Special Teachers and Recess
Traditional education focuses less on testing and more on broadening student experiences. Getting students excited about learning reduces student stress, increases student participation, and keeps the entire classroom positive. Heritage’s special teachers and a good dose of recess fortify this ongoing educational effort.
Special Teachers
Heritage Academy desires well-rounded, God-fearing students who can think critically. Broadening a student’s perspective was the time-honored goal of more traditional education, and it remains a focus at Heritage.
Heritage’s special teachers engage the entire Academy student body with a variety of different subjects. The subjects are as follows:
Art – 4th through 8th grade
Basic art instruction begins in the 4th grade. The course covers the elements of art, including line, form, shape, and color. Art appreciation and history are also introduced and developed in the students.
Music – Kindergarten through 8th grade
Students are introduced to music, its variety, and its cultural importance. All grades are engaged once per week with music. Music instruction is often paired with a theme a grade level might be covering. Musical productions are presented several times a year.
Grades K-3
Any foreign language helps broaden the mind for native English speakers and fosters critical thinking. Spanish is a very common language in many foreign countries, which better prepares the Heritage student for the larger world. Spanish culture, food, holidays, and dance are introduced. Well stocked pinatas are an Academy favorite.
Grades 4-8
Fourth – eighth graders participate in a semester of weekly technology classes. The main objective is to develop proficiency in typing. Keyboarding is practiced using an online typing program that is self-paced, which is excellent for accommodating the various skill levels within the class. Students are also introduced to word processing, spread sheets, and they do online research and typing of research papers.
Tennis
Tennis offered on a weekly basis for 2nd – 8th graders. A local instructor teaches students for 50 mins. each week in the gym. Learning to play the sport helps students focus on fitness, strength, agility, flexibility, sportsmanship, endurance, strategy, and mental fortitude. Students also have the option to play on the Heritage Tennis Team in matches played on Friday evenings against other area schools.
Family and Consumer Science
Through these “home economics” classes, students are provided with life management skills. They learn basic needlepoint stitches to create various projects. They also learn basic crochet stitches to make a dishcloth. Safety and sanitation with an emphasis on proper kitchen procedures are taught. Students are instructed in how to prevent falls, cuts, burns, fires, electrical shocks, and poisonings. Basic food preparation, equipment and techniques are discussed, and this knowledge is used to prepare simple recipes. Proper etiquette is taught and demonstrated.
Recess
As a traditional school, Heritage Academy offers recess for all of its students. Giving students recess helps clear their minds, soaks up nervous energy, and keeps school fun. Recess is a disappointingly understated activity in many school programs. Heritage students interact with peers, build friendships, and decompress prior to the day’s remaining instruction. A simple break is natural and beneficial. Older students enjoy recess time together; younger students also have time to play together. Students engage in games/team building and learn to get along socially. This is a time in which student leaders emerge.