Copy Books
K-2 students produce copybooks that provide ongoing practice for handwriting, spelling, grammar, etc. These copybooks are kept specifically for copying noteworthy poems, prose, quotes, historical facts, and information that touches on the theme being studied by the class. We have a monthly Biblical theme that is in alignment with the PRCA Portrait of a Graduate.
Living Books
Living books are the opposite of dull, dry textbooks. They are books that are excellently written, timeless, wide-ranging, and interest-holding to children. People, places, and events come alive as one reads a living book. The story and the noble themes presented in the book touch one’s mind, will, and emotions and are used along with the Scriptures by the teacher to stimulate imagination and obedience to the truth. Because the K-2 grade levels are predominantly in Spanish, students also receive a rich understanding of the text as culture and language are expressed in ways that connect to their hearts. PRCA advocates avoiding “twaddle,” or dumbed-down literature. We choose, rather, to provide a feast for children’s minds with the best literary works available in Spanish at the K-2 grade levels.
Creation Journals
Creation Journals are artist sketchbooks containing pictures the children have personally drawn of plants, wildlife, or any other natural objects found in their natural setting. These journals can also include creation-related poetry, prose, detailed descriptions, weather notes, Latin names, etc. In addition, we believe in the benefits of children taking walks in God's creation, perhaps one per week, during which they may experience and observe the natural environment firsthand. These excursions are creation "walks," no nature "talks." These activities generate the right attitude of mind for scientific observations and inferences, and foster a sense of awe and wonder for all things created. The bulk of creation journals is done in our sustainable garden built by the dads of the school.
Picture & Composer Studies
The grammar levels of all PRCA schools structure its program to bring the child into direct contact with works of art and music of enduring quality. Students spend approximately 15 minutes per week studying a work of art by a great artist. The child looks at the work of art intently for a short period and is encouraged to look for every detail. The picture is taken away, and the student recalls what was observed in the picture. A similar methodology is undertaken as the school studies significant musicians and their works. Through exposure to selected works of art and music, students develop an understanding of things that are worthy and timeless, and they build a mental inventory of many great works through the ages.
Physical Education and Mariachi León
PRCA South offers music classes at various levels, from beginner to advanced, under its Mariachi program, which currently includes guitar. Students learn to play by ear, read music and play an instrument, not just to perform, but to worship. As the school grows, it will expose students to a variety of instruments - violins, trumpets, piano, drums, and choral.
As a Charlotte Mason-based school, students participate in two types of P.E.; imagination and mental/physical skills growth.
Art
In addition to picture studies, students participate in formal art class once a week. To begin, the focus is on drawing and elements of art such as visual components of color, form, line, shape, space, texture, and value. Later, students learn about, discuss, and implement principles of design in their artwork and throughout the year are exposed to a wide variety of media and methods. There is also an emphasis on connecting student art to classroom subjects such as history, math, and Bible.
Recitations
Taking advantage of the predilection of young children for mimicry and repetition, we provide the opportunity for our elementary students to commit to memory passages and poems of lasting value. As a Dual Language Immersion (DLI) campus, our K-2 students recite poems and Scripture in Spanish.