Elementary Overview
Lincoln Christian Elementary (Kindergarten-4th Grades)
Kindergarten through 4th grade is designed to unite Lincoln Christian School’s mission, vision, and philosophy with biblically sound curriculum immersed with activities that motivate children. We utilize a variety of curricula to maximize the spiritual, intellectual, physical, and social development of each student.
The elementary school is committed to challenging and equipping students to develop and maintain a relationship with the real Jesus, and identify their next step through relational discipleship, educational development, team discipline, a healthy, equipped staff, and parent partnership.
The main academic emphasis in the primary grades (K, 1st, and 2nd) is placed on reading, writing, and math skills. In reading, we focus on the elements of “Learning to Read,” particularly phonemic awareness and decoding skills. In mathematics, the focus is on math facts and mathematical concepts appropriate to our primary students. Curriculum in these grade levels will be more hands-on. Worksheets and workbook pages will serve to reinforce what has been taught in class.
Academic emphasis in the upper elementary grades (3rd and 4th) is again focused on reading, writing, and mathematics. One difference in reading is that student learning switches from "Learning to Read" to "Reading to Learn" along with further development of writing and math skills.
Bible and Biblical Integration
Students begin each day with Bible class, where they not only grow in knowledge and application of God’s Word, but also in building their own personal relationship with the real Jesus. The Bible curriculum used, builds from year to year, developing students’ biblical worldview through the teaching of 20 basic truths. Teachers not only train students in Bible class, but also in other core subjects through the vehicle of relational discipleship, seeking to know students, know their struggles, and in turn, point them to God’s Word and His love toward them. Biblically, we continue to build on authentic faith while emphasizing wise choices, healthy relationships, and Godly identities.
At Lincoln Christian Elementary School, our goal is to begin training the next generation of Christian leaders. We start that training through the Know, Grow, Discover, Go Discipleship Pathway.
Partnering with parents, we provide the opportunity to Know God spiritually through the intentional study of God’s Word supplementing what kids are taught during weekend services at Church on the Move or their home church and allowing for God to reveal Himself to us.
Meeting the real Jesus always includes the personal provision to Grow in Freedom from the pressures, anxieties, and comparisons that often affect young students.
At Lincoln, our philosophy is stated in three priorities: godly character, academic excellence, and extracurricular activity. The powerful combination of Knowing God, Growing in Freedom and applying our educational philosophy sets conditions for kids to Discover Purpose.
Drawing from the strengths gained by Knowing God, Growing in Freedom, and Discovering our Purpose it becomes clear that God wants each of us to actively live out our calling. Simply put, we are to GO make a difference!
Explore/Specials and Physical Education
Students are also given instruction in art, music, Spanish, physical education, and computer skills. Elementary Art explores a variety of media designed to allow all students to express themselves creatively. In Music, students identify rhythms, tempo and musical markings to read music. Movement, singing and musical families are also a focus throughout the year. Elementary Spanish class offers students a basic introduction to the Spanish language. Students in 4th grade focus on touch-typing skills and computer coding while other classes learn the fundamentals of computer use and the incorporation of Google Apps for Education. Physical Education is held daily, and offers a variety of activities and games. The focus is on developing a student’s understanding of the need for physical fitness while encouraging a life habit of regular physical exercise.
Mathematics
Mathematics focuses on the use of manipulatives and hands-on activities but with more time given to understanding mathematical concepts. Math instruction in the elementary is facilitated by the McGraw Hill math curriculum. This is a dynamic program that allows students to get excited about math through daily problem-based interactive learning, followed by visual learning strategies.
Reading
Reading instruction in the elementary is facilitated with the use of guided reading. In guided reading, the teacher guides small groups of students in reading short, carefully chosen texts in order to build independence, fluency, and comprehension skills. In addition, the teacher introduces reading strategies, tailoring the instruction to the needs of the students. Children, in turn, will be encouraged to apply these strategies in their independent reading.
Spelling and Phonics
Kindergarten and 1st grades develop a student’s spelling and vocabulary through the use of Payne Phonics and Houghton Mifflin Reading curriculum. This solid combination will give students a strong foundation they need to be successful readers.
In 2nd, 3rd, 4th grades, students experience a continuation of Houghton Mifflin Reading curriculum, and move to new vocabulary and phonics curriculum with Words their Way and Bear Spelling. This combination aides in a student’s growth of spelling knowledge and word usage, within the context of the written work. The students are also taught about word relationships and structural patterns, by introducing a manageable spelling list of relevant words each week. There is a continual focus on vocabulary as students are provided an abundant exposure to words in multiple formats.
Writing
For our writing instruction, we use the Zaner Bloser curriculum. The writing skills learned help students develop the language they need to discuss and examine their own writing and be good editors of written work. In all grades, there is a focus on handwriting and penmanship. While we understand the need to help children learn to write in a legible manner, we also understand the developmental readiness of students and their fine motor skills.