Academics

Curriculum

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PROGRAM

2010 - 2011

Academic Overview

History

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

English/ Language Arts

Reading begins with a structured study of phonics and continues with a variety of literature sources; trade books, poetry, and basal readers. In upper elementary grades, a literature-based program is taught complimenting the period of history studied. A grammar foundation is laid through the rigorous Shurley English Program, beginning in first grade. Emphasis on writing is achieved by teaching specific modes of writing at each grade level. Instruction in grammar and writing fundamentals is also supported with “Elements of Writing” in upper grades. Reading, writing, and literature instructions follow objectives for each grade level.

Bible

Bible is a core subject and taught daily at each grade level. In addition, biblical principles are integrated throughout the curriculum and students are equipped with a biblical world view.

Science

The Scott Foresman series has been adopted for the elementary science program. Instruction is discovery based. 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

The kindergarten through fifth grade math program is from the Association of Christian Schools International. Components of the program provide students the opportunity to master both mathematical skills and conceptual understanding.

 

Enrichments

Physical Education

All students in kindergarten through fifth grade have physical education.  Primary grades concentrate on learning and mastering nonlocomotor and locomotor skills.  The primary grades also begin to learn manipulative skills.  All skills are then 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.  The goal of our library is to instill a love of books and reading in our students. 

Computer

Keyboarding and computer applications are taught beginning in third grade.  Students are expected to become proficient in word processing, presentation, spreadsheets, and desktop publishing programs.  This is accomplished through various project-based activities that coordinate with grade level curriculum. A networked lab, Internet access in the library, computer lab, and in each classroom provide opportunities for remediation and enrichment of core subjects as well as creative projects

 

Art / Music

All students in kindergarten through fifth grade take 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 for fourth and fifth grades Elementary chorus is available for third through fifth grades.

 

GRADE LEVEL DISTINCTIVES

 

Kindergarten

  • A Beka phonics program
  • Association of Christian Schools International 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

 

First Grade

  • A Beka phonics, spelling, and reading program
  • Shurley English
  • Association of Christian Schools International Bible and 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

 

Second Grade

  • A Beka phonics program
  • Association of Christian Schools International Bible, mathematics, and spelling 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

Third Grade

  • Association of Christian Schools International Bible, mathematics and spelling program
  • Shurley English
  • Scott Foresman science
  • 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, Computer
  • Optional: Elementary Chorus, Student Council

 

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
  • Optional: Elementary Chorus, Band, Student Council

 

Fifth Grade

  • Association of Christian Schools International Bible, mathematics, and spelling program
  • Shurley English
  • Scott Foresman science
  • 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
  • Optional: Elementary Chorus, Band, Student Council

 

 

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