LCA’s Fifth Grade Launches New Focus Groups
They just couldn’t wait, could they? This year’s LCA fifth graders are getting a sneak peek at the mentor groups they’ll experience next year in middle school—by starting their own groups! Having begun in January, the students will meet monthly in gender-specific discussion groups for the rest of the school year.
The focus? Helping each student understand, appreciate and be secure in who he or she is. “We believe if students can internalize their worth in Christ, they will be on track for healthy choices and fulfilling lives,” explains fifth grade teacher Jemi Ford.
Facilitated by Mrs. Ford, the girls’ group is discussing material from Becoming a Young Woman of God. Led by Life Center children’s pastor Nick Caalim, the boys are discussing material from companion curriculum, Becoming a Young Man of God.
Both teachers and students are saying good things about the experience thus far. “It was very inspiring,” fifth grader Keegan said of his group’s discussion this month. Fellow student Justin commented, “I am looking forward to learning how to be more mature.”
As part of a longstanding LCA tradition, in the spring fifth graders complete a five-lesson unit on Relationships with Integrity by Legacy Institute. This is followed by a Dad/Son Pizza night and a Mom/Daughter Tea. “We always have great feedback from these events but wanted to do something more,” says Mrs. Ford.
She continues, “One of the biggest advantages of being a private school is being able to talk about real life issues with a God-focused lens. These new breakout sessions are valuable because we can discuss gender-specific issues with the students and teach them they were created specially and uniquely by God. They may not remember a history lesson years from now, but our hope is they will remember these lessons and be helped on their journey of following God’s heart.”
For more information about fifth grade focus groups, contact Mrs. Ford. For more information about middle school mentor groups, contact Mark Lovelady. To learn more about the curriculum being used by the fifth grade groups, click the links above.
