We strive to make our classrooms at Immanuel a place where children come and learn to be well rounded, Christ-following members of our world. It’s important to build a strong academic foundation for the little ones coming up through the grades in our school, but we also believe that focusing on character development at these young ages is integral to their education. We want our students to have strong minds and understanding hearts as they travel through and eventually leave our program. We integrate this heart and mind training through our curriculum and social lessons that we do with all of our students.
Math – Our school curriculum is based on the Ontario outcomes, ensuring that students receive a comprehensive and well-rounded education. In addition to number sense, algebra, geometry and other traditional strands, we incorporate unique strands such as financial literacy and coding, which help students develop essential life skills for the future. To build a solid math foundation, we use a balanced approach that combines hands-on activities with written practice. This methodology allows students to engage with mathematical concepts in a tangible way, while also reinforcing their learning through structured exercises.
Reading – From Grade 1 to Grade 3, our approach to literacy is rooted in the Science of Reading, which emphasizes evidence-based methods to teach reading and language skills. This approach focuses on phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension to ensure that all students develop strong reading foundations. As students progress and begin reading novels, we introduce class novel studies and literature circles, which provide opportunities for deeper exploration of texts. These activities allow students to engage with diverse themes and perspectives, helping them broaden their worldviews while developing critical thinking and discussion skills.
Science and Social Studies – In our social studies and science curriculum, we use Project-Based Learning (PBL) to actively engage students in exploring and applying concepts. PBL is a structured approach that centers around driving questions, encouraging students to investigate real-world topics and create meaningful, high-quality work. Through this approach, both students and teachers have the opportunity to integrate creativity into the learning process, as students take ownership of their projects and collaborate to find solutions. Whether investigating historical events, environmental issues, or scientific phenomena, PBL fosters critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork while allowing students to connect their learning to the world around them.
Bible – In our Bible curriculum, we focus on telling the story of God through the themes of creation, fall, and redemption, helping students understand God’s work in the world and His plan for humanity. As part of our commitment to character development, we integrate eight key character words into the curriculum, guiding students in nurturing qualities. These character traits are woven throughout lessons and daily interactions, supporting the spiritual and personal growth of each child. Prayer and memorization of Bible verses are also integral components of our Bible teaching, providing students with opportunities to reflect on their faith, deepen their relationship with God, and apply His teachings in their lives.
Music, Art, French, and Physical Education are all included in the curriculum. At our school, we introduce French starting in Kindergarten, with a conversation-based program designed to develop students’ speaking skills in real-world contexts. This approach helps students become confident in communicating in French, setting a strong foundation for future language learning. Our music program also begins in Kindergarten, focusing on fundamental rhythm and music reading skills. Through hands-on experiences with various instruments, students progressively build their musical abilities, preparing them to participate in the school band in Grades 7 and 8. Additionally, physical education is taught in all grades to foster a deep understanding of the importance of physical activity in maintaining overall wellness, encouraging students to embrace an active and healthy lifestyle. This comprehensive approach ensures that students develop well-rounded skills that contribute to their intellectual, creative, and physical growth.
