Connect with usCONTACT INFO

Elementary Enrichments

 
STREAM

SCIENCE · TECHNOLOGY · ROBOTICS · ENGINEERING · ART · MATH 
 

CCS launched our STREAM program in the fall of 2017. Since the launch we have implemented technology and STREAM curriculum across all grade levels K-8th. Our vision is to lay a foundation of technical skills, such as programming, then build on those skills with electronics, prototyping, and materials fabrication such as laser cutting and 3D printing.

We are teaching our children to be inventors, problem solvers, and makers of the future. We have kindergarteners programming simple sequences with robotic mice. By the time these students reach middle school, they will know how to research a problem, design, implement, and present an original solution. We have already seen the difference STREAM curriculum is making in our students this year. It has ignited their interest in learning and sparked their creativity. Students are learning vitally important career skills such as communication, project management, and critical thinking.


PROGRAM OVERVIEW

  • Kindergarten – Programmable mice
  • 1st grade –  Programmable LEGO robots
  • 2nd grade – Dot & Dash robots
  • 3rd grade – Droid inventor kits
  • 4th grade – Inventor kits
  • 5th grade – Code kits
  • Middle School Robotics Elective –  iPads

 

General Music and Choir


Kindergarten – 2nd Grade General Music

The primary objective is to expose students to a wide variety of musical styles and genres, instruments, sounds, as well as to connect music to other disciplines in order to foster an appreciation of and excitement for the world of music.

Major Areas of Focus Include:

  • Basic Music Theory
    • Rhythmic Values
    • Rhythmic Notation
    • Note Names
    • Note Reading
    • Solfège
    • Curwen Hand Signs
  • Vocal Techniques
  • Percussion Techniques
  • Improvisation
  • Performance & Rehearsal Techniques
    • Christmas Program
    • Grandparents Day

Classwork includes singing, dancing, listening exercises, music games and activities, playing on a variety of percussion instruments, group discussion, music notation and reading, as well as performing in several special programs throughout the school year.

 

3rd Grade General Music

In 3rd grade music, the primary objective is to prepare students to be involved in a music performance group (band, strings, or choir) that are available to them as an elective the following year.  Students gain exposure to a wide variety of musical styles, genres, and instruments, and experience how to read music in order to practice and perform both individually and as a group on the recorder.

Major Areas of Focus Include:

  • Basic Music Theory
    • Rhythmic Values
    • Rhythmic Notation
    • Note Names
    • Note Reading
    • Solfège
    • Curwen Hand Signs
  • Vocal Techniques
  • Percussion Techniques
  • Recorder Techniques
  • Performance & Rehearsal Techniques
    • Christmas Program
    • Grandparents Day
    • Recorder Performance

Classwork for the first half of the year includes singing, music analysis, practice and performance methods, group discussion, listening exercises, music games, and improvisation.  For the second half of the year, students take the music concepts and skills they have learned so far, and apply them to the recorder. Through “Recorder Karate,” students have the opportunity to earn different colored “belts” as they master each new song.

 

4th & 5th Grade Choir

In both the 4th and 5th grade choirs, the primary objective is to develop the student as an independent singer and musician, as well as an actively contributing member of the group.  Students gain exposure to a variety of musical styles and genres and are given several opportunities to perform throughout the school year.

Major Performances Include:

  • Veterans Day Chapel
  • Christmas Program
  • Grandparents Day
  • Spring Concert
  • Various Chapels and Spirit Assemblies
  • Choral Festivals

Classwork includes group discussion, sight singing, vocal warm ups, breathing exercises, vocal technique, music reading, ear training, solfège, diction, and performance technique.  Students are expected to practice and memorize songs both in class and at home prior to performances.

 

Instrumental Music


4th Grade Band and Strings

This is a beginning class where students take their first steps in learning to play a wind or string instrument.  This includes learning proper holding and playing technic, bow and breath control, as well as basic notation and musicianship.

5th Grade Band and Strings

In this class, students continue to develop their skills on their instrument. Developing tone quality and more complex notation, rhythm, dynamic contrast as well as beginning ensemble playing, are all included this year.

 

Art
 

Elementary: Art History/Studio Art

Elementary students at Calvary Christian School get 45 minutes of art history/studio art biweekly.  They learn about fine art, art movements, famous artists, and art techniques. The hands-on studio portion incorporates a wide range of media, including, drawing, painting, ceramics , printmaking, and collage . Students are encouraged to be creative in the art making process.
 

4th – 6th Grade: Fine Arts

In 4th through 6th grades, students have an additional fine arts option, which includes visual arts. This is an additional hour in which we focus on our God given talents, and development of the whole child.  The visual arts portion focuses on drawing skills.  Students keep a sketchbook and focus on the elements of art while using a variety of media.

 

Library

The CCS Library is a place of learning and exploration where students discover and discuss different authors and genres, take Accelerated Reader tests to improve comprehension, celebrate birthdays with the Birthday Book Club and much more! Library books are checked out each week and are due back the following week for return or renew.

Emphasis is on assisting students to read within their target range and improving their comprehension and reading abilities.  Weekly lessons are on a variety of subjects such as the parts of a book, how books are shelved within the library according to the Dewey Decimal System, and various subjects or events that come up in our daily lives. Accelerated Reader is utilized.

 

Technology


Calvary Christian School Tech Lab

The CCS Tech Lab is a place for students to develop and hone 21st-century technology skills and apply them to everyday learning. Students are taught basic computer functions, keyboarding, and file management. Microsoft Office provides students with tools to create presentations, documents and spreadsheets. At the junior high level, students may take Technology as an enrichment where they learn Google Docs, participate in projects, give presentations, and work in a collaborative setting.

Students learn at 25 workstations, linked by a Novell network. Classes from Junior Kindergarten through 6th grade visit the lab weekly for 45-minute lessons.

In the classroom, teachers have internet access and use LCD projectors and document cameras to enhance their teaching.
 

Typing

Students receive instruction once a week for half an hour in the computer lab. Throughout the year, students use Typing Master software to focus on typing skills, speed drills, and the importance of accuracy.  Each grade level will set achievable benchmarks and goals as their typing and mastery improves. For example, students in 5th grade will hone their typing skills by utilizing Google docs to complete various work assignments and projects.