Our Curriculum

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Classical Lutheran Education (CLE) seeks to cultivate in students self-knowledge, tools for learning, the ability to contemplate great ideas, and an understanding of the world in which the student lives: all for the love and service of others. Above all, classical and Lutheran education inclines a child toward truth, goodness, and beauty found fully and eternally in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

The term 'classical education' has been used in Western culture for several centuries, with each era modifying the definition and adding its own selection of topics. By the end of the 18th century, in addition to the trivium and quadrivium of the Middle Ages the definition of a classical education embraced the study of literature, poetry, drama, philosophy, history, art, and languages.  

 Our school has been using Saxon Math in all grades. Our math textbooks are content-oriented, filled with examples and problems. Mathematics in a classical education is more than the mere development of computational skills and application of concepts to practical situations. Math, while having objective immutable qualities, also meets with the human story. Children should become familiar with mathematics as well as learning the story behind Pythagoras, Euclid, Archimedes, Pascal, Newton, Euler, Bernoulli, and others. The mathematics curriculum should supplement concrete operations with abstract investigations such as "Fermat's Last Theorem." Also, students should get a sampling of math's strong ties with symbolic logic, understanding mathematics as a unique language. The way we reason and speak have direct connections with mathematical thought. 

Goals:

1. Ensure that the students have a thorough mastery of basic mathematical functions and tables.
2. Put an emphasis on conceptual, as well as practical understanding of math through the frequent use of story problems.
3. Illustrate God’s unchanging character through the timeless, logical mathematical systems He gave to man through His gift of Reason.

Memory:

1. The four basic mathematics properties; i.e. addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and their uses.
2. Multiplication facts to 12.
3. Addition and subtraction facts to 20.
4. All aspects of telling time, reading thermometers, and identifying dates.
5. All cardinal directions and basic geometric shapes.

Luther on Mathematics:

“I would have them study not only languages and history, but also singing and music together with the whole of mathematics.” (AE 45:369f).

Our science curriculum covers the four basic science groups: biology, chemistry, earth sciences and physics. They are all studied in such a way that the math and reading skills which students have acquired independently are joined in the science curriculum to hands-on activities and observations according to their appropriate age levels. In addition, history and literature are used to provide a human perspective so that the study of science does not lapse into scientism, a cold, mathematical outlook on reality, and not based in the scientific method.

Goals:

1. Teach that the Biblical creation account is true and the theory of evolution is a false form of scientism designed to deceive students into believing that there is no creator.
2. Teach the students the basic elements of both accounts and that creationism is based on real science whereas evolution is based on speculation and not facts and evidence.
3. Show the students that because God made the universe, it has inherent order which in turn makes it possible to hypothesize and experiment (scientific method). Guided inquiry will reveal to the student the intrinsic laws systems, and the truths God put in creation.
4. Demonstrate to students that the Bible is a reliable source for all science areas of study. Help students to understand that the modern conception of the Bible as merely being a book of stories with no basis in scientific fact is utterly false.
5. 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, vs. lecture. By the time the students enter secondary-level science, they should be extremely familiar with the scientific method, through repeated practice.
6. Use many forms of instruction to teach scientific concepts and methods, e.g. a large variety of experiments, demonstrations, research projects, illustrations, field trips, guest speakers, etc.

 Memory:

1. The basic steps of the scientific method.
2. The work of each of the six days of Creation.
3. The three Laws of Motion.
4. The major classifications and fields of science, e.g. Earth Science, Biology, Chemistry and Physics.

Luther on Science

“We are new in the morning-dawn of a better life; for we are beginning again to recover that knowledge of the creation which we lost through Adam’s fall. By God’s grace, we are beginning to recognize, even in the structure of the humblest floweret, his wondrous glory, his goodness, and his omnipotence. In the creation we can appreciate in some measure the power of Him who spoke and it was done, who commanded and it stood fast. Consider the peach-stone: although it is very hard, yet, in its due season it is burst asunder by the force of the very tender germ which is enclosed within the shell. But all this Erasmus passes by, not regarding it for a moment and views this new knowledge of the creature only as cows look upon a new gate.” (AE)

We expressly prefer primary, unabridged sources, encouraging the reading of fairy tales and folk tales at early stages and progressing toward the Great Books of the Western World. Reading is more than just a process. It is primarily the communication of ideas and content. We want our children not merely to read well, but to be well-read.

Goals:

1. Use phonics as the primary building blocks for teaching students to read.
2. Encourage the students to read correctly as soon as possible (normally in Kindergarten or first grade).
3. Introduce the students to high quality children’s literature as soon as possible, through our Literature program.
4. Carefully monitor the student’s reading abilities to ensure that he is at a reasonable level, is comprehending adequately, and is reading fluently, both orally and silently.
5. Foster a life-long love of reading high quality literature, after being taught to recognize the characteristics of such literature.
6. Teachers must not assume that just because literature is old and has stood the test of time, (Greek and Roman works, for example) it will be good for them to read. Teachers should be aware of what they are presenting to their students, and make sure it does not go against Biblical scripture in a direct way.

Memory:

1. The 70 Orton phonograms and their sounds.
2. Read silently with comprehension.
3. The definitions of plot, character, fiction, non-fiction, biography, etc.
4. Oral reading skills such as pronunciation, enunciation, inflection, pace, etc.
5. Biographical sketches of selected authors.

Luther on Literature:

“Finally, one thing more merits serious consideration by all those who earnestly desire to have such schools and languages established and maintained in Germany. It is this: no effort or expense should be spared to provide good libraries or book repositories, especially in the larger cities which can well afford it. For if the gospel and all the arts are to be preserved, they must be set down and held fast in books and writings. . . This is essential, not only that those who are to be our spiritual and temporal leaders may have books to read and study, but also that the good books may be preserved and not lost, together with the arts and languages which we now have by the grace of God.”

A 70 point time-line is the backbone of our history curriculum, adapted from the Steven LittleJohn time-line and the Veritas Academy history cards. The time-line is to be memorized by our students in increments beginning in Kindergarten. History, civics, and geography are studied rather than the current trend of "social studies" textbooks which direct children more toward world economics than to understanding various nations in the context of world history. 

Goals:

1. Enable the students to see the need for God's grace in the history of the world and the United States, specifically by illustrating the effect His people have had on history.
2. Broaden the students’ understanding of history and geography, specifically by deepening the level of exposure and research into various topics (e.g. U.S. History or geography) from kindergarten through 8th grade.
3. Make history and geography “come alive” for the students through the use of a unit and chronological approach to history, and its related areas, and by using many forms of information and research, e.g. biographies, illustrations, field trips, guest speakers, music, art, architecture, etc.
4. Above all, teach the students historical truth to the best of your ability. Do not rely too much on textbooks, since many times there are errors, and also, key events that are important to learn are often left out. As a Christian, we are not allowed to lie about anyone, or any people, nation or culture that has existed throughout history, so you need to be careful what you teach to your students.

Memory:

1. The names and capitals of all the fifty United States.
2. The names of most major countries of the world, capitals, flags, major rivers, mountains.
3. Key figures in history.
4. Preamble of the U.S. Constitution, the Declaration of Independence.
5. Key events and dates in history according to the historical timeline (with chants/jingles; when given event, be able to answer date; when given date, be able to associate event).

Luther on History

“But if children were instructed and trained in schools, or wherever learned and well-trained schoolmasters and schoolmistresses were available to teach the languages, the other arts, and history, they would then hear of the doings and sayings of the entire world, and how things went with various cities, kingdoms, princes, men, and women. Thus, they could in a short time set before themselves as in a mirror the character, life, counsels, and purposes – successful and unsuccessful – of the whole world from the beginning; on the basis of which they could then draw the proper inferences and in the fear of God take their own place in the stream of human events. In addition, they could gain from history the knowledge and understanding of what to seek and what to avoid in this outward life, and be able to advise and direct others accordingly. . . . For my part, if I had children and could manage it, I would have them study not only languages and history, but also singing and music together with the whole of mathematics [i.e. the quadrivium: arithmetic, music, geometry, astronomy]. For what is all this but mere child’s play? The ancient Greeks trained their children in these disciplines; yet they grew up to be people of wondrous ability, subsequently fit for everything. How I regret now that I did not read more poets and historians, and that no one taught me them!”

“To the Councilmen of All Cities in Germany that they Establish and Maintain Christian Schools” (AE, vol. 45, p. 368-70)

 Latin serves as a natural and logical follow-up to phonics and series to enrich the student's vocabulary, grammar, and understanding the roots of culture. Beginning in the lower grades, students chant Latin paradigms daily, learning basic vocabulary and common Latin phrases used in English-speaking contexts.

Our Latin program at St. Paul's utilizes two textbooks. Students at the mid-level grades use "Latin for Children". This curriculum is a strong, inviting and creative program designed to introduce students as young as 3rd and 4th grade to Latin. When used as a whole, this series trains students in Latin grammar and vocabulary as well as English derivatives in a lively, interactive way. For the upper grades, we use "Lingua Latina". This textbook promotes a more natural way of learning Latin where students learn grammar and vocabulary intuitively through extended contextual reading and an innovative system of marginal notes. It is the only textbook currently available that gives students the opportunity to learn Latin without resorting to translation, but allows them to "think" in the language.

Goals:

1. To have a better understanding of English grammar and syntax through Latin.
2. To have a strengthened English vocabulary through the Latin roots of many words.
3. TO have a deepened understanding of history and the foundations of our society.
4. To gain an appreciation for the eloquence of ancient times with modern influences.
5. To gain confidence in being able to handle a foreign language.
6. To become familiar with many terms and mottos in law, science, and medicine.

Memory:

1. The present future and perfect tenses of five conjugations. 
2. The imperative and infinitive of four conjugations. 
3. 1000-word vocabulary.
4. The five noun declensions.
5. The principle parts of 100 verbs.

Luther on Languages:

“And let us be sure of this: we will not long preserve the gospel without the languages. The languages are the sheath in which this sword of the Spirit [Eph. 6:17] is contained; they are the casket in which this jewel is enshrined; they are the vessel in which this wine is held; they are the larder in which this food is stored; and, as the gospel itself points out [Matt. 14:20], they are the baskets in which are kept these loaves and fishes and fragments.” (p. 360)

“To the Councilmen of All Cities in Germany that they Establish and Maintain Christian Schools” (AE, vol. 45, p. 360)

“To this point we have been speaking about the necessity and value of languages and Christian schools for the spiritual realm and the salvation of souls. Now let us consider also the body. Let us suppose that there were no soul, no heaven or hell, and that we were to consider solely the temporal government from the standpoint of its worldly functions. Does it not need good schools and educated persons even more than the spiritual realm? Hitherto, the sophists have shown no concern whatever for the temporal government, and have designed their schools so exclusively for the spiritual estate that it has become almost a disgrace for an educated man to marry.”

“To the Councilmen of All Cities in Germany that they Establish and Maintain Christian Schools” (AE, vol. 45, pp. 366-7)

 Classical Lutheran education strives to lead children into wisdom, eloquence, and piety. Communication: since humans are social creatures, meant to look to God in faith and care for one another in love (Lutheran doctrine of Christian vocation), it is vital that we learn to speak and write correctly and well. Mastering the mechanics of language for knowledge, understanding, and wisdom.

Goals:

1. Facilitate skills necessary for good writing, including spelling, grammar, style, and clarity.
2. Put a major emphasis on good writing by requiring the students to write often and correctly in each subject area.
3. Encourage clear thinking by the students through requiring clear writing using the Bible and other high quality literature.
4. Students will develop a handwriting that is not only legible but also beautiful and efficient.

Memory:

1. The names and functions of a noun, verb, adverb, adjective, preposition, etc.
2. Basic spelling rules.
3. Correct punctuation, marking, and capitalization rules.

Luther on Grammar:

“The children are to recite these grammatical rules from memory, so that they are compelled and driven to learn grammar well. Where the schoolmaster shuns this kind of work, as is often the case, he should be dismissed and another teacher found for the children, who will take on this work of holding the children to grammar. For no greater harm can be done to all the arts than where the children are not well trained in grammar.” (AE 40:317)