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Educating the Whole Child of God

By Cheryl Gilbert, B.S., M.A. Endorsements in Early Childhood Education and Special Education Director of Immanuel Lutheran School January 27, 2021


“Train up a child in the way he should go; 

even when he is old, he will not depart from it” 

Proverbs 22:6 

Deciding where to educate your child is a huge decision for every family. Your child is a unique child of God! At Immanuel, we desire to educate the whole child. Our curriculum is designed to meet all the needs of the whole child spiritually, socially, emotionally, intellectually, and physically. Early childhood programs at Immanuel Lutheran School are committed to fostering and supporting young children's developmental domains using scientifically proven curriculum and exceptionally trained teachers. Classes are designed around how young students learn and to support students in building a strong foundation for future success in successive steps that build each year.




Spiritual Development:

The most important truth for young children to learn is how much Jesus loves them! Our spiritual curriculum assures children of their unique identity as a child of God. We learn that Jesus loves us and has a plan for our lives, giving these children a base knowledge. God uniquely creates each child, and we celebrate how God has designed us! Students learn biblical truths through bible stories and apply what they have learned to their lives.

Social Development:

Social Development is prominent throughout the day in the early childhood classroom as we learn to work and play together. Well-designed Early childhood classrooms allow children to encounter a wide range of social experiences. Through free play, teacher-directed activities, outside play, games, story, and circle time, students learn how to work and play together using the skills directed by the teacher. Children learn how to wait in line, raise hands for questions, and learn how to wait their turn for activities. Students are coached on language and skills that will help them resolve conflict and respect one another.

Emotional Development:

At a developmentally designed early childhood program, children are supported in recognizing their emotions and given skills to express their needs. Students take part in a well-designed curriculum, Second Step. Each lesson is designed to help students solve social issues, as well as identify emotions and voice their personal needs and desires. Children are assured of God's love for them and helped to develop self-confidence, a love for learning, and an eagerness to explore the world around them.

Intellectual Development:

The cognitive development of young children is supported throughout the school day. Children participate in playtime, group activities, teacher-led projects, and games that support the learning of academic concepts. Children at different developmental levels can learn a variety of prereading, pre-math, and pre-writing skills as well as letter number and math concepts. Children are encouraged to learn through activities that are hands-on and process-oriented.

Physical Development:

The fine and gross motor development of students is fundamental to their entire development. Students have time daily to play outside and inside, to dance, and play together. Guided practice of writing letters and numbers in various mediums allows children to explore their fine motor skills in a fun atmosphere. Our curriculum, Handwriting Without Tears, teaches letter and number formation in fun and developmentally appropriate ways allowing students to develop these skills at their own pace. Immanuel’s early childhood program provides the curriculum, materials, environment, and support that young children need to build a strong foundation and love for learning. These active learning experiences help children to form the foundation of their science, math, and literacy.




Classes offered at Immanuel Lutheran School

Our Terrific 3's class:

This is a child's first introduction to preschool. We focus on socialization, sharing, and getting along with others. We work to develop fine motor skills, have a joyful outlook on school, and a love of Jesus. Preschool classes meet two days a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:15–10:45 a.m. Children must be 3 prior to September 15th.

Our Fantastic 4's class:

This learns about shapes, numbers, and will be exposed to the alphabet through fun and hands-on learning. We will prepare for Kindergarten by practicing our listening skills, extending our attention span, and developing our fine motor skills. The class meets three days a week on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 8:15– 10:45 a.m. Children must be 4 prior to September 15th.

Our Fabulous 5's class:

This is an expansion of the 4-year-old class. Children in this class cover all the same topics, but with more in-depth activities and more hands-on experiences. We will further explore letters and numbers. The class meets four days a week, Monday through Thursday. Class is from 12:30–3:00 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday and 11:45 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday. Children must be 5 prior to December 15 and/or have attended preschool before. Admission to the Fabulous 5's will be determined by the director.