A Summary of the Kindergarten Curriculum
In Kindergarten, we teach three core subjects: Reading, Writing, and Arithmetic. These are the foundation for all other learning and are therefore given top priority of time and effort. All other subjects are introduced via our enrichment program which centers around a weekly read-aloud picture book. You can see the curriculum and learn more from our publisher, Memoria Press.
Reading and Writing
Reading is without a doubt the most important goal of a child’s first years of school. We teach Kindergarteners to read through a strong phonics program that matches letters with sounds and quickly uses those sounds to blend words. Students practice with flashcards, writing and handwriting, dictation, word lists, stories, activities on the board, etc. We even do tongue-training exercises to ensure kids are saying and hearing the sounds correctly. We do use whole-word recognition for about 45 common words that don’t easily fit phonetic rules.
All of these exercises are teacher-led, which increases accuracy and gives the opportunity for immediate feedback–making sure students get as many correct repetitions as possible and develop a firm reading foundation.
Math
In every subject, we start with the basics, and in math, that’s arithmetic. The goal of Kindergarten through 2nd grade is to learn to print numbers and master addition and subtraction facts. We teach and practice these with counting, recitation, flashcards, fact families, money, and skip counting. The goal is to develop a level of automaticity that gives the students mental freedom to learn harder math concepts when the time comes. We don’t introduce any algebra, geometry, or higher-level concepts until students are developmentally prepared. We start with the concrete number sense that is suitable and satisfying for young children.
Christian Studies
Our Christian Studies program is designed to develop three things: Bible literacy, knowledge of Church history, and a strong personal faith and Christian consciousness.
We start with systematic coverage of the whole Bible. Kindergarteners study Genesis, Exodus, and the stories of Jesus’s birth, death, and resurrection. First grade finishes the Old Testament and 2nd grade covers the New Testament. In 3rd-6th grade, this survey repeats with deeper and more rigorous study. Kindergarten lessons begin with a story read aloud from a picture Bible. We teach the necessary vocabulary and emphasize where each story fits in the timeline of redemption history.
By the end of Kindergarten, students will be able to name the key people and events from creation to the crossing of the Red Sea, and know that they all point to the coming of Christ.
Science and History
In Kindergarten through 2nd grade, science and history are enrichment subjects. This is one area where we don’t yet teach to mastery, but rather give students a gentle introduction. We focus on developing all of the reading, writing, and arithmetic skills that pave the way for rigorous history and science study that starts in 3rd grade. Our weekly read-aloud selections intentionally include books with science and history topics, and even phonics instruction includes science elements such as nature facts.
In later grades, science and history are taught with a depth-over-breadth approach, teaching students how to thoroughly study a topic. We start with the world God made and move through more complex and detailed topics as appropriate for student development, always praising the Creator of it all.
Music, Art, and Poetry
The goal of studying music, art, and poetry is to develop a taste for what is good and beautiful. Each week, students are shown a piece of art and listen to a selection of music. The teacher shares about the artist or composer and points out the distinct elements, teaching students to observe thoughtfully. We also read beautiful poetry that students enjoy for its playful rhyme and elevated language. All of these selections connect with the weekly read-aloud books and have been chosen to help children develop a taste for quality and beauty.
This is the education we want for our own children, and we invite you to join us!
Contact us to schedule a parent meeting or apply today.
Liberty Classical School is a full-time, private Christian Classical school in Lincoln, NE. We exist to educate children that they may know and love the truth. We partner with parents to establish men and women who glorify God as loyal servants. We equip our students to be formidable adversaries of falsity and all other enemies of God. We believe that the primary end for education is not merely survival, but glory—glory in the truth and Glory to God—the Father, the Spirit and the Son—on Earth as it is in Heaven. Amen.