Beyond the Core Subjects
Computer Class
All elementary students in grades First through Fifth come to computer class once a week, for forty-five minutes. We spend our time working on keyboarding lessons and completing projects using applications such as office productivity and consumer-grade desktop publishing. Each year, the students are given new projects that allow them to use their creativity and their knowledge of the computer. Students have been working on creating restaurants (Fourth & Fifth), maps and hidden pictures (Second & Third). First graders work on their reading and phonics skills, as well as their keyboarding. Computer class affords our students the opportunity to learn skills that will carry them through an increasingly technical world.
Physical Education
The King's Way Elementary PE program consists of the First through Fifth grade classes. Our emphasis is to build character and sportsmanship in our students while giving them a time of physical activity during their school day. We focus on developing motor skills in our First and Second grade level children through games and relays. Our hope is that this will be a very fun time in their day when they can get some of their wiggles out and not take themselves too seriously.
The Third, Fourth and Fifth grade level classes are a little more focused on specific sports skills such as soccer, basketball, volleyball and kickball, among others. While competition is part of sporting games and relays, we do not want it to be the primary focus. Along with teaching your children the importance of good sportsmanship, we want to teach them that a combination of physical activity and good nutrition will lead to a lifetime of good health.
Music
King’s Way Elementary's music program focuses on teaching children the joy of music. Children are exposed to many different styles and types of music and are encouraged to express their own musicality through singing, dancing, and playing instruments. Each elementary class attends two 30 minute music classes every week. Kindergarten classes attend music class one time a week.
The main components in the King’s way music curriculum are as follows:
Music Theory: Children begin learning musical theory concepts in kindergarten. Each year musical concepts are reinforced and expanded upon. Music theory facts are presented through the mediums of fun songs, games, and stories.
Music Reading: Children apply the music theory concepts they are learning to music they are singing or playing by locating and identifying note names, intervals, and other musical signs.
Music Appreciation: Musical appreciation is presented though the use of age appropriate stories, listening to different styles of music (classical, jazz, instrumental, choral, and musical theater), and videos of great performances.
Composers and the History of Music: The lives of famous composers and the history of music are taught to all ages in interesting and informative ways.
Instruments of the Orchestra: Students are introduced to the instruments of the orchestra. They will learn to identify instruments by their appearance and sound. Ultimately, each student will be encouraged to learn to play an instrument. Classroom instruments include rhythm instruments, xylophones, and boomwackers (pitched musical tubes).
Integration with Classroom Topics: King’s Way’s music program integrates musical learning with topics that the children are studying in their regular classrooms.
Performance Opportunities: Each grade level presents a musical once during the year. The grade level programs generally relate to a topic that the students are studying in their classrooms. The Fifth grade department presents a musical program based on the lives and music of seven great composers. Students in grades Three through Five are also given the opportunity to perform for their classmates once a month during “class performance day.”
American Heritage and Folk Songs: American heritage and folk songs help to teach American and World history as students learn about the emotions and feelings of a historical time and place through the music of that time and place.
Praise and Worship: Children are taught praise and worship songs that help them learn to express their love for God through music.
Vocal Techniques: Children are encouraged to use proper singing techniques which will help them develop into better singers and protect their voices from overuse.
In addition to the main components of the elementary music curriculum, Fifth grade students have the opportunity to join the Fifth Grade Band. They will learn to read, play and sing the different parts in many different styles of music. The Fifth Grade Band performs at local choral and band festivals for adjudication.