Sundays 9:30 AMJoin Our Church Service Live StreamCalendarParent Hub
Trinity Saints logoTrinity Lutheran Church & School
Parent Hub

1st Grade Curriculum Standards

Trinity Lutheran School — Bend, Oregon

Revised August 2026

Math

Trinity’s Philosophy of Mathematics

Mathematics is the orderly and systematic study of God’s world.

  • In developing conceptual understanding, students will begin to understand the order, structure, and intricacies God created with mathematics.
  • In developing number sense and fluency, students will identify and connect the foundation of faith with the foundation of mathematics.
  • Through the use of mathematical reasoning, students will be able to recognize that God created mathematics to explain patterns in the world.
  • While learning to problem solve, students will gain insight into the complexities of life.

Mathematical studies build essential life skills that enable students to effectively serve the Lord in the world that He created.

Trinity Lutheran School follows the Oregon Academic Standards for Mathematics, ensuring students build a strong mathematical foundation while developing conceptual understanding, procedural fluency, and problem-solving skills.

Operations and Algebraic Thinking (1.OA)

Represent and Solve Problems Involving Addition and Subtraction

  • Use addition and subtraction within 20 to solve word problems.
  • Represent problems using objects, drawings, equations, and strategies.
  • Determine unknown numbers in addition and subtraction equations.
  • Solve problems involving adding to, taking from, putting together, taking apart, and comparing.

Understand and Apply Properties of Operations

  • Apply the commutative property of addition.
  • Apply the associative property of addition.
  • Understand the relationship between addition and subtraction.
  • Use strategies to add and subtract efficiently.

Add and Subtract Within 20

  • Demonstrate fluency with addition facts within 10.
  • Add and subtract within 20 using a variety of strategies.
  • Use mental math strategies to solve problems.
  • Explain mathematical thinking using words, pictures, and equations.

Number and Operations in Base Ten (1.NBT)

Extend the Counting Sequence

  • Count to 120 beginning at any number less than 120.
  • Read and write numerals to 120.
  • Represent numbers using objects and models.

Understand Place Value

  • Understand that two-digit numbers represent tens and ones.
  • Compare two-digit numbers using:
  • Greater than (>)
  • Less than (<)
  • Equal to (=)
  • Use place value models and drawings.
  • Identify one more, one less, ten more, and ten less.

Use Place Value to Add and Subtract

  • Add within 100 using place value strategies.
  • Subtract within 100 using place value strategies.
  • Add multiples of ten.
  • Explain why strategies work using place value concepts.

Measurement and Data (1.MD)

Measure Length

  • Order objects by length.
  • Compare lengths of objects.
  • Measure lengths using nonstandard and standard units.
  • Express measurements as whole numbers of units.

Tell and Write Time

  • Tell time to the hour.
  • Tell time to the half-hour.
  • Write time using analog and digital clocks.

Represent and Interpret Data

  • Organize data into tables.
  • Create picture graphs.
  • Create bar graphs.
  • Answer questions using data displays.

Geometry (1.G)

Reason with Shapes and Their Attributes

  • Identify defining attributes of two-dimensional shapes.
  • Identify defining attributes of three-dimensional shapes.
  • Build and draw shapes.
  • Compose larger shapes from smaller shapes.
  • Partition circles and rectangles into:
  • Two equal shares
  • Four equal shares
  • Use vocabulary including:
  • Halves
  • Fourths
  • Quarters

1st Grade Math Fact Fluency Goals

  • Doubles +/- 1
  • Add/Subtract within 10
  • Multiples (5s & 10s)

Faith Integration

Mathematics provides opportunities for students to recognize God’s order, creativity, and wisdom throughout creation. As students explore numerical relationships, patterns, and problem-solving strategies, they develop perseverance, responsibility, and confidence in using the gifts God has given them.

Students are encouraged to approach mathematics with diligence and humility, recognizing that growth requires patience, practice, and a willingness to learn. They use mathematical skills to make thoughtful decisions, solve problems, and serve others.

"For God is not a God of confusion but of peace." 1 Corinthians 14:33

English Language Arts

Trinity’s Philosophy of English Language Arts

We believe that students learn English Language Arts best when they:

  • are empowered to apply their faith in interpreting and analyzing literature, and creating written work samples
  • learn from instruction that is research and evidence based
  • transfer reading and writing skills across all content areas
  • strive to accomplish learning goals are clear and specific, guided by writing and reading rubrics
  • persevere through struggle through modeling and scaffolding
  • engage in cohesive and differentiated learning experiences
  • see the real life application of their learning and are inspired to be lifelong learners who are invested in the world around them

Trinity Lutheran School follows the Oregon Academic Standards for English Language Arts, ensuring students build a strong foundation in literacy while developing proficiency in reading, writing, speaking, listening, and language. Students learn to think critically, communicate effectively, and apply literacy skills across all subject areas as they grow academically and spiritually.

Reading Foundations (ELA.1.RF)

Phonics and Word Recognition

  • Apply grade-level phonics and word analysis skills when reading.
  • Decode one-syllable words with common spelling patterns.
  • Read words with consonant blends, digraphs, and common vowel teams.
  • Decode regularly spelled two-syllable words.
  • Recognize and read grade-appropriate irregularly spelled words.
  • Use knowledge of prefixes, suffixes, and word parts to read unfamiliar words.

Reading Fluency

  • Read grade-level text accurately.
  • Read with appropriate rate and expression.
  • Use punctuation to support fluent reading.
  • Reread text to improve accuracy and comprehension.
  • Demonstrate understanding of what is read.

Reading Literature (ELA.1.RL)

Understanding Literary Text

  • Ask and answer questions about stories.
  • Retell stories, including key details.
  • Describe characters, settings, and major events.
  • Identify the central message or lesson of a story.
  • Explain how illustrations contribute to the story.
  • Compare the adventures and experiences of characters.
  • Distinguish between stories and informational texts.

Reading Informational Text (ELA.1.RI)

Understanding Informational Text

  • Ask and answer questions about informational texts.
  • Identify the main topic and key details.
  • Describe the connection between individuals, events, ideas, or pieces of information.
  • Use text features to locate information.
  • Identify reasons an author gives to support points.
  • Compare and contrast information from two texts on the same topic.

Writing (ELA.1.W)

Text Types and Purposes

  • Write opinion pieces that state an opinion and provide a reason.
  • Write informative/explanatory texts that introduce a topic and include facts.
  • Write narratives that recount two or more sequenced events.
  • Use drawing, dictating, and writing to communicate ideas.

Production of Writing

  • Focus writing on a single topic.
  • Revise writing with guidance from teachers and peers.
  • Edit writing for clarity and conventions.
  • Use digital tools to produce and publish writing with support.

Research and Inquiry

  • Participate in shared research projects.
  • Gather information from experiences and multiple sources.
  • Ask questions and investigate topics.
  • Recall information to answer questions or explain ideas.

Speaking and Listening (ELA.1.SL)

Comprehension and Collaboration

  • Participate in collaborative conversations with classmates and adults.
  • Follow discussion rules and take turns speaking.
  • Build on the ideas of others.
  • Ask and answer questions to clarify understanding.
  • Follow multi-step oral directions.

Presentation of Knowledge and Ideas

  • Describe people, places, things, and events using relevant details.
  • Present information clearly and audibly.
  • Add drawings or visual displays when appropriate.
  • Express ideas using complete sentences.

Language (ELA.1.L)

Conventions of Standard English

  • Print all uppercase and lowercase letters correctly.
  • Use capitalization for names, dates, and the beginning of sentences.
  • Use end punctuation correctly.
  • Use commas in dates and simple series.
  • Spell grade-appropriate words correctly using phonics patterns and spelling rules.
  • Produce complete simple sentences.

Vocabulary Acquisition and Use

  • Determine the meaning of unfamiliar words using context clues.
  • Sort words into categories to build understanding.
  • Identify shades of meaning among related words.
  • Use newly learned vocabulary in speaking and writing.
  • Recognize figurative language and multiple-meaning words at an introductory level.

Foundational Literacy Skills

Building Strong Readers and Writers

  • Develop automatic recognition of high-frequency words.
  • Apply phonics skills to decode unfamiliar words.
  • Read decodable and authentic texts with increasing independence.
  • Use comprehension strategies before, during, and after reading.
  • Strengthen handwriting and written communication skills.

First Grade Literacy Benchmarks

By the end of First Grade, students should be able to:

Reading

  • Read grade-level texts with accuracy, fluency, and comprehension.
  • Decode one- and two-syllable words using phonics knowledge.
  • Read and recognize grade-level high-frequency words automatically.
  • Retell stories and identify key details, characters, settings, and lessons.
  • Ask and answer questions about literary and informational texts.

Writing

  • Write opinion, informative, and narrative pieces.
  • Use complete sentences with appropriate capitalization and punctuation.
  • Organize ideas logically with a beginning, middle, and end.
  • Revise and edit writing with guidance.

Speaking & Listening

  • Participate respectfully in classroom discussions.
  • Ask and answer questions to deepen understanding.
  • Present ideas clearly using complete sentences.
  • Follow multi-step oral directions.

Language

  • Demonstrate grade-level grammar and usage.
  • Spell grade-appropriate words using phonics patterns.
  • Expand vocabulary through reading, discussion, and writing.
  • Apply language skills across all subject areas.

Literacy Habits

  • Read independently each day.
  • Use comprehension strategies to understand increasingly complex texts.
  • Demonstrate perseverance and confidence as readers and writers.
  • Recognize that literacy is a tool for learning, serving others, and growing in faith.

Faith Integration

Language arts provides opportunities for students to recognize the power of words and communication as gifts from God. Through reading, writing, and discussion, students learn to listen carefully, speak truthfully, and use their words to encourage, serve, and build up others.

As students engage with literature and informational texts, they are encouraged to seek wisdom, practice discernment, and recognize God’s presence throughout His creation and the stories of His people.

"Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer." Psalm 19:14

Science

Trinity’s Philosophy of Science

We believe that students learn Science best when they:

  • engage in a curriculum that awakens wonder, inspires, and fascinates
  • practice skills to see and study the world of orderly creation
  • witness evidence of God’s design being unified with scientific knowledge and deepen their understanding of creation
  • view the subjects of their studies as an integrated whole
  • engage in opportunities to explore God’s world through many hands-on activities
  • partake in opportunities for critical thinking resulting in engaged, thoughtful learning
  • solve problems as part of the learning process
  • make informed decisions based on evidence

Trinity Lutheran School follows the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), which have been adopted as the Oregon Science Standards. Through three-dimensional learning, students develop scientific knowledge alongside science and engineering practices and crosscutting concepts, preparing them to think critically and solve real-world problems.

Physical Science (1-PS)

Waves: Light and Sound

  • Observe that sound can cause objects to vibrate.
  • Investigate how vibrating materials produce sound.
  • Explore how light allows objects to be seen.
  • Compare different sources of light.
  • Use materials to demonstrate how light travels.
  • Design solutions that use light or sound to solve simple communication problems.

Life Science (1-LS)

Structures and Processes

  • Identify the external parts of plants.
  • Identify the external parts of animals.
  • Explain how plant and animal structures help them survive, grow, and meet their needs.
  • Observe similarities and differences among living things.
  • Investigate how parents and offspring are alike but not exactly the same.

Earth and Space Science (1-ESS)

Earth's Place in the Universe

  • Observe patterns of the Sun, Moon, and stars.
  • Describe how the Sun appears to move across the sky.
  • Recognize that daylight and darkness follow predictable patterns.
  • Observe seasonal changes throughout the year.

Earth's Systems

  • Observe patterns in weather.
  • Collect and record weather data.
  • Compare weather conditions over time.
  • Identify severe weather conditions.
  • Explain how weather affects daily life.

Engineering Design (1-ETS)

Engineering Design

  • Ask questions to identify problems.
  • Develop multiple possible solutions.
  • Draw and build simple models.
  • Test designs using observations.
  • Improve designs based on evidence.
  • Explain how a design solves a problem.

Science and Engineering Practices

Throughout the year, students will learn to:

  • Ask questions about the natural world.
  • Plan and carry out simple investigations.
  • Make careful observations using appropriate tools.
  • Collect, record, and organize data.
  • Develop and use models.
  • Construct explanations using evidence.
  • Design solutions to problems.
  • Communicate scientific ideas through speaking, writing, drawing, and models.

Crosscutting Concepts

Students will begin to recognize concepts that connect all areas of science, including:

Patterns

  • Observe patterns in nature.
  • Identify repeating patterns in weather, seasons, and living things.
  • Use patterns to make predictions.

Cause and Effect

  • Explain how one event can cause another.
  • Investigate relationships between actions and outcomes.
  • Use evidence to explain observations.

Structure and Function

  • Observe how plant and animal parts perform specific functions.
  • Explain how structures help organisms survive.
  • Compare structures found in different living things.

Systems

  • Recognize that living things interact with one another and with their environment.
  • Understand that different parts work together within a system.

Faith Integration

Science provides opportunities for students to explore the wonder, complexity, and order of God’s creation. As students investigate the natural world, they develop curiosity, responsibility, and gratitude for the resources and living things God has entrusted to our care.

Students learn that scientific discovery is a way to appreciate God’s creativity and faithfulness. Through observation and investigation, they are encouraged to be thoughtful stewards of creation and use their knowledge to serve others.

"How many are your works, Lord! In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures." Psalm 104:24

Social Studies

Trinity’s Philosophy of Social Studies

We believe that students learn Social Studies best when they:

  • see God’s presence in the world throughout time
  • connect to the relevance of social studies to their world
  • engage in multiple content formats
  • participate in civic engagement
  • collaborate with peers
  • are curious and seek new knowledge

Trinity Lutheran School follows the Oregon Academic Standards for Social Science, providing students with opportunities to develop civic responsibility, historical thinking, geographic awareness, economic understanding, and an appreciation for diverse cultures and communities. As a ministry of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, all instruction is taught through the lens of God's Word. Therefore, some standards or instructional content may be modified, supplemented, or omitted when necessary to ensure consistency with the teachings of Scripture and the biblical values upheld by Trinity Lutheran School.

Civics

Citizenship, Community, and Responsibility

  • Explain the importance of rules and laws in homes, schools, and communities.
  • Describe the rights and responsibilities of citizens.
  • Identify ways individuals contribute to the well-being of their community.
  • Demonstrate respect, responsibility, honesty, and cooperation in classroom and community settings.
  • Recognize the importance of resolving conflicts peacefully.
  • Identify community leaders and explain their roles.

Civic Participation

  • Participate respectfully in classroom discussions and decision-making.
  • Practice responsible citizenship through service and cooperation.
  • Identify ways people work together to solve community problems.
  • Demonstrate kindness and respect for people with different backgrounds and experiences.

History

Understanding the Past

  • Distinguish between past, present, and future.
  • Sequence events in chronological order.
  • Describe how communities change over time.
  • Compare life today with life in the past.
  • Identify significant people and events that have shaped local communities.
  • Recognize important national symbols, holidays, and commemorations.
  • Understand that history is learned through stories, photographs, artifacts, and primary sources.

Geography

Understanding Places and Environments

  • Identify physical and human characteristics of their local community.
  • Use maps, globes, photographs, and digital tools to locate places.
  • Identify the seven continents and five oceans.
  • Use cardinal directions (north, south, east, west) to describe locations.
  • Describe how people use and care for natural resources.
  • Explain how weather, landforms, and natural features influence where people live and work.

Economics

Financial Literacy and Community Resources

  • Explain the difference between goods and services.
  • Describe how people earn income through work.
  • Identify examples of producers and consumers.
  • Explain the difference between needs and wants.
  • Recognize that people make choices because resources are limited.
  • Describe how communities depend on workers in many different occupations.

Inquiry and Social Science Practices

Throughout the year, students will learn to:

  • Ask questions about people, places, and events.
  • Gather information from maps, photographs, books, and other sources.
  • Compare similarities and differences.
  • Describe events using chronological order.
  • Use evidence to answer questions and support ideas.
  • Communicate learning through speaking, writing, drawing, and discussion.
  • Listen respectfully to different perspectives.

Faith Integration

Social studies provides opportunities for students to recognize God’s work throughout history and in the lives of people and communities. As students learn about families, cultures, governments, and societies, they are reminded that every person is created in God’s image and has value and purpose.

Students are encouraged to serve others, act responsibly, and use their gifts to contribute to their communities. Through the study of history and society, students develop compassion, respect, and a desire to be faithful neighbors.

"Love your neighbor as yourself." Mark 12:31

Christian Studies

Trinity’s Philosophy of Christian Studies/Bible

Based on Lutheran Church Missouri Synod doctrine, our Theology Department promotes the Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Lutheran Confessions. In a shifting world, our commitment to the Biblical truth remains unyielding. We pray that through our guidance, students will confidently live out and share the Gospel in all areas of life.

We believe that students learn theology and faith practices best when they:

  • recognize their sin, their need for a savior, and that Christ is the only person who can forgive that sin (Law and Gospel).
  • make connections from the Bible to their own lives through discussions and relating the past to the present
  • differentiate between what the world says and what God’s Word says

Trinity Lutheran School follows the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) Religion Curriculum Standards for Lutheran Schools. These standards provide a comprehensive framework for developing biblical literacy, understanding Lutheran doctrine, fostering Christian character, and equipping students to live as faithful followers of Jesus Christ. Through the study of Scripture, the teachings of the Lutheran Confessions, prayer, worship, and Christian living, students grow in their relationship with God and their understanding of His grace and love revealed in Jesus Christ.

By the end of First Grade, students should be able to:

Bible Knowledge

  • Explain that the Bible is God's inspired Word.
  • Retell major Old and New Testament Bible accounts.
  • Locate books and simple references in the Bible.
  • Explain God's plan of salvation through Jesus Christ.
  • Apply memorized Scripture passages to everyday life.

Lutheran Beliefs

  • Identify the persons of the Trinity.
  • Explain that salvation is by God's grace through faith in Jesus.
  • Describe the purpose of Baptism and Holy Communion.

Worship

  • Participate actively and reverently in worship and chapel.
  • Explain why Christians worship together.
  • Participate confidently in prayer, Scripture reading, and singing.

Christian Living

  • Demonstrate Christ-like attitudes through kindness, forgiveness, honesty, and service.
  • Apply biblical principles to everyday choices.
  • Practice stewardship of God's gifts.
  • Resolve conflicts with love and forgiveness.

Faith Sharing

  • Explain the Gospel in age-appropriate language.
  • Share God's love through words and actions.
  • Recognize opportunities to serve neighbors and their community.
  • Demonstrate confidence in living out their Christian faith.

Christian Character

  • Show respect for God's Word and His people.
  • Demonstrate perseverance, responsibility, and compassion.
  • Recognize that God equips every believer with gifts to serve His kingdom.
  • Grow in understanding that their identity is found in Christ and that they are called to love God and love others.

Faith Integration

Christian Studies reminds students that they are deeply loved children of God, created in His image and redeemed through Jesus Christ. Through Scripture, prayer, worship, and Christian living, students grow in faith and learn how God’s promises guide their lives.

Students are encouraged to share Christ’s love through their words and actions, serving others with humility and gratitude and recognizing that their lives are part of God’s greater story.

"We love because He first loved us." 1 John 4:19

Physical Education

Trinity’s Philosophy of Physical Education

We believe that students learn Physical Education best when they:

  • Have knowledge, skills and confidence to become and remain physically active for a lifetime.
  • See connection between motor skills and movements applied to sport
  • feel comfortable taking risks and experiencing the success and failure that PE has to offer
  • Use various strategies to solve problems in game play
  • Are socially literate to work with a variety of groups and teams
  • Engage in a variety of collaborative and independent tasks
  • Understand why God has created sport/competition and identify their own God-given talents and abilities.

Trinity Lutheran School follows the Oregon Academic Standards for Physical Education, ensuring students develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to participate in a variety of physical activities, make healthy choices, and establish lifelong habits of wellness. Instruction emphasizes motor skill development, movement concepts, personal fitness, responsible behavior, and the value of physical activity.

First Grade Physical Education Benchmarks

By the end of First Grade, students should be able to:

Motor Skills

  • Demonstrate mature locomotor movements with control.
  • Perform basic throwing, catching, kicking, dribbling, and striking skills.
  • Combine movement skills during games and activities.
  • Demonstrate coordination, balance, and body control.

Movement Concepts

  • Apply movement concepts such as speed, direction, pathways, and force.
  • Move safely within personal and general space.
  • Demonstrate beginning offensive and defensive movement strategies.

Fitness and Wellness

  • Participate consistently in moderate to vigorous physical activity.
  • Explain how exercise supports a healthy body.
  • Practice healthy habits including hydration, nutrition, rest, and hygiene.
  • Demonstrate safe participation in physical activities.

Social Responsibility

  • Follow rules and safety expectations.
  • Demonstrate cooperation, honesty, and respect.
  • Show good sportsmanship during games and activities.
  • Encourage and support classmates during physical challenges.

Lifelong Fitness

  • Identify enjoyable physical activities.
  • Demonstrate perseverance when learning new skills.
  • Recognize the importance of regular physical activity for lifelong health.

Christian Character

  • Recognize that their bodies are gifts from God.
  • Demonstrate stewardship by caring for their physical health.
  • Show Christ-like attitudes through encouragement, kindness, humility, and teamwork.
  • Use their gifts and abilities to serve others and glorify God through physical activity.

Faith Integration

Physical education provides opportunities for students to recognize that their bodies are gifts from God and that they are called to care for themselves and others. Through movement, teamwork, and activity, students learn perseverance, humility, encouragement, and respect.

Students are encouraged to use their abilities to serve others, demonstrate Christ-like character, and approach challenges with confidence and gratitude.

"Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God?" 1 Corinthians 6:19

Spanish

Trinity’s Philosophy of Foreign Language

We believe that students learn Foreign Languages best when they:

  • feel encouraged and motivated by an enthusiastic instructor
  • build relationships to foster confidence and participation
  • actively engage and participate in the acquisition of a foreign language
  • can make grammatical and cultural connections between their native language and the target language
  • are exposed to multiple ways to practice the target language
  • experience a fun, positive, and challenging learning environment where they feel safe, comfortable and respected while practicing the language
  • are able to relate to others beyond their own culture, including how people worship God
  • realize that all people are unique creations of God

Trinity Lutheran School uses the Aventuras Spanish curriculum as the foundation for Spanish instruction. Through engaging activities, meaningful conversations, stories, songs, and cultural exploration, students develop beginning proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing in Spanish. The curriculum provides students with opportunities to use Spanish in authentic contexts while building vocabulary, pronunciation, cultural understanding, and confidence as language learners.

By the end of First Grade, students should be able to:

Listening

  • Understand familiar classroom instructions and conversations.
  • Identify key vocabulary in stories, songs, and teacher presentations.
  • Respond appropriately to simple spoken Spanish.

Speaking

  • Participate in simple conversations using familiar vocabulary.
  • Ask and answer basic questions.
  • Describe familiar people, places, and objects using complete phrases.
  • Communicate about everyday topics with increasing confidence.

Reading

  • Read familiar words, phrases, and simple sentences.
  • Recognize common Spanish sound-symbol relationships.
  • Demonstrate understanding of simple written texts.

Writing

  • Write familiar vocabulary words accurately.
  • Construct simple sentences using learned language structures.
  • Label pictures and complete beginning written activities in Spanish.

Culture

  • Identify several Spanish-speaking countries.
  • Demonstrate appreciation for traditions and customs of Spanish-speaking cultures.
  • Compare aspects of different cultures with respect and curiosity.

Language Learning Skills

  • Participate actively and confidently in Spanish class.
  • Apply vocabulary and language structures in authentic situations.
  • Demonstrate curiosity, perseverance, and a willingness to communicate.
  • Recognize that learning another language equips them to build relationships, serve others, and appreciate the diversity of God's creation.

Faith Integration:

Learning Spanish allows students to celebrate the variety of languages and cultures God has created. As students develop communication skills, they are encouraged to use their words to show kindness, build relationships, and share Christ’s love with others.

"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations..." Matthew 28:19

Visual & Performing Arts

Trinity’s Philosophy of Visual Arts

We believe:

  • Humans were made in God’s image, and as such are creative beings.
  • Creativity is a skill that students can develop and take with them into their future endeavors.
  • Art is a practice that anyone can enter into.

Trinity Lutheran School follows the National Core Arts Standards for Visual Arts, guiding students to create, present, respond, and connect at developmentally appropriate levels. Instruction places primary emphasis on creating first and foremost, providing students with opportunities to experiment, explore, design, revise, and produce original works of art. Through the artistic process, students develop technical skills while learning to observe, reflect, communicate, and connect art to their lives, communities, and faith.

Skills Focus

We have a focus on teaching the core elements and techniques of art.

All Ages will build on the following skills:

The Elements of Art

  • Line
  • Shape
  • Form
  • Space
  • Texture
  • Value
  • Color

The Principles of Design

  • Balance
  • Contrast
  • Emphasis
  • Movement
  • Repetition
  • Hierarchy
  • Negative Space
  • Unity

Drawing Skills

  • Drawing skills connect our brains to our hands in a tactile way that is often lost today in our increasingly digital world. By building a strong base of drawing skill in our students we give them a great foundation whether they pursue art in their future or not.

Color Theory

  • Painting, color mixing, and a strong understanding of color theory.

Exploration of a Wide Variety of Materials and Processes

  • Encouraging students to work with as many materials as we can to build well rounded art students that think outside the box.

Trinity’s Philosophy of Performing Arts

We believe that students learn Music best when they:

  • use music as a platform for worship and glorifying God
  • understand music as part of being made in the image of a creative God
  • are provided with various musical opportunities (vocal, instrumental, etc.)
  • are active, reflective participants in the music-making process
  • have an understanding and see the connections music has with the larger community and the world
  • feel comfortable taking risks and experiencing the success and failures that music making has to offer
  • understand music as a medium for the expression of feelings and experiences
  • engage in music-making as a collaborative team, learning how each ‘part of the body’ works together to create and to be “one”

Trinity Lutheran School's music curriculum is based on the National Core Arts Standards for Music, guiding students to Create, Perform, Respond, and Connect through developmentally appropriate musical experiences. Instruction emphasizes active participation through singing, movement, instrument play, music literacy, creativity, and worship, helping students develop a lifelong appreciation for music and its role in praising God.

By the end of First Grade, students should be able to:

Creating

  • Create original rhythmic and melodic patterns.
  • Improvise simple musical ideas using voice and instruments.
  • Organize and refine musical ideas with teacher guidance.

Performing

  • Sing with accurate pitch, steady beat, and expressive tone.
  • Perform rhythmic and melodic patterns independently and with others.
  • Demonstrate confidence during classroom and school performances.
  • Play classroom percussion instruments using appropriate technique.

Responding

  • Identify musical elements including beat, rhythm, melody, tempo, and dynamics.
  • Describe how music communicates ideas and emotions.
  • Compare different styles and examples of music using appropriate vocabulary.

Connecting

  • Explain how music is used in worship, celebrations, and daily life.
  • Appreciate music from different cultures and traditions.
  • Make connections between music and other areas of learning.

Music Literacy

  • Read and perform quarter notes, paired eighth notes, half notes, and quarter rests.
  • Sing melodic patterns using Sol, Mi, and La.
  • Identify beat, rhythm, tempo, dynamics, and melody.
  • Demonstrate increasing independence in reading and performing simple musical notation.

Christian Character Through Music

  • Use music as a way to worship and praise God.
  • Demonstrate cooperation, respect, and encouragement during rehearsals and performances.
  • Recognize that musical abilities are gifts from God to be developed and shared in service to others.
  • Glorify God through joyful participation in music-making and worship.

"Sing to him a new song; play skillfully on the strings, with loud shouts." Psalm 33:3