Lower School

Reading and writing instruction are taught through both large and small group instruction according to individual student needs. In the early grades, teachers focus on explicit phonics instruction while also encouraging young readers to read a variety of texts at their instructional level. Our approach to literacy fosters a love of reading through explicit teaching, focused practice that is individualized, dynamic read alouds in the classroom, independent reading, and exposure to a rich variety of available texts. From the earliest ages, students begin the process of writing and conferencing about their writing. Within each grade level, reading and writing instruction is directly connected to the grade-level integrated units so that reading and writing connections are made to other areas of study in science and social studies.

CCS teachers have the ability to differentiate math instruction by teaching math to students using small groups. Manipulatives, technology, and projects are useful tools for helping students make math connections with practical applications. The Into Math curriculum supports the ability to teach students to think critically about math and to go beyond facts and drills. Students achieve high levels of math reasoning and are able to grow at an individualized pace.

Bible instruction is fundamental to all other teaching at CCS. Bible instruction is at the core of how we see every other area of academics. Since we believe that everything in creation points back to Christ and we are His stewards in this world, we strive to become members of society who point others to Christ. The Lower School uses the CSI Bible curriculum, and students grow in their Bible knowledge through focused study that builds year-by-year.

In order to help students gain an understanding of and appreciation for God’s created order, our science curriculum focuses on units of study that include such things as human growth and development, plants, animals, astronomy, ocean life, simple machines, and many other conceptual areas that point our students to see God’s sovereignty in all things. Science instruction is integrated into reading, writing, social studies, and Bible so that students are able to make connections and see how science connects to every other subject area.

We believe it is important to help students see history through the lens of God's faithfulness. Each grade level has a year of integrated curricular units mapped around a conceptual lens. This approach to teaching helps students to see how historical events connect to their other areas of study. We also believe that it is our responsibility to help students see where they are called and gifted to seek the Kingdom of God in the home, church, society, and culture. We strive to teach students how the past continues to influence our lives using biblical principles.

• Physical Education (P.E.): Students in the Lower School meet daily for P.E. Our students receive a minimum of 150 minutes weekly in the P.E. program, and have a minimum 30-minute daily recess. Structured and unstructured times of movement are important throughout the day. Daily exercise helps children to be attentive and perform better academically. P.E. instruction includes body awareness, eye-hand coordination, and the development of gross motor skills appropriate for the age of the student. P.E. promotes healthy, active lifestyles, increases physical fitness, and teaches movement and behavioral skills.
• Music: Music classes meet once a week and explore music using Kodaly methodology which introduces foundational skills at developmentally appropriate ages. Percussion and rhythm are taught through a variety of games and instruction. Students practice reading and writing music, building a repertoire of songs through a spiraling curriculum, culminating in playing recorder in 4th grade and keyboard in 5th grade. The 24-seat keyboard lab has individual keyboards and headphones for each child to enable them to self-pace their learning. This foundational training equips students with essential musical skills and confidence, preparing them for advanced participation in our Upper School performing art offerings.
• Art: In the Lower School, the goal is to cultivate an appreciation of the arts that will bear fruit through our students as image-bearing future creators and artists. Students meet with the art instructor weekly for group instruction and activity. In the art room, they are able to express their individuality through hands-on learning using multiple mediums and artistic processes. This foundation prepares students for success in Uupper School visual art programs.
• STEM: The state-of-the-art STEM room provides a space for students where coding and building occur in collaborative groups. A variety of robots, 3D printing devices, blocks, and materials are available and used to help students develop a strong foundation in STEM content areas.
• Library: Students visit the library weekly to check out books, participate in activities, and hear read alouds. With thousands of books in our collection, students look forward to weekly opportunities to select new and exciting reading materials for home and school.
• Keyboarding: Students in grades 4 and 5 are taught keyboarding each week. When students finish 5th grade, our goal is to have each student typing at a proficient level of words-per-minute.