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Curriculum Distinctives

 

Narration
This is essentially "telling back" what a student has read, heard, seen, or learned. This process helps children listen better and increases comprehension levels. Narration leads naturally into focused reflection upon ideas. All grade levels participate in narration, and written narrations begin near the end of second grade. Grades three through eight have notebooks for narrations. These usually remain in the classroom and are available for parents to examine.

Nature Study
The Oaks Academy places a high value on nature study because of the manifold ways it reveals God's beauty and truth to us. When God created the world, he saw that "it was good," and charged mankind with the responsibility of caring for and preserving His creation. Nature walks are conducted often in all of the grades, and nature walks are often incorporated into other field trips. Nature notebooks and art materials are being provided for each student to record his/her sketchings, paintings, and observations. These are the property of the student, but they must remain in the classroom and are used for assessment. Each student is responsible for taking care of his/her nature notebook and art supplies.

Recitation/Memory work
Students will memorize various texts from Scripture or beautiful pieces of literature. Memorization helps children develop stronger vocabulary, gives them an ear for the "poetry" of language, and encourages them to contemplate the truths of Scripture and great literature. Emphasis will be placed on both memorization and developing oratorical skills.

Fine Art Study
Major works of art and music will be studied throughout the school year. Students will engage with these works of art through both formal study and informal appreciation. In addition, major works of fine art are hanging throughout the school for the students, as well as the entire Oaks family, to appreciate.

Progymnasmata
This is the foundation of the formal writing curriculum at The Oaks. The goal is to expose students to various forms of writing and strengthen their fundamental skills of written expression. This systematic curriculum for teaching writing includes workbook and extension activities conducted on a weekly basis with third through eighth grade students.

Imitations
Imitation helps increase a child's observational powers and gives a foundation for creative expression. To copy a masterpiece of literature or art means to better understand it. By imitating something valuable, we not only increase our own skills and abilities in that particular area, but we are able to feast upon great ideas.

Socratic Dialogue
This is really a guided conversation between the teacher and students, posed by a singular question (e.g., What is truth?). Students respond by sharing their own thoughts, and the ensuing dialogue of questions and answers can help students defend and better understand what they already believe. A heavy emphasis is placed on this method in the middle school; however, teachers and students at each grade level engage in dialogue that promotes deep thinking and reflection upon great ideas.

Laudamus Deum
Translated from the Latin, Laudamus Deum means "We praise God." While Christ is at the center of everything we do, one of the most visible and meaningful ways that the students and faculty of The Oaks Academy fulfill our mission of being Christ-centered is to gather each morning for prayer, praise and the reading of the Word at morning "Lauds." Parents and visitors are welcome to join us each morning for Lauds and on Wednesdays for chapel.

Formation of Habits
Healthy intellectual, spiritual, and moral habits are fundamental to our classrooms and the life of the school. Increased attention will be given to helping each student nurture these habits in their own life. All of the habits will be promoted throughout the school, but certain habits will be assessed in particular grade levels.