ELEMENTARY CURRICULUM OVERVIEW
(KINDERGARTEN THROUGH 6TH GRADES)

KINDERGARTEN
The kindergarten children have the privilege to discover that learning can be fun in many different ways. The curriculum strives to meet the physical, emotional, social, spiritual and intellectual needs of each child.

ABeka, a total language arts approach to reading is taught. Kindergarten children learn to read through the use of phonics. Through this approach to reading, the children learn that speaking, writing, spelling, and reading all work together in the English language. Students learn cursive writing that is correlated with their phonics. They work in large and small groups to develop the skills needed to learn to read. They are exposed to a variety of literature that is available in the classroom and in the school library. The Accelerated Reading Program is a part of the reading curriculum. They have two computers in each room to take quizzes after they have read appropriate library books.

ABeka math curriculum is taught. The pupils learn math concepts of sorting and classifying, shapes, patterns, sizes, measuring, time and money, adding, subtraction, fractions, and numbers to 100. They learn to understand, plan, estimate, solve, and check problems in the areas mentioned above. Manipulative and games are used to create excitement while learning. Every day use of numbers is taught in calendar and telephone math.

The children are exposed to a variety of social studies and science units to capture their curiosity and develop it through the ABeka curriculum. These units are enriched by students taking field trips throughout the community. Indirect learning takes place through the use of pictures, books, and videos.

The students have the opportunity to develop physically by going to a planned P.E. class. They also have the opportunity to develop in the fine arts area by having an art and music class. Kindergarten students attend Spanish classes weekly. Several field trips are taken during the year to a variety of programs. The children perform in programs throughout the year.

ABeka Bible Curriculum is taught through telling the stories of the Old and New Testaments. The Bible lessons flow from the Word of God through the heart, soul, and mind of the teacher into the heart, soul and mind of the child. Bible time includes the pledge to the flag, a patriotic song, Bible hymns and choruses, doctrinal drill, memory verses, prayer time and the Bible lesson.

FIRST GRADE
In the first grade curriculum, reading, writing and arithmetic are still the basic subjects. By using the ABeka curriculum, first graders develop a large vocabulary for both reading and writing. ABeka readers are used in orders to provide a wide variety of excellent literature as the children develop deeper interest in reading. Many opportunities for using these newly acquired skills are provided as children read together in small groups, independently, and in other subject matter areas such as science and social studies. First graders are encouraged to write sentences and original stories. The Accelerated Reading Program is an important part of the reading curriculum. The students choose appropriate library books, read for enjoyment, and are computer tested on each book. Records are kept so that each student can see the progress that they have made.

Math encourages the first grade children to learn with understanding. Many resources are used in addition to the ABeka Curriculum. Reasoning and problem solving as individuals and in groups is one of our main goals. Communicating in mathematical terms is emphasized. They use strategies for learning addition and subtraction facts. they also use word problems. The use of blocks, play money, counters, and other manipulatives allows a hands-on approach that develops reasoning and problem solving skills.

Social studies units are developed throughout the year and help to build an awareness of the geography and rich history of our country. Science units about animals, plants, weather, matter, light and sound make the children aware of our beautiful world and the responsibility that we have to preserve our earth.

The ABeka curriculum includes first grade students study Health, Manners and Safety. Enrichment Classes include P.E., Spanish, art and music. ABeka Bible Curriculum teaches the children scriptural principle and attends chapel weekly.

SECOND GRADE
The second grade expands the basic skills and concepts taught in kindergarten and first grades. The ABeka second grade language arts curriculum includes reading, language skills, spelling, and writing. The reading program emphasizes reading for information, comprehension, and vocabulary. The goal for each child is to develop a love for reading and to be able to read independently. The language skills and creative writing are taught so that the child will learn correct usage for language and develop the ability to express ideas clearly. The ABeka method is used to teach spelling, phonics, and writing. The Accelerated Reading Program is an important part of the reading curriculum. The students choose appropriate library books, read for enjoyment, and are computer tested on each Accelerated Reader book. Records are kept so that each student can see the progress that they have made.

ABeka Social Studies units cover neighborhoods and communities with history, geography, economics, citizenship, and humanities stressed. Lessons about other countries are also integrated into the units.

The ABeka Science curriculum provides children with a variety of content in life, earth, and physical sciences. Environmental science, health, and energy topics are woven into the units taught.

Second grade students experience ABeka math through the use of manipulatives. Working in small groups or with partners, the children have many opportunities to develop an understanding of various concepts, such as addition and subtraction, place value regrouping and problem solving.

The Presidential Physical Fitness Program is a big part of the second grade P.E. classes, along with the ABeka Health, Manners and Safety. Other enrichments include art, Spanish, and music classes. Second graders attend chapel weekly and use the ABeka Bible curriculum daily.

THIRD GRADE
The third grade curriculum focuses on the academic and social needs of the eight and nine-year old child. Our ultimate goal is to develop within the child a desire for learning and sense of responsibility to self, school, community and society.

The language arts program consists of reading, writing, language, spelling, and speaking. By using the Bob Jones curriculum, Reading For Christian Schools, the third grade children read in small groups many types of stories, poems, plays and informational articles. Small group activity lessons stress reading comprehension and various other language and reading skills. The writing experience emphasizes creativity, proof reading, editing, and sharing original stories orally with the class. The Shurley Grammar language program is based on learning the fundamental rules of grammar and applying these rules in reading and writing. The spelling program, ACSI (Association of Christian School International) is a phonetic spelling method with an emphasis on spelling rules and seventy phonograms, which are the basic phonetic components of the English language. In addition to the core spelling lists the third grade also incorporates frequently used words from other subject areas. The Accelerated Reading program is an important part of the reading curriculum. The students choose appropriate library books, read for enjoyment, and are computer tested on each Accelerated Reader book. Records are kept so that each student can see the progress that they have made.

The third grade math textbook Math In My World, by McMillian/McGraw-Hill develops basic math concepts through the use of manipulatives and varied activities in a small group setting. The curriculum focuses on developing understanding and applying mathematics to real-world problems. Concepts of addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and fractions are taught as they relate to real-life experiences. Children participate in group decision-making projects, game play, calendar activities, and appropriate drills. Graphing, geometry, estimation, telling time, counting money, and measuring are equally a part of the curriculum.

The social studies program, Our American Heritage, by ABeka, focuses on communities and emphasizes history and geography of various communities. Map skills, economics, humanities, and citizenship round out the social studies lessons.

In science the students are taught units of life, earth, and physical science. Environmental science and energy strands are woven into the program. The third grade science curriculum is by McGraw/Hill.

Third graders are taught Health, Manners and Safety by ABeka through our P.E department along with the Presidential Physical Fitness Program. Other enrichments include Spanish, art, and music. Our Bible curriculum, Finding God’s Promise by Positive Action for Christ is taught daily. We have group Chapel every Wednesday.

FOURTH GRADE
The fourth grade curriculum is directed toward helping each student become an independent learner and thinker. Students are able to integrate many of the skills they have learned in previous grades, while using their imagination and originality to build on these skills.

The language arts program consists of reading, language, spelling, and creative writing. The Bob Jones Reading For Christian Schools is based on children’s literature emphasizing fantasy, realistic fiction, non-fiction, and poetry. The reading program is designed to capture the students’ imaginations, interest them in reading for enjoyment, increase their knowledge, and motivate them to write. Comprehension, vocabulary, and the ability to express one’s understanding in spoken and written form art some of the many skills stressed. The Accelerated Reading Program is an important part of the reading curriculum. The students choose appropriate library books, read for enjoyment, and are computer tested on each Accelerated Reader. Records are kept so that each student can see the progress that they have made. The Shurley Grammar language program emphasizes grammar and creative writing. The fourth grade curriculum in language builds on punctuation and word usage lessons taught in the lower grades, but consists mainly of a thorough teaching of the eight parts of speech. ACSI Spelling in the fourth grade uses phonics to master spelling of words most frequently used in our English language, while also emphasizing subject area words. Creative writing skills are used to encourage the students to write more often, use their imaginations and be confident in their writing ability.

The Math In My World, by McMillian/McGraw-Hill, continues to use manipulatives as its basis as it prepares the children to move from concrete to abstract thinking skills. Emphasis is placed on problem solving, mental math, estimation, number sense, and the relationship of math to everyday life. As in reading class, the children are divided into small learning groups where they develop critical thinking skills through cooperative learning.

Adventures In Time and Place, by McGraw/Hill, is the text for social studies. It emphasizes geography with a focus on the United States. Children participate in many activities and projects involving map skills. The McGraw/Hill fourth grade science program involves learning about our planet, plants, animals, light, sound, matter, weather, and atmosphere. In both science and social studies, the students learn how to take organized notes and use the skills and knowledge acquired to prepare projects.

ABeka, Health, Manners and Safety, is taught in the P.E. program along with the Presidential Physical Fitness program. Other enrichments include, Spanish, art, and music. Our Bible curriculum consists of chapel weekly and daily lessons by Positive Action for Christ.

FIFTH GRADE
In the fifth grade program, the children are involved in math, science, language arts and social studies.
In language arts, children strengthen basic reading skills and develop a love of literature. Children increase their reading comprehension spelling, and vocabulary skills through the use of the Bob Jones reading program. Each child selects books for independent reading. The teaching of spelling includes precise speech, legible handwriting and correct spelling. The Accelerated Reading Program is an important part of the reading curriculum. The students choose appropriate library books, read for enjoyment, and are computer tested on each book. Records are kept so that each student can see the progress that they have made.

The goal of the math program is to ensure that students have a command of basic skills of mathematics and that they know how to apply problem-solving skills in their everyday lives. Emphasis is placed on the mastery of computation, problem solving, mental math, and estimation. The instruction will include the use of manipulatives and will involve students in small cooperative groups and independent work.

In social studies, the following topics are taught: geography, history, government/citizenship, economics, sociology/cultures. Students are given the opportunity to discuss current events, prepare and share reports, and create projects pertinent to the subject matter. Globe and map study activities are required. Each student is encouraged to participate in the school’s Social Studies Fair.

The goal of the science program is to develop thinking skills that will enable the students to become better problem solvers and intelligent decision makers. Students are involved in learning activities that include hands-on experience and cooperative learning. Topics cover chemistry, physical science, earth science, and life science. Each student has an opportunity to participate in the Science Fair, which allows him or her to develop research skills and to use the scientific method. Through the use of resource persons, enrichment of subject matter is provided.

Spanish, art, and music are offered as enrichment classes. Students attend chapel weekly. The Bible curriculum Finding God’s Promise is taught daily in the classrooms.

SIXTH GRADE
Sixth grade language arts consist of an intensive study of grammar, literature, and writing. The goal is to improve each student’s communication skills through an integrated study of grammar, literature, vocabulary, spelling and writing skills. Students review kinds of sentences, subjects and predicates, the eight parts of speech, complements, punctuation, subject-verb agreement, and correct use of pronouns, verbs adjectives and adverbs. Students are required to read various types of literary works, (including one novel), short stories, poetry, non-fiction, plays, myths, and folk tales. Through literature the students also develop other reading skills such as identifying the main idea predicting outcomes, making inferences, identifying facts, and identifying character traits. The development of writing includes a major emphasis on the topic sentence and paragraph development. Students demonstrate basic skills by combining sentences and developing sentence variety. Students also write and edit short compositions and report. In addition, students increase vocabulary skills throughout the year. Accelerated Reading Program is an important part of our reading curriculum.

The math program is designed to build computation competency in addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division of integers, common fractions, and decimals. It enhances the ability to use mental math, estimation skills, and various techniques for problem solving. The program includes the topics of geometry, measurement, ratio and proportion, probability, data analysis and introduction to algebra.
World History in the sixth grade is a study of the world, past and present. Students are challenged to learn about people and places here and abroad. Goals for our students include not only learning about the differences in other lands but also the similarities. The class is supplemented with educational videotapes. Participation in the Social Studies Fair is recommended.
The sixth grade science program provides a more formal and specialized program to prepare students for middle school. Students learn through a variety of instructional methods including note taking and hands-on investigations in cooperative groups. The major topics include environmental science, forces, motion, energy, sound, light, electricity, magnetism, planets and writing a research paper. Science Fair participation is recommended.
Physical Education allow for rapid and inverse physical, social, and emotional change. The program is vigorous to enhance physical development. Emphasis is placed on correct form in skills. Rules and game strategy are taught in a wide variety of games, relays, and competitive activities. The Presidential Physical Fitness is an integral part of our P.E. program. A health unit includes: Health, Manners and Safety by Abeka. Other enrichments offered are Spanish, art, and music.