ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (GRADES PRE-K - 4)

Children receive a balanced literacy program that includes reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Teachers work with students to build independent reading skills using an explicit, sequential, and systematic phonics curriculum and through ongoing opportunities to practice building reading skills through scaffolded small group instruction with leveled books. Periodically, each student’s instructional level for reading is assessed using the Benchmark Assessment System (BAS).

Students participate in the writing process daily through journal writing, writer’s workshop, and other writing activities. Weekly spelling patterns are introduced, through Scientific Spelling, reinforced with word work activities and incorporated into the writer’s workshop. We use the Handwriting Without Tears and Keyboarding Without Tears curriculum, which provide a multi-sensory approach to handwriting and typing. In addition, we use the Neuhaus curriculum for phonics and grammar skills. Our 1st through 4th grade students participate in the Iowa Assessment each year during the spring semester. This assessment measures students’ growth from year to year and provides data on how students are progressing in their learning.

In mathematics, students have opportunities to practice math skills in an appropriate developmental sequence. The math curriculum incorporates hands-on learning experiences with manipulatives and continually reinforces and extends math skills. The children learn about relationships, classification, patterning, one-to-one correspondences, numeration, shapes, measurement, time, money, fractions, addition, subtraction, multiplication and division using the Saavas enVision Math curriculum in K-4th. Instruction is differentiated based on student needs and focuses on problem solving and thinking skills to inspire children to become critical thinkers.

Science instruction encourages the development of scientific inquiry and critical thinking. Students compare, classify, chart, graph, hypothesize, observe changes and record findings. The curriculum provides experiential activities for students to have a hands-on learning experience.

Children explore our world through geography, history, government, economics, culture and citizenship. Students read biographies and present information, interpret and create their own maps, identify functions of government, examine free enterprise, compare various cultures, and identify characteristics of good citizenship. Our focus on Christian ideals allows us to model these characteristics, which are supplemented with daily Bible instruction.

Students participate daily in activities to help them grow in awareness of the love of God. Activities include thanking God for His many blessings, praying, attending weekly chapel, reciting Bible verses and singing Christian songs. Students listen to Bible stories or engage in Bible study and instruction, depending on their age level, and also participate in age-appropriate mission projects. Weekly chapel lessons are presented by The Woodlands Methodist Church Children’s Ministry staff.

Our students attend chapel each week on Thursday. The Woodlands Methodist Church Children’s Ministry team presents age-appropriate Bible stories with songs and activities. Classes use the Biblical Choices curriculum throughout the week. Details are posted in each class’s newsletter for continued learning and family communication.

Many opportunities are given within classroms for students to express themselves through art. Additionally, all K-4th grade students attend weekly art classes with a certified art teacher. In these weekly lessons, they explore different artists, techniques, and mediums and grow in their artistic knowledge and skills.

The elementary school music program is designed to stimulate natural creativity and an appreciation for the arts. Students learn fundamentals of music theory and history while developing proper vocal technique, playing various instruments, and participating in creative hands-on projects and performances. 4th grade students also extend their musical instrument instruction by learning to play recorders.

The library strives to promote the mission of the school and provides a welcoming environment where students, faculty, staff, and parents can locate information in a variety of formats to assist in their academic, spiritual, and recreational pursuits. Library goals and objectives target activities that develop lifelong learners, encourage love of literature, and promote independent seekers of information.

Weekly visits to the school library provide opportunities for the children to select additional literature for pleasure reading. Students check out books, participate in story time and receive intentional, TEKS-based lessons that teach students the skills necessary to be effective users of information in all its forms. Additional time for individual class research and projects is also provided.

Students attend scheduled, organized physical education class and recess. Students develop healthy habits and lifelong fitness skills in class. Teamwork, sportsmanship, and fun are emphasized every day. Students learn about a variety of fitness-related activities, basketball, jump rope, soccer, and other sports skills.

Students are exposed to a developmentally appropriate Spanish curriculum from Pre-K through 4th grade. We use diverse and hands on activities to reach every students' preferred learning style. The goal of elementary Spanish instruction is to provide exposure to the Spanish language while also learning about differing cultures and traditions. We promote the interest in learning a second language and also learn about different cultures and traditions. Lessons include circle time, story time, music, art, games, and prayers in Spanish.