Cornerstone Academy

Classical Christian Education Customized for Your Child
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Primary School Curriculum

 

Our Mission is to provide classical, Christian education that is parent directed, student centered, and powered by passionate educators.

 
Overview
 
Primary students are in the Grammar Stage; this is when children are most receptive to basic facts. Learning is done by doing; students learn to write by writing, they learn to read by reading and learn about science by experimenting, math through manipulatives all though the eyes of history.
 
Language Arts

Students are using “Spell to Write and Read” to formally learn spelling rules and practice handwriting which builds their writing and reading abilities.
 
Reading – Students will be reading at a variety of levels when in this multiage primary class. Literature is selected based on the history theme as well as reading level. Students will continue to use their phonogram knowledge to decode words and build a larger vocabulary. The 70 phonograms will continue to be reviewed and the 29 spelling rules will be memorized to analyze and spell the 1,000 most commonly used words in the English language (the Ayre's List.) Reading instruction is individualized so that students are challenged to excel and progress to their highest potential.
 
Writing – A writing workshop approach will allow students to individually be challenged to gain a fluent writing style. Students will practice writing poetry, non fiction, fiction, narrative and note taking. Writing activities are integrated into daily lessons in bible, science, math and social studies, so writing is applicable and therefore more meaningful.
 
Spelling – Spell to Write and Read is used as a multi-sensory approach where students learn to spell by saying, hearing, writing, and seeing, thereby using all learning styles of the brain.
 
Science

Science is integrated into the history concepts based on the time of their discovery or pinnacle of use. Staying true to the classical approach, students will learn the basic facts of many science concepts. When they are revisited in later years, students can build on their prior knowledge.
 
Social Studies

Tapestry of Grace provides a fully integrated curriculum bringing all learning together in the perspective of history. This allows students to learn about ideas and hook them onto previously learned concepts. They see the big picture and are able to integrate their learning with all aspects of life. This year, students will be studying Ancient Egypt, Ancient China, Ancient Greece and Ancient Rome. The curriculum is a 4 year cycle through history so students will repeat these topics again at a higher thinking level.
 
Math

Saxon math provides a repetitive and easy to follow plan for learning the foundational elements of mathematics. Students will have one hour of instruction daily, utilizing textbooks and manipulatives. Students will also master basic facts.
 
 
Fine Arts

Music – Music is taught two ways. In class music is integrated into the topics of study. Additionally, students will have a weekly music class teaching theory, music appreciation and some musical instruments.
 
Art – Art is integrated into the daily classroom activities, though they will also attend a weekly art class taught by a professional. The art done will lay the foundation for more advanced artistic techniques in the future grades.
 
Physical Education

Students will have PE each afternoon. Two days a week they will attend a one hour karate class and the other two days they will attend a one hour gymnastics class. The karate class is designed to build discipline and confidence while giving students physical exercise. The gymnastics class has full range of the equipment and teaches kids to live an active and healthy lifestyle. On Fridays, students will be involved in off-campus learning activities, which will involve physical activity.
 
Technology
 
Students will have access to computers at home and the public library to extend learning done in the classroom.  Each week, the teacher will send home a newsletter outlining ideas students can do at home to amplify their learning.