Our Curriculum
Curriculum Information
In keeping with the purpose of Trinity Lutheran School the curriculum is based on the Word of God. Subjects are selected with the view of enabling every child to develop himself into a whole child. Religion is not a segregated subject in the day's work rather its influence permeates and gives substance to all other subject areas taught.
The curriculum meets or exceeds the requirements of the State of Illinois. The Iowa Test of Basic Skills (ITBS) a nationally standardized achievement test, is given annually to students in grades 1-8. Test results for individual students will be distributed to parents with the grade reports at the end of the school year. School results are published on the school website.
Students at Trinity receive a thorough education in the following areas:
Religion—The religion curriculum is published by Concordia Publishing House and includes Bible stories as well as biblical concepts to live by. Students are encouraged to put these concepts into action. Through a planned memory program, students learn selected Scripture verses and portions of foundational Christian doctrine. Students attend a weekly chapel worship service.
Language Arts—Grammar, parts of speech, punctuation, capitalization, proper word usage, writing and spelling are parts of the language arts curriculum. The 6 Traits of Writing are taught using Write Source and Scott Foresman curriculum materials. Lower grade students are introduced to reading skills and greater comprehension. Students in upper Grades are exposed to a variety of fiction and non-fiction literature resources. Handwriting and penmanship are stressed in lower grade classes. Keyboarding skills are thought in Grade 3. Accelerated Reader is promoted in grades 2—8.
Mathematics—Fundamental math facts, concepts, and problem solving are taught through all grade levels as deemed appropriate using McGraw/McMillan textbooks in Grades 1—5 and Glenco textbooks in Grades 6—8. Accelerated Math is promoted in Grades 6—8.
Social Studies—Using the concepts of history, geography, and current events, the social studies curriculum focuses on connections to the past and other world cultures. Scott Foresman textbooks are used for Grades 3—5 and Glenco textbooks for Grades 6—8. The curriculum uses a variety of approaches and methods including teaching units, hands-on experiences, and research projects to convey the subject.
Science—The three areas of science—life, earth, and physical—are taught through a variety of means including units, hands-on experiences, textbooks, and projects. Science skills such as observation, formulating questions, collecting data, generating hypothesis, measuring, predicting, inferring, graphing, classifying, developing models, and communicating are taught as problem solving activities. Science content is taught from a Christian worldview especially as it pertains to creation of the world. McGraw/McMillan textbooks are used in grades 1—5, Prentice Hall in 6—8.
Music— Music class for each grade level (K-8) is held weekly. Lower grade students (K-2) sing a variety of vocal music, have music appreciation, and do rhythmic activities through movement and with instruments. The music curriculum for upper grades students (3-8) may include vocal music, music appreciation, recorder fundamentals, rhythm instruments, chimes, bells, and praise and worship music. Optional band instruction through the Metro East Lutheran High co-op is available for students beginning in grade 5. Violin instruction through SIUE is also available beginning with grade 3. Student performances are scheduled for worship services, chapel services, Advent services, Honors Band and Fine Arts Festival participation.
Art—Thematic Art is taught in all classes. Students connect, compare and contrast artwork of a similar theme from various cultures and periods. Decision-making skills when creating artwork continue to be strongly encouraged. Students begin to identify theories and processes associated with the Elements and Principles of Art and Design. Students begin to recognize and explain why an artist chooses specific Elements/Principles for his/her artwork. Students successfully use language that is age-appropriate and art-specific to defend their thoughts and ideas when looking at art. Students explore medium applications, techniques and skills, appropriate to their grade level.
Physical Education/Health—Lower Grade PE classes focus on games and good sportsmanship. Upper grade PE classes focus on sports and their related skills. Healthy physical, mental, and social behaviors are taught and encouraged at all levels.
Technology—Information technology is integrated into other curriculum areas by using computers and technology as a tool for research, writing, and reporting.
Metro East Lutheran High School
Trinity Lutheran Ministries is proud of its association with Metro East Lutheran High School in Edwardsville, Illinois. MELHS provides a quality, Christ-centered education in an environment that enables students to find their identity, meaning, purpose, and power to live out their varying roles as people of God in a complex, changing society.
For more information, visit MELHS online.
Accelerated Reading Program
Accelerated Reader is a program that encourages students to read by rewarding them with points for tests taken on each completed book. The student can then use their accumulated points to purchase prizes in our Accelerated Reader Store. Our "store" is open the first Friday of every month during lunch and recess. There has been a lot of excitement around the prizes, and this encourages students to strive to keep earning points as they read. We keep our "store" stocked with a variety of prizes including notebooks, candy, sports key chains, Trinity shirts, movie money, McDonald's gift certificates, Blockbuster cards, computer software, and small electronic games just to name a few. We will, also, be recognizing those students with the most points at the end of the year by awarding trophies and ribbons for 1st and 2nd place in K-2nd, 3rd-5th, and 6th-8th. We have been very pleased to be able to offer the Accelerated Reader Store to our students this year.
Achievement Tests
The curriculum meets or exceeds the requirements of the State of Illinois. The Iowa Test of Basic Skills (ITBS) a nationally standardized achievement test, is given annually to students in Grades One through Eight. Test results for individual students will be distributed to parents with the grade reports at the end of the school year. School results are published on the school website.
