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Curriculum

The curriculum at Holt Lutheran School is based on the Michigan Academic Standards.

Religious Instruction – Students at HLS have the special opportunity to study God’s Word on a daily basis in the classroom. Students participate in devotions and use the One in Christ curriculum that is published by Concordia Publishing House. 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 large amount of time in 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, our students are learning effective communication skills necessary in our complex world. We include a strong reading program in the early grades called Superkids. The Superkids Reading program is a core literacy curriculum for kindergarten through second grade that teaches all aspects of reading seamlessly integrated with the language arts. Built on scientific research and proven pedagogy, it combines rigorous instruction with highly motivating materials. For more information go to the Superkids website (http://www.superkidsreading.com/). Our upper elementary and junior high school students use the Strategies for Writers curriculum. Strategies for Writers is a comprehensive K–8 program built around teaching the traits of effective writing. It’s a powerful, research-based tool that meets the need for increased rigor in writing instruction. This curriculum has integrated grammar, usage, and mechanics instruction.

Mathematics – Students at HLS 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. Math Expressions combines elements of standards-based instruction with the best traditional approaches. Through drawings, conceptual language, and real-world examples, it helps students make sense of mathematics. NSF-funded* and research-based, Math Expressions is proven to be effective in raising student achievement. Put your students on the path to becoming lifelong learners—and lovers—of all things math.

History/Geography – 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 HLS stay abreast with current events and geography to better understand the world in which they live.

Science – Our teachers direct students to the evidence of God’s love, wisdom, and power in the Discovery Works – Concordia Edition. This curriculum presents a sound, thorough coverage of science and scientific practices in a context that supports God as the Creator and science as a tool for exploring creation–not a substitute for God. The curriculum uses an active approach to help students gain practical experience with critical thinking skills, equipment use and scientific methods of investigation before they are introduced to other interpretations and use of science concepts. And its scope is based on standards set by several national science education boards.

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

Music – We offer music/choir classes for Kindergarten through eighth grade. Students in grades K-8 are expected to participate in special School Sunday Worship Services each year and in our annual Christmas musical and Spring Music Program. These programs provide opportunities for developing performance skills and for praising God through music and drama.

Band – Band is offered to all 5th-8th grade students.

Art – HLS offers an art program in each grade to foster creativity and cultivate appreciation. We believe that each child is endowed by God with creative talent, and though this talent may vary, it is our goal to nurture it and encourage its growth.