Elementary School

Curriculum Overview

The curriculum at Good Shepherd Lutheran School is designed to provide each child with a well-rounded education. Teachers individualize and differentiate instruction to meet the needs of all levels of ability.

Special attention is given to appropriate experiences and enrichment classes for each age level. The challenging academic curriculum is enhanced with specialty teachers in Music, Physical Education, Drama, Technology, Music and Spanish.

Field trips enhance the curriculum and provide stimulating experiences related to particular areas of study. The California State Curriculum Standards are followed as an indication of minimum levels, although additional content and skills are presented.

Religious Instruction

Good Shepherd Lutheran School is a mission of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church and a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Education Association. We offer quality instruction, which is Christ-centered in a secure and loving environment. Special emphasis is given to applying God's Word to our everyday life. Students have the opportunity to worship together in a weekly chapel service.

Language Arts

A great amount of time in elementary school is spent in the area of language arts. This includes listening, reading, speaking and writing skills. From reading their first book to the study of literature, and from writing their first sentences to composing a formal composition, the students are learning effective communication skills necessary in our complex world. We include a strong basic phonics program in the early grades.

Mathematics

Students at Good Shepherd learn not only basic math facts, calculation, computation, geometry, and pre-algebra, but also how to problem-solve and apply the logic of math to math-related problems they are likely to encounter. The learning environment is often one in which the teacher facilitates the discovery process.

Social Studies

In social studies we are concerned with people and their relationships to God, each other, and the world in which they live. From home and community to our state, country, and world, students study the history and culture of people. Students at Good Shepherd stay abreast with current events and geography to better understand the world in which they live.

Science

In science our teachers direct students to the evidence of God's love, wisdom, and power. Through the study of the universe and the biological and physical sciences, students have the opportunity to experience God's creation. Our curriculum offers many opportunities for hands-on experiences.

Health and Physical Education

In our study of health we encourage development of positive life skills. The focus in our P.E. program is on fostering personal life-long fitness activities, and encouraging children's sense of self-confidence in order to achieve them.

Music and Drama

Good Shepherd has an extensive Music program that provides opportunities for developing performance skills for all grades. The third graders learn to play the recorder, and the fourth and fifth grade students participate in instrumental band. All grades participate in a weekly music class. Students present the Christmas and Easter programs, as well as the Spring Play and Talent Show each year using drama, readings, and song.

Art

Good Shepherd offers an Art program in each grade to foster creativity and cultivate appreciation.

Computer Education

Good Shepherd is fortunate to have a centrally located computer lab to enhance student learning.

Spanish

The Spanish program offered at Good Shepherd Lutheran School focuses on vocabulary and practicing simple grammar. The children learn pronunciation, noun gender, adjectives, verbs and numbers through games, role-playing, stories and songs in Spanish. The emphasis is on oral communication.