Academics

Curriculum

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PROGRAM

2011 - 2012 SCHOOL YEAR

Academic Overview

History

The central focus of the elementary curriculum is a timeline approach to history.  Bible, writing, literature, science, art and music are correlated to or integrated with the history program. A variety of materials, secular and Christian, are used to teach specific grade level objectives.

English/ Language Arts

Reading begins with a structured instructional approach to phonics and continues with a variety of literature sources, trade books, poetry, and basal readers. Phonics and reading instruction begin in kindergarten. A grammar foundation begins in first grade with the rigorous Shurley English Program. In the upper elementary grades, a literature-based program is taught to compliment the period of history studied. The Empowering Writers program is utilized to teach narrative writing in the lower grades and expository writing in the upper grades. Instruction in grammar and writing fundamentals is supported with Elements of Writing in upper grades. Reading, writing, and literature instruction follow objectives for each grade level.

Bible

Bible is a core subject and taught daily at each grade level. Biblical principles are integrated throughout the curriculum and students are equipped with a biblical worldview.

Science

The Scott Foresman series is utilized for the K-6 science program. Instruction is discovery based and there is a heavy emphasis on the exploration of scientific concepts. Hands-on learning is emphasized in the elementary grades and the scientific process in the upper grades.

Math

Kindergarten through second utilize the A Beka math program, and third through fifth grades utilize the Association of Christian Schools International program. Components of both programs provide students the opportunity to master mathematical skills and conceptual understanding.

Enrichments

Physical Education

Kindergarten through fifth grade students participate in physical education.  Primary grades concentrate on learning and mastering nonlocomotor and locomotor skills. The primary grades begin to learn manipulative skills integrated into activities and games. Upper elementary grades review and master manipulative skills and begin to apply these skills into games and specific sport activities. The elementary program is designed to assist physical development and coordination.

Library

All elementary classes visit the library once a week for library instruction and to check out books.  Instruction includes books and activities to support and reinforce grade level curriculum, to teach library skills, to honor author birthdays, and to celebrate holidays and special themes and events.  Students participate in the Accelerated Reader (AR) program. Students in fourth and fifth grades attend a media class for integration with library and technology training. The goal of the library is to instill a love of books and reading in our students.

Computer

Keyboarding and computer applications are taught in third grade. In fourth grade, students are issued a MacBook for in-class use. Fifth grade students are issued a MacBook for school and home use. Technology tools are used to challenge students in higher-level thinking skills, inspire students to become lifelong learners, and prepare students for digital citizenship. Students become proficient in word processing, presentation, spreadsheets, and publishing programs. SMARTBoards are used in all elementary classrooms to enhance curriculum instruction.

Art / Music

All students in kindergarten through fifth grade participate in general art and music once a week. Correlation of art and music history with the period of history being studied is included in general art and music. Students are taught a basic understanding of art elements and use a variety of media, which are incorporated into the projects throughout the year. Children are encouraged to explore their own creativity. Band is offered to fourth and fifth grades, and elementary chorus is available for third through fifth grades.

Spanish

Students in grades kindergarten through fifth grade participate in Spanish instruction once a week. Spanish becomes an elective course in 6th grade. Students are introduced to vocabulary, pronunciation and reading skills with multi-sensory and interactive instruction.

GRADE LEVEL DISTINCTIVES

 Kindergarten

  • A Beka phonics program
  • A Beka mathematics program
  • Scott Foresman science
  • Empowering Writers writing program
  • Emphasis on phonics as primary approach to reading
  • Hands on activities
  • “Neighborhoods” – school, continents, the world, geography, people groups, animals
  • Many field trip experiences
  • Enrichment classes:  Library, P.E., Music, Art, Spanish
  • SMARTBoards in all classrooms

First Grade

  • A Beka phonics, spelling, and reading program
  • Shurley English
  • Association of Christian Schools International Bible program
  • A Beka mathematics program
  • Scott Foresman science
  • Empowering Writers writing program
  • Introduction to reading literature and emphasis on writing
  • “Communities” – modern communities, ancient civilizations through the Middle Ages; Egypt, Greece
  • Science includes the five senses, dental hygiene, insects, introduction to plants, magnets, sun, moon and stars, body systems, and nutrition
  • Development of independence and organizational skills
  • Many projects and hands on activities
  • Enrichment classes:  Library, P.E., Music, Art, Spanish
  • SMARTBoards in all classrooms

Second Grade

  • A Beka phonics program
  • Association of Christian Schools International Bible and spelling program
  • A Beka mathematics program
  • Shurley English
  • Scott Foresman science
  • Empowering Writers writing program
  • Chapter books and emphasis on writing paragraphs
  • Begin cursive writing
  • Learn fifty states
  • “Expansion” – Renaissance through pre-Civil War, Explorations, Inventions, American Revolution
  • Science includes solar system, weather, states of matter, minerals, animals, plants, sound, and technology
  • Enrichment classes:  Library, P.E., Music, Art, Spanish
  • SMARTBoards in all classrooms

Third Grade

  • Association of Christian Schools International Bible, mathematics and spelling program
  • Shurley English
  • Scott Foresman science with supplementary e-book and digital curriculum materials
  • Empowering Writers writing program
  • Begin genre study in literature (grades 3 – 5)
  • Historical fiction to correlate with history
  • Focus on cursive writing
  • Mastery of multiplication facts
  • “Development” – Civil War to the present, Immigration, Westward Expansion, World Wars, Industrial Revolution, and technology
  • Science includes life, earth, and physical sciences
  • Enrichment classes:  Library, P.E., Music, Art, Spanish
  • Optional: Elementary Chorus, Student Council
  • SMARTBoards in all classrooms

Fourth Grade

  • Association of Christian Schools International Bible, mathematics, and spelling program
  • Shurley English
  • Scott Foresman science
  • Empowering Writers writing program
  • Continue genre study in literature
  • Literature about N.C. or by N.C. writers
  • Strong emphasis on writing
  • North Carolina history
  • Science includes matter, energy, electricity, weather, body systems, solar system
  • Field trips with North Carolina emphasis
  • Annual drama production
  • Outer Banks overnight trip
  • Enrichment classes:  Library, P.E., Music, Art, Computer, Spanish
  • Optional: Elementary Chorus, Band, Student Council
  • MacBooks provided to all students for class use

Fifth Grade

  • Association of Christian Schools International Bible, mathematics, and spelling program
  • Shurley English
  • Scott Foresman science with supplementary e-book and digital curriculum materials
  • Empowering Writers writing program
  • Continue genre study
  • United States historical fiction novels
  • Strong focus on grammar and writing
  • First research paper
  • United States history
  • Science includes life, earth, and physical sciences, technology
  • Overnight Colonial Williamsburg trip
  • Enrichment classes:  Library, P.E., Music, Art, Computer, Spanish
  • Optional: Elementary Chorus, Band, Student Council
  • MacBooks provided to all students for school and home use
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