Mrs. Kathy Belcher
kbelcher@randolph.k12.il.us
Religion
Understanding that they are saved by grace through faith in Jesus, these students can more easily verbalize the everyday struggles between sinful and sanctified natures. As reading skills increase, they can more meaningfully read the Gospel and gain strength from it. Their personal knowledge of Jesus’ life expands and gives them more insight into this loving and caring God. They understand that God is an omniscient God who stays by their sides and helps them in many ways. Through their love for God, they learn to love others. This love enables the students to encourage classmates as well as others in their walk with the Lord. They continue to gain an appreciation for Martin Luther and his teachings as well as recognizing the liturgical seasons and significance of visual symbols in the church.
Math
The concepts of simplifying and determining which information is essential in solving a problem draw on previous learning. Students work with decimals, ratios, estimating, factoring, probability, dollars and cents, time, and rounding as they continue on with higher level thinking skills and how these skills relate to mathematics. The understanding of fractions and decimals prepares them for future learning. Geometric terms and constructions provide visual evidence of learning in this area and measurement concepts include dimensional objects. Students will continue to develop skills of division as they work with larger numbers.
Language Arts
Enjoying literature involves all aspects of reading at this level. Students continue to develop their skills, while at the same time, exposure to a wide variety of literary forms occurs. Grammar skills develop with the students understanding of all eight parts of speech, sentence structure, and diagramming. In conjunction with the grammar skills, writing involves applying those skills to many different forms.
Handwriting
Maintaining and reinforcing correct letter and number formation is emphasized in this grade. Students are expected to show an orderliness and high level of neatness in all written work that uses letters and/or numbers. Self-evaluation charts are used by students to compare the accuracy and neatness of their handwriting.
Social Studies
God’s hand in the exploration of the New World, creation of our nation through the and its government, through the Civil War, is the focus of this class. Historic events, individuals, and the impact of the contributions from the groups that settled this nation are all studied to give the students a broad understanding of this great nation and the strength that has resulted from the diversity. The role of the United States as an economic power is studied and contributions to the economic well being are identified. The Constitution and its power to preserve the freedoms of the citizens of America are acknowledged by the students as they study this and other documents. Learning more about maps and developing more map skills enable the students to see the relationship between the United States and other nations of the world. A study of current events and their impact on our society is also covered.
Science
Students at this age are becoming more aware of their bodies and how they are alike and yet different from others. They learn about cells, organs, and systems of the body. Asexual and sexual reproduction is discussed on an age appropriate level. Beside themselves, they learn about plants and animals and cell life in these living things and the study of their ecosystem. Looking beyond themselves, students continue to learn more about the solar system, the geology of earth and how weather is predicted based on things such as maps, instruments, and cloud types. Matter and all of its forms, the relationship between energy and work, light and sound, and the understanding of chemicals making simple compounds form the basis of physical science for these students. Hands-on investigations help the students see the connection between learning and doing.
Computer Science
Computer literacy begins at this level. Students become familiar with computer related terminology and understand more about the parts of the computer, which they can identify. Their familiarity with the keyboard and word processing skills allows them to produce a child’s book. Desktop publishing skills and knowledge about file sharing continue. Work on educational software that reinforces classroom objective continues. Students are introduced to the usefulness of databases. They create and print their own database.
Art
Ideas for drawings and sketches have roots in concepts learned in other areas such as the use of perpendicular lines, volume, mass, creation, and repetition. Mixing new colors and using them are fun for the students. More crafts and mediums provide more opportunities for creativity on the part of the student. Further study of great works of art continues.
Music
Having fun with rhythms, these students identify percussion sounds and echoes. They are able to recognize harmony and melody, and as their voices are developing more, they enjoy choral work that lets them put their classroom knowledge to work. Classical music forms are studied and an appreciation for various forms of musical techniques is encouraged. Using different modes, students are encouraged to use music as a method of expressing feelings. Christian music is an integral part of our music program and is implemented in the curriculum through the use taped music and CDs (such as “WOW 95” WOW 2000). Christian Rock is also used from time to time.
Physical Education
Improved coordination in this age student is also present with increased flexibility, endurance, and agility. Multiple team sports hold their attention and give the students ample opportunities to exercise the social and emotional changes that they are also beginning to experience. Courage and Christian sportsmanship are encouraged and emphasized in all activities. Leisure time sports are also becoming more popular with this age student.
