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Teaching the Whole Child

We recognize that students have varied learning styles. By integrating auditory, visual, and kinesthetic activities, students have an opportunity to utilize the learning style that works best for them.

Basic skills are extremely important as the foundation of learning, but we believe conceptual development is the key to overall learning. With proficiencies in basic skills, conceptual development and critical thinking, our students are able to transfer their learning into every core area.

We also understand that social and emotional growth are key aspects of integrating the curriculum. A shy student gains confidence through small classes and active participation in cooperative activities that build confidence and promote achievement. A student who is a dominant leader understands the importance of teamwork as well as individual accomplishment. Problem behaviors decrease because the students are actively participating in discussions and activities that capture their interest.

Emotion plays a very important part in the educational process. It drives attention and thereby learning and memory. The integrated approach at Wesley Prep enables students to be active participants in their own learning. With the playing field on their terms and a sense of relevance for what they're learning, students have a higher level of interest and motivation to know more. We treat learning personally, and it shows.

Our lower grades build the foundation of basic skills, character, and purpose for learning through music, art, science, and history. The Three Little Pigs and other fairy tales are taught to give young students an understanding of an author's point of view, character traits, motivation, and so on. Basic skills are the foundation of Primer through second grade; however, teachers move students toward the big picture of concept development. The concept of community, right and wrong, morals, diversity, and exploration are a part of their daily learning.

In our elementary program, we understand the importance of rigor and relevance in the learning environment. We make it our mission to enable students to see purpose and connections in all that they do. Our teachers are constantly finding new ways to integrate subject matter into all academic areas. Music, drama, hands-on activities, art, Spanish, technology, and physical education are all areas we integrate into the classroom.

Here is a snapshot of the types of projects that are woven into the fabric of our curriculum. Wesley Prep students:

  • Perform plays, write plays, and work on computer projects that are developed under the direction and facilitation of their teacher.
  • Read classics such as The Legend of Sleepy Hollow and A Christmas Carol.
  • Problem-solve by making of games built out of their learning on simple machines.
  • Explore the history of Texas and produce extraordinary projects related to their learning.
  • Participate in music and drama to develop an understanding of the concept of diversity as they study cultures of the world, how they lived, and how and why they have affected our culture.
  • Appreciate the diversity of nature through trips to an environmental camp in Oklahoma.
  • Enrich their understanding of Texas history and science innovation trips to Austin and California.
  • Attend field trips to experience the Arts and Sciences and numerous other experiential opportunities.
  • Explore historical settings and create architecture of the period.
  • Study important individuals that have shaped our country and lives by researching, writing, and performance.

Faith and Character Development

Faith and character development are driving forces as we focus on the social and emotional development of children. Our school chaplain, teachers, and administrative staff integrate these healthy qualities into our morning character development, chapel, and our classrooms and model them on a daily basis:

  • Understanding the importance of self-control
  • Recognizing and eliciting trust, help, and praise for others
  • Empathizing with the perspectives of others
  • Choosing our friends wisely
  • Sharing, waiting, and participating in groups
  • Giving and receiving help and criticism
  • Identifying one's goals
  • Expressing and accurately labeling feelings
  • Employing the art of reflection and thinking in alternative ways to solve problems
  • Considering short- and long-term decisions made and how they will affect oneself or others
  • Practicing how to exercise leadership, accept diversity, and demonstrate desirable attributes such as honesty, integrity, responsibility, compassion, and caring