History

History

We introduce history in the first and second grades through a study of selected Bible stories to show that God, through his love and wisdom, takes care of his people. In addition to the Bible, lower school students are introduced to American history.

First Grade

Students learn about all of the U.S. holidays through art, literature, and creative writing projects.

Second Grade

Students cover very basic American history using the A Beka Our America textbook. They learn about American flag, patriotic holidays, America's songs, separatists, American Indians, colonists, pioneers, etc. They also do some fun history activities. For example, students make hornbooks like those used by children in colonial times. On election day they learn about voting using a ballot box and casting their own votes which were tallied on the board.

Third Grade

American history continues in the third grade using the Our American Heritage A Beka book. This text provides character-based lessons which focus on historical figures from Christopher Columbus through Martin Luther King.

As part of their Jamestown study, students select an occupation they would like to have been if they had lived in Jamestown.  Each student researches what they would have done in Jamestown and explains it to the class.  They also make something to represent their occupation as part of their presentation.  Students may dress in costume for their presentation if they wish.

Sacred Studies

Our belief that the Lord Jesus Christ as the source of all truth is the foundational principle of our school. This belief is demonstrated through our lower school sacred studies curriculum as well as through daily attendance at the Chapel service. All students learn: the Apostles’ Creed, the Lord’s Prayer, the Ten Commandments, and the books of the Bible as well as a weekly Bible verse.

The students follow the 1928 Book of Common Prayer during the daily Chapel service. St. Thomas' continues to read from the King James version of the Bible for its lyrical and reverent language. By doing so, the children develop a rich vocabulary that prepares them for study of older English literature such as Milton and Shakespeare.

We firmly believe that our sacred studies curriculum and daily Chapel provide the foundation upon which our students may develop good character.