Pre-Grammar Stage
The earliest years of education at Midway Covenant Christian School are referred to as the “pre-grammar” stages. During these years, students are developing the skills necessary to excel during the grammar years. These skills include learning to read and basic computation, but they also include virtues such as curiosity, love of learning, patience, courage to explore their imagination, a sense of justice, and wisdom. During the pre-grammar stage, students are taught to read phonetically and to compute using manipulatives. They are also taught educational virtues from a biblical perspective.
Phonics
During the pre-grammar stages of education, our students are learning to read. In the kindergarten years our students are learning to read by focusing on phonics. They learn basic consonants and vowel sounds followed by letter blends and sight words. By the end of their kindergarten years students should be able to sound out words and read picture books. This introduction to reading prepares them to read their first chapter books during their first-grade years.
Narration
One of the most important aspects of a classical education is an introduction to the great stories. Narration, in which the teacher reads stories out loud and helps the students understand those stories, is an integral part of the pre-grammar education. During the pre-grammar years, the students will be introduced to the great stories of the Bible and other great stories like Aesop’s Fables, the fairy tales of Hans Christian Anderson, the Brothers Grimm, and Charles Perrault. Familiarity with these stories is foundational in teaching children to cultivate a healthy and virtuous imagination.
Handwriting
As the students learn their letters in phonics, they will practice neat handwriting. This prepares the students for clear communication as they further progress in their education. It also teaches students to value beauty and the pursuit of excellence.
Heritage Studies
The pre-school students will learn about the important traditions and holidays of Christianity. They will also learn about the leaders and significant historical events that are celebrated in American culture.
Fine Arts
Math
All of our pre-school students have art and music class. The students learn to enjoy art and practice expressing themselves in artistic ways. They will learn basic concepts of rhythm and melody in their music classes. In the art classes they will learn about different art mediums as they practice neatness and expression. Our fine arts classes also encourage the students to appreciate the classics of our cultural tradition.
During the pre-school years, the students will learn basic math facts. This learning includes an awareness of the number families and the ability to count to 100. The students will use manipulatives to learn the basics of addition and subtraction. They will also be able to compare quantities to determine relative value.
Physical Education
Bible
The goal of education is not only to train the mind, but the whole body as well. Good education requires habits that instill discipline, courage, teamwork, and wisdom. Physical Education plays a significant role in developing all of the skills. In Physical Education, the students will practice good decision making, learn healthy habits, and utilize clear communication.
Every day the pre-school begins with a Bible class. The students learn Bible stories, practice Scripture memory, and learn songs that teach them to praise God with heart, soul, and mind. At Midway Covenant Christian School, we believe the Bible is foundational to all other learning. Learning the Scriptures and developing a moral imagination also helps the students learn the boundaries of the heart, mind, and soul so that as they ask questions and develop their curiosity, they will be oriented in godly directions.
Wilderness Wanderers
Our pre-school curriculum includes a time to explore God’s creation and develop curiosity. The class provides the children an opportunity to explore our garden and trails around campus. They will learn to see the world as God’s creation and practice asking thoughtful questions while they increase their curiosity about creation. One of the most important elements of developing good scientific thinking is curiosity. In the wilderness wanderers class, our goal is to develop curious students who learn to ask good questions.