more in-depth discussion of our Curriculum, please see our Curriculum Guide.