Curriculum

The spiritual nurture of the Christian faith from the Lutheran perspective is highly valued. Activities include daily classroom devotions and Bible readings, prayers, a weekly school-wide worship service, and the encouragement to attend weekend worship and Sunday School classes.

God and Godly ideas permeate the curriculum just as God and godly ideas permeate the life of the Christian.

The curriculum is under constant evaluation with upgrading as is appropriate.
To meet the aims and purposes of the school, each child attending Good Shepherd Lutheran School receives a thorough and integrated course of religious teaching and applications. The learning environment gives the children opportunities for personal achievement and personal growth.

Textbooks, subject matter experiences, and instructional activities vary from grade level to grade level. We use textbooks from a variety of companies including Concordia Publishing House, Abeka, Zaner Bloser, Super Kids, Big Ideas, TCI, Prentice Hall, Wordly-WiseShirley English, Macmillan /Glencoe-McGraw Hill

Kindergarten through Grade 6

The full range of subjects includes religion, math, social studies, reading, English, science, handwriting, spelling, physical education, music, art, foreign languages, computer education, and current events.

Experiences in art and music are important parts of the school experience at Good Shepherd. Art and music classes are held weekly, three choirs and two bands provide individual and group experiences, and personal piano and violin lessons are available during and after the school day.

Children’s cultural horizons are expanded through foreign language instruction which begins in kindergarten. With parental guidance, students may learn Spanish.

A Resource Room Teacher and School Counselor are available for children with special needs.

Physical education and health education are addressed through the curriculum and by extra-curricular activities for boys and girls.

In kindergarten and the elementary grades, students are challenged to develop basic skills while expanding their base of general knowledge in science, health, and social studies.

Computers are used to develop and reinforce what is taught during the school day. Students are taught the MS Office applications, use of Mac OS, iLife suite, use of the Internet, and learn and develop keyboard skills.

The kindergarten program emphasizes phonics, reading readiness, developmental thinking, mathematical relationships, beginning science and social studies skills and concepts, and the overall development of a meaningful academic program for future formalized schooling.

Grades 7 & 8

The junior high years of grades 7 and 8 usher in academic opportunities which call on students to make use of the skills and knowledge gained in the early grades even as they continue to refine their skills and expand their knowledge of the world God has given them.

Students expand their computer skills as they are taught word processing, spreadsheets, presentation software, use of Mac OS, iLife suite, and develop their own homepages. They are given projects based on problem solving and they use the various applications they learned to complete the project.

Education of children in the elementary and junior high levels is based on the need for a firm foundation of basic knowledge to ensure the tools necessary for children to function successfully in the broadening scope of education.

All coursework is presented in creative and meaningful ways. Each subject is approached from a distinctly Christian point of view.

GENERAL OVERVIEW:

RELIGIONLANGUAGE ARTSSOCIAL STUDIESSCIENCEMUSICARTPHYSICAL EDUCATION
Daily devotions, chapel services, Bible study, catechism study, memory work, church history, worship study, music, and songs. All students are required to take religious instruction and are responsible for completing class work and assignments in this subject.
English, spelling, literature, reading, phonics, research skills, dictionary skills, composition writing, oral presentation, vocabulary.
Geography, history, citizenship, current events, map skills, U.S. and World History, Illinois History.[/tab] Arithmetic skills, concept development, problem solving, decimals, measurements, algebra, geometry, life skills, critical thinking skills
General science, hands-on scientific experience, life science, earth science, elements of physics, elements of chemistry, physical science, health and nutrition, science fair participation, outdoor education, drug and alcohol awareness program, natural science.
Music education classes include singing, rhythm, reading music, and listening. Instrumental band, keyboard, and choir groups are available for participation.
Creative expression classes in drawing, painting, sculpture, printing, history and art appreciation, holiday crafts and activities
Motor facilitation, physical skill development, calisthenics, physical fitness, gymnastics, games, team sports, dance, aerobics. Participation in the Fitness Gram