Trinity Lutheran School

Composure is showing self-control and patience.

I leave you peace, my peace I give you. I do not give it to you as the world does. So don’t let your hearts be troubled or afraid. John 14:27

Teachers use many strategies in the classroom to help students learn to calm themselves based on each child’s individual needs. Children have an inner world built on their ability to control, understand, and connect their feelings with what is going on around them.

In the home, parents are encouraged to teach self-calming strategies such as relaxation breathing and taking a break from a frustrating activity.

Citizenship is caring for our belongs, our school, our community and our nation.

God is fair; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them. Hebrews 6:10

Students demonstrate citizenship at school through their involvement in American Heart Association Hoops for Heart event, by helping with the Easter egg hunt for our neighborhood, and by collecting and selling snow pants and boots to raise money to send cards and packages to service men and women.

We encourage families to reinforce good citizenship in the home by respecting others and their property, collecting toys and clothes for those in need, wearing a bike helmet, and following other safety rules.

Clear Thinking is evaluating information and making wise decisions.

Do not be shaped by this world; instead be changed within by a new way of thinking. Romans 12:2a

Students are taught to pull together pieces of a problem, make a hypothesis, analyze the results, and come to a conclusion. These skills are practiced and refined through many different projects. Some examples include code-a-pillars and spheroballs in technology class and Science Fair in the upper grades.

In the home, parents are encouraged to resist the urge to ‘rescue’ when their child encounters difficulties. Instead, parents should try to ask questions will help the child to think through the problem, identify a course of action, and implement a solution.

Curiosity is asking questions and exploring the world.

The discerning heart seeks knowledge. Proverbs 15:14

Curiosity is fostered in many ways throughout the school day as children learn and grow. Asking questions is encouraged and students explore their world in unique ways including virtual field trips and online mission trips.

In the home, parents are encouraged to model curiosity by demonstrating an inquisitive attitude toward new ideas, people, and cultures.

Creativity is thinking of new ideas and learning how to make them happen.

All things have been created through Him and for Him. Colossians 1:16

Students are taught a concept and then are free to express their own creativity through open-ended art projects. Projects such as Science Fair and History Fair also provide opportunities for creativity in structure and style.

Parents are encouraged to foster a deeper understanding of the creative process by embracing different types of making. Children express creativity through all kinds of projects: drawing and painting, making jewelry, creating soapbox cars, baking desserts, building with Legos, or creating games and animations through Scratch programming. Children can learn about the creative design process through all these activities.

Communication can be defined as the process or act of exchanging, expressing or conveying information and ideas through writing, speaking and gesturing.

Bible Passage: May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer. Psalm 19:14

Synonyms for Communication:

• transmission
• imparting
• conveying
• reporting
• presenting
• relaying
• conveyance
• divulgence

Students practice effective communication skills though writing, speaking in class, art projects, music, and interacting with teachers and fellow students throughout the school day.

Daily conversations with children provide excellent opportunities for parents to model basic communication skills. These conversations help to lay a foundation for effective communication later in life. The parent’s goal is to raise a child who converses courteously; who listens to what others say; and who is able to clearly express thoughts, feelings, ideas, and opinions.

Collaboration is working and playing well with others.

Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. Romans 12:16

Trinity Lutheran School provides many diverse opportunities for students to practice collaboration skills, including sports, band, musicals, group projects, and cooperation on the playground.

In the home, parents are encouraged to model effective collaboration skills and to look for opportunities for children to cooperate with siblings or neighborhood friends in solving problems and meeting common goals.