Course Descriptions: Grammar School Core
Pre-Kindergarten Core
Language Arts. This course introduces phonetic principles, handwriting skills, reading, and spelling. The purpose is to fully prepare the student with strong skills in both decoding and encoding words. The literature component is designed to enhance literary awareness by presenting various types of literature throughout the year. Listening, recall, and oral reading skills are also stressed. Math. Skills learned and practiced include number recognition and counting; sequencing; acting out addition and subtraction stories; graphing; counting money; covering and replicating geometric designs; telling time to the hour.
The day in Math begins with a “meeting” where students look at the calendar and weather, practice skip counting or some simple mental math review. After this warm-up, the teacher proceeds to read the lesson to the student, generally using manipulative exercises to demonstrate the concept. The student practices with the teacher, then on his own with a worksheet.
The overall Saxon Math approach is incremental and any given concept in a lesson is actually just a small part of a larger concept. Concepts are taught in these small pieces, and gradually built up. Review is constant, daily, and cumulative, ensuring that concepts become familiar and second nature. History, Literature, and Science. Our Pre-K program uses the Five In A Row (FIAR) curriculum to teach much of our core subjects. Five in a Row provides students with a unit-study approach to early education based on outstanding children's literature. Students will draw from this classic literature - History, Language, Art, Applied Math, and Science in a way that causes children to fall in love with learning. Students will hear the story aloud each day during the week. Teacher and co-teacher will teach a different subject each day. For example, one Monday the story might prompt history lessons, geography lessons, discussions on foreign culture. On Tuesday students might examine the author's use of language, learning about punctuation, vocabulary, literary devices, creative writing and more. Wednesday students could participate in a comprehensive art lesson and explore the illustrator's techniques, style and use of materials with lots of hands-on art lessons. Finally, on Thursday, students could explore science together with activities to learn more about weather, astronomy, biology, physics, chemistry, and more. Language Arts and History Blocks
Language Arts and History are combined into one core block for grades one through four. By combining language arts and history into one block, we maximize the time and the effectiveness of studies by integrating topics and assignments. For example, class readers for language arts will often be in line with the time period being studied in history. Writing assignments will integrate both subjects and utilize a variety of styles including expository, narrative, and research-based work. Beginning in 5th grade, core courses are offered individually rather than in core blocks.
LANGUAGE ARTS OVERVIEW The two major goals of Trinity Classical School’s language arts program are to develop and refine students’ skills in both oral and written communication and to promote an understanding of and appreciation for fine literature. We believe that the first goal can best be accomplished through an instructional emphasis on reading and writing proficiencies and a utilitarian approach to the study of language structures (i.e., grammar) and that true achievement in the second goal can come about only as students are taught to evaluate the world's great literature against the standard of scriptural truth and wisdom. Thus, Trinity Classical School seeks to balance the development of communication proficiencies with training in a biblically-based approach to critical thinking skills. HISTORY OVERVIEW The value you place on history is dictated by your worldview. To the progressive modernist, history is an interesting study in how we got to our present, enlightened state. By contrast, to the classicist, history is the laboratory of the human condition. We study it because it shows the formulation of ideas and the consequences of those ideas– a core value for wisdom. We cycle through the world’s history three times, each with a different purpose. By the final cycle, we expect students to intuitively see the ideas that play their way out in the laboratory of the world. Language Arts & History Block – Kindergarten Language Arts. Kindergarten language arts uses a multi-sensory approach to teaching phonics, spelling, handwriting, grammar, and reading in a logical sequence. Students are introduced to the phonograms—the basic building blocks of the English language—which are then applied in oral and written spelling exercises as well as in reading. This course lays the foundation for writing by reinforcing proper mechanics and techniques through the narrative style. Kindergarten students begin in 100 Easy Lessons to learn reading phonetically and move to the Individualized Reading Program by the end of the year. History. Students study map skills including naming and locating the seven continents and the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. Kindergarten uses A History for Little Pilgrims to guide them through a unit study about the Thanksgiving story including pilgrims, Native Americans, and early colonization. In addition, students will learn the basic timeline and overview of Biblical History. Language Arts & History Block – First Grade Language Arts. First grade language arts integrates the basic foundational skills of phonics, spelling, reading and handwriting in a direct systematic, cumulative, process-oriented, multi-sensory format. In grammar, students use jingles to learn the rules and definitions of grammar. The reading course includes intensive phonics instruction, oral reading and comprehension and recreational reading. The spelling course is a culmination of the phonics and handwriting curricula. The phonograms learned through handwriting are applied to spell words and other reliable spelling patterns are introduced. Spelling lists are categorized according to the reliable spelling patterns and rules of the English language. Irregular words are presented as exceptions in contrast to the regular patterns. First grade will also have classic literature read aloud to them throughout the year in order to work on linguistic development and to cultivate a taste for quality narrative. This literature is typically chosen to integrate topically with the historical time period students are studying. In History 1, students explore Creation, the Nation of Israel, and ancient Egypt, Greece, Rome and other Middle Eastern countries through topical studies. Students examine the culture of these times through quality literature, hands-on activities and drama. Language Arts & History Block – Second Grade Language Arts. Second grade language arts integrates spelling, grammar, and reading comprehension skills to provide the basic tools to read and respond to literature. Students use jingles to learn the rules and definitions of grammar and to apply them to sentence labeling. They also learn how to expand, improve, and edit their writing as they are introduced to the expository, descriptive, and narrative styles. Second grade will have classic literature read aloud to them throughout the year in order to work on linguistic development and to cultivate a taste for quality narrative. This literature is typically chosen to integrate topically with the historical time period students are studying. History. Beginning with the fall of the Roman Empire, this course surveys the Medieval and Early Renaissance periods in world history. Students learn about this period by reading literature, history texts, creating art projects, and participating in living history events such as a medieval feast. Language Arts & History Block – Third Grade Language Arts. This comprehensive course includes spelling, grammar, writing, and reading. Students use jingles to learn the rules and definitions of grammar which are then applied to both simple and complex sentences. Excellent writing skills are developed through the synthesis of all language arts components along with a focused effort on techniques targeted to structure and style in various types of writing. Third grade will also read classic literature throughout the year in order to work on linguistic development and to cultivate a taste for quality narrative. This literature is typically chosen to integrate topically with the historical time period students are studying. History. This American history course covers the colonial period, the struggle for independence, and westward expansion as well as significant world history between 1600 and 1850. Students learn about this time period through original sources, writing assignments, map activities, projects, and drama. Language Arts & History Block – Fourth Grade Language Arts. This is a comprehensive course including spelling, grammar, writing, and literature. With knowledge from previous studies, students learn composition methods that create exemplary writing and prose. Attention is given to literary analysis and the development of vocabulary through literature. The chosen literature corresponds directly with the History 4 time period. History. In fourth grade, students explore the Civil War, Reconstruction to 1914, the World Wars and the changing world in which we live. Emphasis is placed on reading literature which is illustrative of this time period. Additional assignments include timelines, maps, and other activities designed to enhance understanding of this period in world history. Language Arts & History Block – Fifth Grade Language Arts. Language Arts 5 equips students to communicate verbally with increased confidence and effectiveness. Our studies in grammar, spelling, and classical roots vocabulary give students building blocks for composition. In Language Arts 5, students sharpen their writing skills as they compose several expository, narrative, and creative pieces. Literature selections include such titles as The Hittite Warrior; The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe; and The Children’s Homer. These readings complement studies in Ancient history and develop students’ skills in literary analysis. History. In History 5, students study ancient history focusing on the major events, figures, movements, and ideas of the ancient Israelites, Egyptians, Greeks, Romans, and other Middle Eastern nations. During the fall semester students focus on Old Testament history, and in the spring students concentrate on ancient Greece and Rome. Using hands-on, interactive teaching methods, instructors emphasize time periods in which these cultures overlap. The lives of significant historical figures such as Moses, Pericles, Julius Caesar, Jesus, and the apostle Paul are emphasized. The relationship between historical events, geography, and the spread of the gospel is also emphasized. Math and Science Blocks
Mathematics and science are combined into core blocks for grades one through four. By combining math and science into one block, we maximize the time and the effectiveness of studies by integrating topics and assignments. We will use use many forms of instruction to teach scientific concepts and methods, including a variety of experiments, demonstrations, research projects, field trips, and guest speakers.
MATHEMATICS OVERVIEW TCS aims to ensure that students have a thorough mastery of basic mathematical functions and tables at the Grammar Stage. We emphasize a conceptual as well as practical understanding of math through the frequent use of word problems. In all this, we hope to illustrate God's unchanging character through the timeless, logical mathematical systems He gave to man through His gift of reason. SCIENCE OVERVIEW Our science curriculum aims to teach students that because God made the universe, it has inherent order, which in turn makes it possible to hypothesize, experiment, and apply the scientific method. Guided inquiry will reveal the intrinsic laws, systems, and truths God put into Creation. Our desire is that students treat the study of science as a “means to an end," not an end in itself. That is, curiosity, experimentation, demonstration, research, should be emphasized as the process and way of using science, as opposed to the study of facts. Facts should be attained as the result of research and discovery, versus lecture. By the time the students enter secondary level science, they should be extremely familiar with the scientific method, through repeated practice.
Math and Science Block – Kindergarten
Math. This course teaches addition/subtraction of 2-digit numbers; 2-dimensional shapes; measurement in metric and standard units; patterns and mental math; place value to 100; mental math; one-step word problems; telling time to the half-hour; addition/subtraction of money; and picture graphs. Science. Kindergarten students participate in experiments related to units, encouraging formation of a hypothesis based on previous knowledge and recognition of the steps in the scientific process. Topics include plants, zoo and farm animal classification, the five senses, the four seasons, oviparous and non-oviparous animals. Math and Science Block – First Grade
Math. In this course students learn to compare numbers to 1000; understand hundreds, tens and ones; add/subtract 3-digit numbers; measure lengths/weight in standard and metric units; multiply/divide; solve mental addition and subtraction; count money; recognize fractions; tell time; recognize time intervals; recognize 3-dimensional shapes; and solve one-step word problems.
Science. The focus of Science 1 is life science. Students learn about their bodies, where they live, what they see, and the wonder of the Lord’s Creation in its many forms: habitats, families of animals, and the diversity of climates matching the needs of specific creatures. Math and Science Block – Second Grade Math. This course covers number patterns; numbers to 10,000; place value – thousands, hundreds, tens and ones; addition/subtraction of 4-digit numbers; multiplication and division facts; multiplication/division of 3-digit number by 1-digit number; two-step word problems; mental calculation in addition/subtraction of 2-digit numbers and multiplication/division of 10 and 1000 by 1-digit; bar graphs, fractions – equivalent, mixed numbers and improper fractions; geometry – angles, right angles, area and perimeter; decimal notation; and beginning algebraic concepts.
Science. Science 2 focuses on earth science and astronomy. The goal is to introduce students to this area of study and to enhance their observation skills through hands-on experiments in learning about topics such as volcanoes, earthquakes, and the water cycle. In the second semester, students study the planets, constellations and other aspects of the universe in which we live.
Math and Science Block – Third Grade Math. This course will cover whole numbers and place value up to 10 million; factors and multiples; estimation in addition/subtraction/multiplication/division; multiplication/division of 4-digit numbers by 1 and 2 digit numbers; addition/subtraction/multiplication of fractions; tables and graphs; geometry; area and perimeter; addition/subtraction/multiplication/division of decimals; conversion between decimals and fractions; division of money and measurement units; and beginning algebraic concepts.
Science. The principles of chemistry—the way atoms and molecules react with one another to form different substances—are introduced through experimentation in Science 3. Students learn the definitions of basic terms, conduct experiments and record observations. They also gain familiarity with the periodic table and major classifications of the elements therein.
Math and Science Block – Fourth Grade Math. This course covers whole numbers and place values up to the millions; approximation and estimation; multiplication/division of 4-digit numbers by 2-digit numbers; order of operations; multi-step word problems; multiplication/division of fractions; addition/subtraction of mixed numbers; mental multiplication/division of numbers by 10s, 100s and 1000s; measuring of angles; ratios; mental multiplication/division of numbers with 3-decimal places by 10s, 100s, and 1000s; multiplication/division of numbers up to 2-decimal places by a 2-digit whole number; finding the area of a triangle; conversion of measurements; percentages; triangles – sum of angles of a triangle, isosceles and equilateral triangles, drawing triangles; four sided figures – parallelogram, rhombus and trapezoid; tessellations – tiling patterns; volume of cubes and cuboids; and finding the volume of a solid. Science. Science 4 is an introduction to physics. This course lays the foundation for further studies by introducing the fundamental aspects of physics including magnetism, gravity, light, sound, motion, and various forms of energy. Students also begin to actively use the scientific method, getting hands-on experience in the steps of defining a problem, suggesting possible outcomes, and experimenting for them.
Math and Science Block – Fifth Grade
Math. This course serves as a transition between grammar-stage math in which concepts are introduced and the basic foundation is laid and the logic stage of math in which relationships are explored in more detail. Topics of study include algebraic expressions, ratios, fractions, percentages, geometry, and challenging word problems involving all of the topics listed.
Science. Fifth grade science revisits biology, or life science. During the first semester, there is an emphasis on cells and their components as the basic building blocks of all living things and animals and their classifications. The human body takes center stage second semester with a focus on anatomy, nutrition and matters related to health. Throughout the year, numerous hands-on labs are performed that enable students to dissect and investigate the constructs of living organisms.
Course Descriptions: Grammar School Electives
Fine ArtsFine Arts Electives Sampler (Pre-K and Kinder) A sampling of each of our electives from our Grammar School Fine Arts Track in which grades 1-5 participate. The year will be broken into four quarters in which students will sample four different electives; Visual Arts, Musical Arts, Theatre Arts, and Literary Arts. Please see the description of these individual electives for more details on the nature of the class for each quarter.
Kinesiology and FitnessTCS boys age 5-6 participate in the Spring Branch Football League! Our flag football team, the Titans, practice Mondays and Wednesdays after school, and are coached by TCS dads. Foreign Language
Song School Greek (1st Grade) Song School Greek is a lively and gentle introduction to Koine Greek, the language of the New Testament, and Modern Greek. Each of the thirty-two weekly lessons includes songs, fun vocabulary, illustrations, handwriting practice, stories, games and activities. Enjoyable, everyday vocabulary is introduced in weekly lessons to encourage and engage young students.
Song School Latin (2nd Grade) Song School Latin is a gentle and delightful introduction to Latin. Each weekly lesson is peppered with songs, illustrations, hand-writing practice, stories and activities for easy mastery and memorization. Students learn over a hundred engaging everyday Latin vocabulary words for the seasons, body parts, food, animals and common greetings.
Latin A (3rd - 5th Grade) Latin A is an introductory course with elements to engage grammar students with a love for Latin. As a step beyond just an exposure to the language, it trains students in grammar, vocabulary and English derivatives in a lively, interactive way that is perfectly suited to students in the grammar stage.
Latin B (3rd - 5th Grade) The Latin B course builds upon concepts students learned in Latin A. Students will continue in their attention to Latin grammar, vocabulary, and derivatives in more depth.
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