Religion
Understanding Jesus as God’s Son adds another dimension for these students. They know about sin and that it brings consequences. They also know about Satan and how he tries to stop them from loving God. They know that the Bible contains truths that will help them work to overcome Satan and wish to learn more about the Bible. Through the work of the Holy Spirit as their Friend, and Helper, they realize how God helps them each day to face any problems. Included in their prayers are people beyond the classroom and families. They are also more willing and able to identify and pray for friends who do not believe in Jesus. They are also more willing to accept people who are different from themselves. Continuing to gain an appreciation for Martin Luther and his teachings as well as recognizing the liturgical seasons help in their understanding of the church body.

Math
Addition and subtraction problems with multiple operations are taught. The concepts of estimation and place value increase their understanding in these areas. Skip counting helps to prepare the students for higher level skills the following year. Grouping and regrouping concepts continue with ideas such as graphing of data, fractions, and estimation. The concept of multiplication is introduced. Identifying shapes and comparing and contrasting them help with spatial reasoning. Measurement, recognition of time increments, and money skills help with the practical application of math skills, and problem solving.

Language Arts
Reading to increase skills as well as for personal enjoyment occurs at this level. They recognize a large number of words automatically and use a variety of word identification strategies to figure out words they do and do not immediately recognize. Students enjoy a variety of literary forms and respond to them in various ways. Writing for different purposes allows the students to be involved in all phases of the writing process. Work begins in the area of using reference materials and learning to locate information in a book. Students participate in classroom prayer and are able to offer spontaneous words of prayer. Students are given opportunities to orally present to groups through shared stories, reports, or special presentations.

Handwriting
Manuscript writing is reviewed and used in written work throughout the year. Introduction of cursive letters and words begins at this level. Students are taught the correct slant, size, shape, and spacing to enable them to progress in their writing skills. Self-evaluation encourages a high level of neatness in all written work.

Social Studies
Looking away from school and into the communities and neighborhoods, students look at the uniqueness and history involved in these areas. They begin to understand more about the enlarging circle of people in their immediate area and areas beyond when they learn about famous people who have influenced history. The concept of using goods and services takes on more significance as they “trade” in their classrooms and become more active in their individual communities. As neighborhoods and neighbors work together, they know the importance of rules and laws for the good of all. Map skill begin to formulate for them as they observe keys and guides on maps that they see and make.

Science
Understanding how plants, animals and humans grow, develop and change is key to this year of science. Students are involved in hands-on learning as they conduct simple classroom and field investigations. In looking around themselves, students learn about and become more aware of the earth and all of its wonders. They study rocks and minerals. They also explore sound and its many qualities. Learning to use more tools for measurement enables them to weigh and determine temperature and mass. The major body systems are discussed as well as the importance of taking care of their bodies. They begin to understand the interdependence of people and the environment.

Computer Science
Proper fingering to use the keyboard effectively continues at this level. Once they have used word processing to create paragraphs or a story, they learn how to save and retrieve these works from a data disk. They create a card using a desktop publishing program that will enable them to import graphics and change the fonts as needed. Reinforcement of classroom objectives continues with educational software.

Art
Shapes, designs, and lines are made, identified, and used that reinforce work across the curriculum. Students experiment with colors in varying values, shades, and shadows. As projects are designed and made, God’s handiwork in creation is made more concrete to the students. Work on simple crafts provides a different medium for the students. Learning to offer positive criticism of another’s work is encouraged.

Music
Creating sounds that form a rhythm are fun for these students. They can begin to create short melodies as they recognize notes. Singing in rounds with partners is fun and provides opportunities for learning more about harmony. They can recognize many musical instruments and the sounds that these instruments make. Students continue learning about composition and in doing so, learn and use musical terms.

Spanish
Sequentially taught, students are introduced to greetings, simple commands, phrases, numbers, colors, and other daily-use vocabulary. Students speak, count, and sing in Spanish. This well-rounded approach to acquiring another language also includes learning about the traditions and holidays of Spanish speaking countries and playing games.

Physical Education
Team sports become more important at this age. Students are more willing and able to work together and enjoy games such as relay races. Muscles become more developed which allow students to enjoy activities such as climbing and lifting. Jumping rope is done with more ease. Dribbling the basketball or kicking the soccer ball can be fun and offers the students the opportunity to think “big.” Leadership skills become more defined, and the idea of good sportsmanship begins to evolve.

Voyages, Concordia Publishing House, 2002
Saxon Math, Saxon, 2001
Literacy Place, Scholastic, 2001
Johnny Can Spell (Spalding Spelling), Alice Nine, 2001
Science, Scott Foresman, 2003
Building Better Health, ABEKA, 2000
Meeting Many People, HBJ, 1997
Dynamic Physical Education for Elementary School Children, Allyn & Bacon, 2001