Lower School
The earliest years in a child’s education are formative ones in which they will develop a lifelong love of learning.
At the lower school children are learning how to learn. The innate curiosity of each child is the beginning of learning. We transform this curiosity into a passion for learning, creating independent and enthusiastic students. Our holistic approach to learning prepares students intellectually, spiritually, socially and physically through engaging learning opportunities that are interactive, creative, and hands-on.
Students in first through fourth grades develop a strong foundation of hard and soft skills. Practicing math, writing, reading and, science, while also working on listening comprehension, communication, and cooperation provides a comprehensive educational foundation.
Spanish language and computer classes instill in them a global mindset that prepares them for our rapidly evolving, increasingly connected world. The study of music and art nurtures creative growth. Field trips and partnerships with Lipscomb University, give lower school students opportunities to participate in high-level learning experiences that capture their minds.
As your child grows in knowledge and abilities at Lipscomb Academy, they also grow in faith in a community that values worship and service. Through daily Bible study, prayer, weekly chapel, and volunteer projects, we encourage every student to explore their relationship with God and with others.
Grade Resources
Pre-First Course Listings
Language Arts
The language arts curriculum includes guided reading, literacy centers, a writing station, a listening station, large group instruction, and small reading group instruction based on the individual skill level of each student. In the literacy centers, the children have a wide variety of materials and manipulatives to work with to improve reading skills.
The basic reading instruction involves a phonetic approach to reading with an emphasis on sight words within the context of a story.
Math
The pre-first grade math curriculum is “manipulative-based.” The children are encouraged to explore and use manipulatives to understand basic math concepts: odd and even numbers, simple addition and subtraction, money, telling time, symmetry, estimation, and patterns.
Science
The science curriculum is directly infused into the Bible curriculum. The students will experience hands-on experiments in the science lab. The unit studies include early Native American life, life at the Polar Regions and the people and animals that inhabit these regions. A detailed unit on the solar system is also taught with studies including: stars, comets, asteroids, planets, and galaxies.
Social Studies
The social studies units are infused into the Bible curriculum. Special units include friendships, emotions, holidays, American heroes (John Chapman, A.A. Milne, George Washington, Abe Lincoln, Martin Luther King, Jr., Harriet Tubman, etc.) The children are also involved in a special service project each year.
Spanish
Pre First learns simple greetings, numbers 1-20, colors, how they feel, what hurts, body parts, how to pray, days of the week, fruits, simple commands, Columbus’ voyage, special holidays, what they like, clothing, weather, please and thank you, seasons, the date, day, and year through songs, culture, and fun hands-on activities. All grade levels learn Christian songs.
Art
The visual arts program at Elementary School takes a well-rounded approach to the arts. The curriculum focuses on building creativity, critical thinking and problem solving skills that will equip students for future real-world and educational experiences. Students can expect to learn not only about art-making processes, but also about art history, aesthetics, and art criticism.
The art instructor uses a variety of media to encourage elementary students to explore and experiment beyond the ordinary art making techniques. Throughout the year students will encounter paint, charcoal, oil pastels, clay, weaving/textile arts, printmaking and collage, all while becoming familiar with the elements of art and principles of design.
Finally, students will learn that the Lord has made us in his image and that as little creators we are to glorify the Lord and spread the gospel using the talents that He has given us.
Bible
The pre-first Bible curriculum is infused with the science and social studies curricula. The children will learn that God is the creator and author of all life and that God’s love for them is at the center of His creation. Students will also study the main Bible characters from the creation through the ascension of Jesus. Weekly Bible memory verses are also a part of the curriculum.
Computer
Students will learn basic computer parts, mouse skills, light word processing, awareness of the internet through the use of online curriculum-based learning sites, and graphics lessons using paint software. Students will be able to type complete sentences (including shift for capital letters, space bar for spacing and punctuation keys).
Music
Pre-first grade students engage in a variety of activities, including developing the singing voice and singing a variety of simple songs, and playing instruments to experience and classify different sounds and timbres. Students develop listening skills and enjoy movement activities. Children perform as part of a large ensemble once a year for parents and grandparents.
Physical Education
The Physical Education curriculum is based on teaching the students locomotive skills such as running, jumping, hopping, galloping, sliding, and skipping, as well as teaching manipulative skills such as throwing, catching, and kicking.
Through these activities, students are taught how to cooperate with others using various games and exercise activities. The goal for the physical education program is to lead students into activities that promote lifelong healthy habits.
First Grade Course Listings
Language Arts
The language arts curriculum encompasses guided reading, literacy centers, spelling and various genres of writing. A reading specialist and a reading assistant are utilized to monitor each student's progress throughout the year.
Math
The first grade math curriculum is designed to promote growth and understanding of number concepts: addition, subtraction, telling time, money, fractions and problem solving.
Hands-On Science
In the science lab, students experience hands-on activities that allow them to explore and investigate science in the environment in which we live. Our study includes the components of a Green School curriculum, earth science, physical science, health science, states of matter, the five senses, and weather.
Social Studies
The first grade social studies curriculum is woven through our reading and writing programs throughout the year. Through community service projects, children experience how to be productive members of society.
Physical Education
The Physical Education curriculum is based on teaching the students locomotive skills such as running, jumping, hopping, galloping, sliding, and skipping, as well as teaching manipulative skills such as throwing, catching, and kicking. Through these activities, students are taught how to cooperate with others using various games and exercise activities. The goal for the physical education program is to lead students into activities that promote lifelong healthy habits.
Spanish
First Grade learns simple greetings, numbers 0-30, colors, following two part directions, the days of the week, fruits, simple commands, expressing how they feel, what they like, body parts, how to describe themselves, hot, cold, please, thank you, Goldilocks and the Three Bears, classroom objects, special holidays, and seasons through songs, culture, games, and hands on activities. All grade levels learn Christian songs.
Art
First grade students increase their awareness of the similarities and differences in line, color, texture, and form and identify patterns in the environment. Students combine shapes, lines, and colors in new ways to create complex images in drawings. Students invent patterns and develop skills in organization. Students increase fine motor skills by manipulating constructions of paper, cardboard, and clay. Students experiment freely, drawing and identifying objects from different cultures and places.
First graders recognize that artists use a variety of ways to share their ideas about many subjects such as themselves, their families, and their traditions. By viewing and discussing a variety of artists’ works, students identify genres by subject such as landscapes and portraits. First graders evaluate art pieces naturally and begin to use art vocabulary to describe art concepts. They improve listening skills and learn to show respect when listening to others’ opinions.
Bible
The first grade Bible curriculum is designed to teach students about God's interaction with man. Students will become familiar with major Bible characters and should develop positive attitudes from Bible teachings. They will learn of God's power and His love for mankind as we infuse God's teachings in all subjects.
Computer
Students will learn basic computer parts, mouse skills, light word processing, awareness of the internet through the use of online curriculum-based learning sites, and graphics lessons using paint software. Students will be able to type complete sentences (including shift for capital letters, space bar for spacing and punctuation keys).
Music
First grade students engage in a variety of activities, including development of the singing voice and singing a variety of simple songs.
The Orff approach to music education is used to develop rhythmic abilities through use of body percussion and instruments. Students listen to classical music and learn about the lives of composers. Movement is used through singing games, following a leader, and creative expression. Children perform twice a year, once in a musical, and again as part of a large ensemble for parents and grandparents.
Second Grade Course Listings
The second grade year is designed to allow students to grow in responsibility and social skills in a nurturing atmosphere that encourages inquiry-based learning and critical thinking.
Language Arts
The second grade language arts curriculum is a balanced literacy program which incorporates a center-based approach with guided reading at its core. Guided reading is supplemented by shared reading, grammar, phonics, creative writing, handwriting, and Accelerated Reader.
Dictionary skills are particularly emphasized. Language Arts is allotted a protected block in the schedule lasting approximately two hours each day. Second graders present original poetry at the annual Poetry Coffeehouse and enter a writing contest held each spring.
Math
The second grade math curriculum incorporates explicit problem solving strategies. Math instruction is implemented through the use of centers, worksheets, and manipulatives, challenging each student to work independently.
Accelerated Math and the use of Math Clubs give students individualized instruction opportunities. Students continue with addition and subtraction from first grade, learning to rename and regroup. Concepts of measurement, money, time, geometry, graphing, place value to 1000, estimation and probability are explored, and problems using these concepts are solved.
Science
The science curriculum incorporates hands-on experimentation with particular emphasis on individual projects. As part of the Green School requirements, second graders study “Clean Air.” Other topics include weather, habitats, rocks and minerals, states of matter, and sound. Science and social studies units are integrated when appropriate to maximize student learning.
Social Studies
The second grade social studies curriculum incorporates the study of Colonial America, American Presidents, and citizenship in the local and international community. The study of oceans and continents is integrated with the science units about habitats. Social studies projects such as Trade Day, Passport to the World, the Living Museum and various field trips supplement regular classroom social studies instruction.
Physical Education
The lower school has a lifetime fitness-based curriculum. An emphasis is placed every week on cardiovascular and strength exercises to improve psychomotor and cognitive skills while incorporating healthy nutrition habits throughout.
Students will experience a series of fitness tests and sports-related activities and games, preparing them for individual and team-related sports while teaching them teamwork and sportsmanship. They will also participate in a charity activity (Jump Rope for Heart) and a Physical Skills Day.
Spanish
Second grade learns more advanced greetings, numbers 0-35, colors, how they feel, days of the week, the alphabet, how to read the story of creation, ordinal numbers 1st-7th, special holidays, family, simple commands, Three Clever Goats, more body parts, foods, and simple expressions such as “I’m sad,” and “What is it?” They learn to express being cold, hot, sleepy, hungry, thirsty, and to say how old they are. All grade levels learn Christian songs.
Art
Students in second grade develop skills in perception and recognize simple characteristics of space and distance. They sharpen observation skills as they investigate and describe their environment. Second graders develop ideas by using inventive combinations of line, form, and color. They explore spatial concepts in drawing, painting, and printmaking.
They make monochromic works and collages. Fibers are explored by weaving paper or fibers on simple looms. Children make three-dimensional works by modeling with clay and constructing various materials. By viewing and discussing the works of others, students discover that artists have expressed similar ideas differently in different times, places, and cultures. Students discuss a variety of art professions. Second graders continue to evaluate personal artwork in class.
Bible
Second graders begin the year with a unit on respect and how it is demonstrated within the classroom setting. Throughout the year students study several Old Testament stories like Moses and Joshua as well as the Books of Deuteronomy and Numbers.
The New Testament studies include the miracles of Jesus and the armor of God. Second graders spend the entire year corresponding with children in Honduras who are sponsored by the second grade classes. Class service projects center around the work in Honduras.
Computer
All skills at expected grade levels are a continuum from the previous grade. Students will learn advanced mouse skills (right clicking), work with two pieces of software open simultaneously (minimize one while switching to the other and split screen format) to create projects and reports in Word and Power Point.
Students will learn to copy pictures from pre-screened internet sites and paste them into their project. Appropriate use of the internet for research will be emphasized.
Music
Second grade students engage in a variety of activities, including development of the singing voice. The Orff approach to music education is used to develop rhythmic abilities through use of body percussion and instruments.
Students also learn note values and how to write rhythms. Students listen to classical music and learn about the lives of composers. Movement is used through singing games, following a leader, and creative expression. Children perform twice a year as an ensemble.
Third Grade Course Listings
Language Arts
In third grade, the Language Arts program is woven in all subject areas. Spelling rules and phonics are reinforced using weekly units from a workbook. Spelling words are derived from the workbook and other subject areas. Reading concepts are taught using various literature genres. A basal reader, Kate DiCamillo chapter book read alouds, Science and Social Studies texts, and picture books, provide a wide variety of literature for skill building.
Accelerated Reader, fully supported by scientifically-based research, personalizes reading practice to each student’s current level, improving students’ reading achievement. Reading comprehension is developed by daily monitoring and intervention by the teacher. The Shurley English program is a spiral approach teaching the basic eight parts of speech as well as mechanics. Writing instruction is implemented across all subject areas.
Math
Third grade students learn a variety of new concepts, including multiplication, division, and more advanced number sense concepts. A research-based curriculum called Accelerated Math creates math assignments tailored to each student’s current level, provides ongoing feedback on students’ daily practice, and addresses each student’s individual needs.
Concepts are also taught using manipulatives, text, videos, and computer lab projects. The Math in a Flash program is used to facilitate math fact recall.
Science
Students use hands-on science labs, computer labs, community outreach opportunities, field trips, Space Day, and textbook to facilitate their learning in the following topics: How Living Things Function, Matter, The Earth and Space, Energy and Change.
Social Studies
Third graders study communities by starting with their own community. Students take a Hike Through History field trip to learn about the founder of our school, David Lipscomb. Our journey takes us from our local community to the global community. Map skills, timelines, types of government, and changes/inventions are studied along the way. Third graders annually host a Hazardous Waste Drop-Off for our community, and display our inventive skills at our Third Grade Invention Convention.
Physical Education
The lower school has a lifetime fitness-based curriculum. An emphasis is placed every week on cardiovascular and strength exercises to improve psychomotor and cognitive skills while incorporating healthy nutrition habits throughout.
Students will experience a series of fitness tests and sports-related activities and games, preparing them for individual and team-related sports while teaching them teamwork and sportsmanship. They will also participate in a charity activity (Jump Rope for Heart) and a Physical Skills Day.
Spanish
Third grade learns greetings, numbers 0-50, colors, how they feel, the alphabet, and additional food vocabulary. They learn which countries are Spanish speaking. Third grade students learn how to order food and open their own restaurant. They learn how to express they are cold, hot, tired, etc. They also, learn the story of Little Red Riding Hood. All grade levels learn Christian songs.
Art
In third grade students observe and record personal perceptions of their environments by refining and embellishing visual symbols through increased awareness of visual detail. They expand visual thinking to include life experiences and imagination as sources for art ideas. They explore such qualities as the feeling of color and the excitement of line.
Students learn design principles by inventing complex patterns and combinations of line, form, and color. Examples of artists’ work from the past and present are used to provide stimuli for discussions about artists from different cultures and times who expressed many of the same themes in a variety of ways.
Their vocabulary increases as they learn the elements of art and are introduced to the principles of design. Learners share their ideas and demonstrate respect for the opinions of others. Students learn that the Lord has made us in his image and that as creators we are to glorify the Lord by using the talents that He has given us.
Bible
Third Graders study the book of Judges, the lives of Samuel and David, and the Parables. Students memorize scripture weekly.
Computer
All skills at expected grade levels are a continuum from the previous grade. Students will learn advanced mouse skills (right clicking), work with two pieces of software open simultaneously (minimize one while switching to the other and split screen format) to create projects and reports in Word and PowerPoint.
Students will learn to copy pictures from pre-screened internet sites and paste them into their project. Appropriate use of the internet for research will be emphasized.
Music
Third grade students engage in a variety of activities, including development of the singing voice and harmony through round singing and partner songs. The Orff approach to music education is used to develop rhythmic abilities through use of body percussion and instruments. Students continue learning note values and how to write rhythms.
Students begin learning notes on the music staff. Classical music and the lives of composers are studied. Movement is used through singing games, folk dances, drama, and creative expression. Children perform twice a year as an ensemble.
Fourth Grade Listings
Fourth grade students are introduced to the concept of moving to various teachers or “changing classes.” The fourth grade teaching team coordinates schedules and resources to maximize teaching time and increase student learning.
Language Arts
The fourth grade language arts curriculum includes grammar, reading, writing, spelling and vocabulary. Students receive instruction in traditional grammar and writing mechanics using the Shurley English curriculum.
There is also an emphasis on the development of creative writing skills, poetry and short story-writing. In 4th grade reading, students are exposed to many different genres, writing styles, and authors. There is an intentional focus on reading comprehension and reading focus skills, emphasizing words and their development.
Accelerated Reader is used to encourage students to do outside reading at their own reading levels.
Science
The fourth grade science curriculum is inquiry-based and experiential. Classroom instruction and hands-on activities are supplemented by monthly science lab experiences and various off-campus field trips. Science topics covered include the following: Classification of Living Things, Animal and Plant Cell Structure, Ecosystems, Earth’s Resources – Conservation, Using Weather Data, The Universe, Energy and Motion, and Human Body Systems.
Social Studies
Fourth grade social studies covers the basics of early American history. Map and globe skills, Native Americans, explorers, the thirteen colonies, the American Revolution, and Tennessee history are studied. The curriculum includes numerous field trips to local historic homes and sites. Special activities like Pioneer Day and the performance of a Tennessee play provide supplemental learning experiences to make Tennessee history come alive.
Math
The math curriculum encompasses review and instruction in basic math operations including addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. Place Value, Money, Time, Data, Graphs, Geometry, Measurement, Decimals, Metric Measurement and Fraction concepts are also studied throughout the year. Accelerated Math, a computer-based program, is incorporated into the daily instructional programming.
Art
Students in fourth grade use a wide variety of materials to produce works in drawing, painting, printmaking, fibers, ceramics, and photography. Through their work, they share personal histories, school events, and community activities. Students combine media to express their ideas. New printmaking techniques are introduced. Beginning experiences in photography encourage students to try variations in composition. Students make pottery and ceramic sculpture with methods such as slab, coil, and pinch. Three-dimensional experiences include a variety of materials for both additive and subtractive methods of building. Students create masks of animals, people, or abstract forms. Through weaving and stitchery students strengthen their awareness of texture, color, and design. By viewing art works and visiting local museums, students identify and compare the ways artists have documented culture, history and traditions.
Physical Education
The lower school has a lifetime fitness-based curriculum. An emphasis is placed every week on cardiovascular and strength exercises to improve psychomotor and cognitive skills while incorporating healthy nutrition habits throughout. Students will experience a series of fitness tests and sports-related activities and games, preparing them for individual and team-related sports while teaching them teamwork and sportsmanship. They will also participate in a charity activity (Jump Rope for Heart) and a Physical Skills Day.
Spanish
Fourth grade learns numbers 0-100 as well as how to tell time. They learn a little about Spain and how Spanish made its way to the New World. They study a little about the cultures that were there before Spanish came such as the Inca, the Maya, and the Aztec. Fourth grade also reviews greetings, colors, the days of the week, and the months of the year. All grade levels learn Christian songs.
Bible
The fourth grade Bible curriculum focuses on memorizing God's word. Students commit to memory 45 Bible verses, or parts of verses, and hide them in their hearts. Fourth graders build a Bible notebook, displaying an overview of the New Testament and Old Testament books. Units also include a more focused study of the books I and II Kings, Daniel, and the Gospels, along with a unit on relationships. Students receive ongoing encouragement to model Christ in all that they do with Bible truths integrated into all subjects.
Computer
All skills at expected grade levels are a continuum from the previous grade. Students will learn advanced mouse skills (right clicking), work with two pieces of software open simultaneously (minimize one while switching to the other and split screen format) to create projects and reports in Word and PowerPoint. Students will learn to copy pictures from pre-screened internet sites and paste them into their project. Appropriate use of the internet for research will be emphasized.
Music
Fourth grade students engage in a variety of activities, including development of the singing voice and harmony through round singing and partner songs. Students further note reading skills by playing the recorder. The Orff approach to music education is used to develop rhythmic abilities through use of body percussion and instruments.
Students continue learning note values and how to write rhythms in duple and triple meter. Students continue learning notes on the music staff. Classical music and the lives of composers are studied. Movement is used through folk dances, drama, and creative expression. Children perform twice a year as an ensemble, one of which is a large musical performed at the end of the school year. Students have further opportunities for performance through the elementary chorus, fourth grade talent show, and the recorder ensemble.