Bible
The Bible curriculum emphasizes a study of biblical events and personalities in
order to build upon students' faith and knowledge. Opportunities are given for students
to apply Biblical principles and develop character traits through weekly Scripture
memorization. In grades K-2, each class performs one chapel program.
Language Arts
Introduction to reading/writing includes phonemic awareness, phonics, the alphabetic
principle, word analysis, silent and oral reading, comprehension skills, and basic
mechanics of grammar. Spelling, handwriting, vocabulary development, composition
writing, penmanship, fiction, nonfiction, poetry, library skills and basic book
reports are also included in a comprehensive program.
Math
Our approach is traditional. The curriculum includes number sense, basic op-erations,
fractions, rounding, geometric shapes, place value and measurement. Graphs, probability,
time, money, estimation, problem solving, and mastery of addition and subtraction
facts are important facets of the overall scope of mathematics.
Social Studies
History and geography are introduced through a study of United States history, foundational
exploration of people and their cultures, American holidays, customs, symbols, and
map work.
Patriotic songs are memorized.
Science
Science is a “hands-on” exploration of plants, animals, weather, magnets, minerals
and rocks, energy and motion, solids, liquids, and gases.
Foreign Language
Spanish is taught using a "total physical response and storytelling" (TPRS) approach
to instruction that includes basic vocabulary, conversational and cultural material.
Connecting vocabulary words to objects and conventional terms helps ensure a smooth
transition to the grammatical study of Spanish that begins in Middle School.
Fine Arts
The Arts at Whitefield are viewed as an opportunity to explore God’s creation and
to enjoy the gifts that He bestows on individuals to create and perform. Music understanding
and appreciation, theory, and vocal performance are part of the music program in
the Lower School. Art appreciation and history are enhanced by a study of the basic
elements and principles of drawing and design, painting, sculpture, and ceramics.
Physical Education
Learning to play and enjoying the process is a goal of the physical education department.
Fitness, exercises, diet, and nutrition enhance the pursuit of sports and games.
Good sportsmanship remains the top priority! Early morning Mileage Club and Jump
Rope Club offers incentives.
Library
Learning to love books involves becoming ac-quainted with literary forms and different
types of books. Selections based on personal interest, knowledge of a variety of
books that serve as guides for research and pleasure, and an understanding of the
basic organization of libraries through the Dewey Decimal System encompass the library
program in the Lower School.
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Bible
Students pursue an understanding of Biblical events and personalities in order to
form more complex life and character applications. Memorizing Scripture is a weekly
exercise to help ensure a life-long appreciation and knowledge of God's Word.
Each class performs and leads one chapel program per year.
Language Arts
Reading/writing skills focus on com-prehension strategies, advanced book reports,
grammar, and composition. Inquiry, research, along with spelling, penmanship, listening/
speaking skills, and vocabulary development round out this comprehensive program.
Students read various literary genres for pleasure and information.
Math
Building upon the foundational base of addition and subtraction, mastery of multiplication
and division is the primary goal. Study includes long division, number theory, percentages,
decimals and fractions, measure-ments, graphs, ratio, proportion, proba-bility,
integers, and solid algebraic principles.
Social Studies
3rd Grade
Students study geography, state and national gov-ernment, map information, the basics
of citizenship in the community, andancient North American explorers.
4th Grade
Understanding the geo-graphic regions of the United States, learning to identify
states, and a focus on Georgia history is the emphasis of the fourth grade curriculum.
The rights and responsibilities of the American people are discussed from a civics
perspective.
5th Grade
Broadening the base of American history from the early founding of the country through
the American Revolution, Civil War, and World Wars I and II equips a student to
grasp a larger picture of the working of the American government and the unique
role it continues to play in the history of the world.
Science
3rd Grade
Third graders are presented with concepts of living organisms, including life cycles
and types of living things. The earth and its resources, the sun, moon, and forms
of energy are included in a broad study.
4th Grade
Magnetism and electricity, earth’s land resources, animal study, weather and climate,
and properties of matter are included in the fourth grade science exploration.
5th Grade
Fifth grade study focuses on a broad scope of ecosystems, plants and micro-organisms,
the solar system, light and sound, energy, work and machines. The important concepts
continue to lay the groundwork for the science courses specific to the Middle School:
life, earth, and physical sciences.
Foreign Language
Spanish focuses on vocabulary relating to seasons, holidays, foods, family, and
the calendar. A solid foundation continues to be built for the grammatical and linguistic
study that continues from Middle School through Upper School.
Greek and Latin roots are learned in 5th grade.
Fine Arts
A focus on musical styles and forms, music theory, and the study of notable composers
enhance the pursuit of musical appreciation.
In 5th grade, a choice between choir, band and orchestra is offered during music
class.
The visual arts curriculum builds an under-standing and appreciation of the arts,
and includes creative projects, study of important painters and a basic look at
art history. Students experiment with various mediums from pastels to clay.
Art Club is offered each semester.
Physical Education
Strategies in team sports and increased recreational activities (e.g. bowling and
rock climbing) stretch higher primary grades into an increased awareness of fitness,
sportsmanship, diet, and nutrition.
Library
Older primary grades are given opportunities to build solid skills in research,
note-taking, and appropriate use of internet resources. Students learn to understand
the directive to obtain and note use of bibliographic information.
Computer classes are offered with emphasis on keyboarding skills and safe internet
usage.
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