Elementary School Curriculum

Bible: Fully integrated worldview and Bible survey curriculum helps younger students learn the biblical story through the worldview framework of creation, fall, and redemption. Students learn to view the world through the distinct relationships God created: our relationship with the Creator, with each other, and with His creation. Spiral progression with five key themes: wisdom, fellowship, image-bearing, servanthood, and stewardship. Scripture memorization.

Language Arts – Reading: A balanced literacy program begins with strong phonics instruction in the early grades integrated with sight words and reading strategies. A variety of reading experiences includes reading aloud; literacy circles; and shared, guided, and independent reading to develop strong, thinking readers. Students read quality literature (fiction and nonfiction) at their reading level and develop tools (visualizing, making connections, questioning, inferring, determining importance, and synthesizing) that increase comprehension and interaction with
text.

Language Arts – Writing: Writing instruction focuses on the goal of fostering lifelong writers using a consistent writing process. Students work in authentic ways to develop independence as writers. Each grade level completes units of study to meet developmental and curricular needs. The teacher acts as a mentor, modeling writing techniques and conferencing. Students develop writing skills as they write frequently, for extended periods of time, on topics of their own choosing. The workshop style of teaching writing is based on Lucy Caukins’ materials.

Mathematics: Students build mathematical understanding through a concrete-pictorial-abstract approach. Using manipulatives first, then visual models/drawings, and finally numerical symbols, students learn to apply multiple strategies for computation and develop as problem solvers and thinkers. A spiraling curriculum emphasizes depth over breadth and utilizes techniques, such as model drawing diagrams to understand word problems and provide a bridge to algebraic thinking and Mental Math to promote numerical fluency. This approach encourages active thinking, process, communication of mathematical ideas, and problem solving.

Science: An inquiry-based, hands-on approach to science instruction gives students numerous opportunities to discover principles and truths of God’s creation. Units in Life Science, Physical Science, Earth & Space Science, and the human body are designed to engage student in age-and grade-appropriate investigation skills. Subjects include: Mammals, Insects, Plants, Machines, Earth Materials, Sun, Moon, Starts, Space, Seasons, and Matter.

Social Studies: Integrated units of study support reading and writing through hands-on activities and field trips. Emphasis on American government and citizenship, economics, families and communities here and around the world, etc.

Spanish: Direct instruction provides exposure to Spanish language and culture reinforced through oral participation in class, interacting with classmates to practice speaking and pronunciation, and taking learned vocabulary to an action. Students practice vocabulary and comprehension in different ways to enhance learning – worksheets, textbooks, songs, games, etc. In computer, students learn basic drawing and keyboarding skills using interactive software. Spanish language concepts are introduced through games, lesson activities, and fun hands-on projects that provide practical application of language concepts. Students review previously learned vocabulary and make connections with new topics, such as, community helper, personal characteristics, body parts, clothing, etc.

Art: Creating art through a Christian worldview with an emphasis on art history. Students use the elements and principles of design to create art through a variety of mediums. Units focus on the elements of art.

Physical Education: Fundamental motor skills (locomotor, nonlocomotor, body control, manipulative), movement concepts, health related fitness components, physical fitness concepts, cooperative activities, games and activities of low organization, and rhythmic activities lead-up to team sports. Heart rate, Fitness stations and parts of the body used games, age appropriate team sports skills (e.g. ball handling, dance and creative movement, etc.)

Music: The elementary grades focus on learning about and experiencing music through music appreciation, matching pitch, singing, music history, reading/writing music, rhythmic patterns, listening activities, music terms, playing various classroom instruments, and performance opportunities. A special emphasis is on playing melodies on pitched melodic bells.

Media Center: Students browse the library collection to select books for pleasure reading and inquiry, develop literature appreciation through read-alouds and author studies, participate in age appropriate research and information literacy skills. Curriculum includes book care and parts of a book, fiction vs. nonfiction, Caldecott/Newberry award-winning books.

Bible: Fully integrated worldview and Bible survey curriculum helps younger students learn the biblical story through the worldview framework of creation, fall, and redemption. Students learn to view the world through the distinct relationships God created: our relationship with the Creator, with each other, and with His creation. Spiral progression with five key themes: wisdom, fellowship, image-bearing, servanthood, and stewardship. Scripture memorization.

Language Arts – Reading: A balanced literacy program begins with strong phonics instruction in the early grades integrated with sight words and reading strategies. A variety of reading experiences includes reading aloud; literacy circles; and shared, guided, and independent reading to develop strong, thinking readers. Students read quality literature (fiction and nonfiction) at their reading level and develop tools (visualizing, making connections, questioning, inferring, determining importance, and synthesizing) that increase comprehension and interaction with
text.

Language Arts – Writing: Writing instruction focuses on the goal of fostering lifelong writers using a consistent writing process. Students work in authentic ways to develop independence as writers. Each grade level completes units of study to meet developmental and curricular needs. The teacher acts as a mentor, modeling writing techniques and conferencing. Students develop writing skills as they write frequently, for extended periods of time, on topics of their own choosing. The workshop style of teaching writing is based on Lucy Caukins’ materials.

Mathematics: Students build mathematical understanding through a concrete-pictorial-abstract approach. Using manipulatives first, then visual models/drawings, and finally numerical symbols, students learn to apply multiple strategies for computation and develop as problem solvers and thinkers. A spiraling curriculum emphasizes depth over breadth and utilizes techniques, such as model drawing diagrams to understand word problems and provide a bridge to algebraic thinking and Mental Math to promote numerical fluency. This approach encourages active thinking, process, communication of mathematical ideas, and problem solving.

Science: An inquiry-based, hands-on approach to science instruction gives students numerous opportunities to discover principles and truths of God’s creation. Units in Life Science, Physical Science, Earth & Space Science, and the human body are designed to engage student in age-and grade-appropriate investigation skills. Includes: Weather, Oceans, Plants, Habitats, Vertebrates, Invertebrates, the Human Body, Energy, Heat, and Light.

Social Studies: Integrated units of study foster understanding that people belong to groups (country, state, family, community), history is the story of people; American cultures, government, and citizenship; economics-resources, goods and services; map skills, etc.

Spanish: Direct instruction provides exposure to Spanish language and culture reinforced through oral participation in class, interacting with classmates to practice speaking and pronunciation, and taking learned vocabulary to an action. Students practice vocabulary and comprehension in different ways to enhance learning – worksheets, textbooks, songs, games, etc. In computer, students learn basic drawing and keyboarding skills using interactive software. Spanish language concepts are introduced through games, lesson activities, and fun hands-on projects that provide practical application of language concepts. Students review previously learned vocabulary and make connections with new topics, such as, community helper, personal characteristics, body parts, clothing, etc.

Art: Creating art through a Christian worldview with an emphasis on art history. Students use the elements and principles of design to create art through a variety of mediums. Units focus on the principles of art.

Physical Education: Fundamental motor skills (locomotor, nonlocomotor, body control, manipulative), movement concepts, health related fitness components, physical fitness concepts, cooperative activities, games and activities of low organization, and rhythmic activities lead-up to team sports. Fitnessgram Fitness Test, skills used to project or receive objects, PE Fitness Challenge (simplified version), fundamental motor skills combinations.

Music: The elementary grades focus on learning about and experiencing music through music appreciation, matching pitch, singing, music history, reading/writing music, rhythmic patterns, listening activities, music terms, playing various classroom instruments, and performance opportunities. Classroom instruments, both pitched and unpitched, are used to create music.

Media Center: Students browse the library collection to select books for pleasure reading and inquiry, develop literature appreciation through read-alouds and author studies, participate in age appropriate research and information literacy skills. Reading comprehension strategies, South Carolina Picture Book Award program.

Bible: Fully integrated worldview and Bible survey curriculum helps younger students learn the biblical story through the worldview framework of creation, fall, and redemption. Students learn to view the world through the distinct relationships God created: our relationship with the Creator, with each other, and with His creation. Spiral progression with five key themes: wisdom, fellowship, image-bearing, servanthood, and stewardship. Scripture memorization.

Language Arts – Reading: A balanced literacy program begins with strong phonics instruction in the early grades integrated with sight words and reading strategies. A variety of reading experiences includes reading aloud; literacy circles; and shared, guided, and independent reading to develop strong, thinking readers. Students read quality literature (fiction and nonfiction) at their reading level and develop tools (visualizing, making connections, questioning, inferring, determining importance, and synthesizing) that increase comprehension and interaction with
text.

Language Arts – Writing: Writing instruction focuses on the goal of fostering lifelong writers using a consistent writing process. Students work in authentic ways to develop independence as writers. Each grade level completes units of study to meet developmental and curricular needs. The teacher acts as a mentor, modeling writing techniques and conferencing. Students develop writing skills as they write frequently, for extended periods of time, on topics of their own choosing. The workshop style of teaching writing is based on Lucy Caukins’ materials.

Mathematics: Students build mathematical understanding through a concrete-pictorial-abstract approach. Using manipulatives first, then visual models/drawings, and finally numerical symbols, students learn to apply multiple strategies for computation and develop as problem solvers and thinkers. A spiraling curriculum emphasizes depth over breadth and utilizes techniques, such as model drawing diagrams to understand word problems and provide a bridge to algebraic thinking and Mental Math to promote numerical fluency. This approach encourages active thinking, process, communication of mathematical ideas, and problem solving.

Science: An inquiry-based, hands-on approach to science instruction gives students numerous opportunities to discover principles and truths of God’s creation. Units in Life Science, Physical Science, Earth & Space Science, and the human body are designed to engage student in age-and grade-appropriate investigation skills. Includes: Earth’s Surface and Materials, Ecosystems, Plants, Electricity, Magnetism, and Health.

Social Studies: A study of South Carolina history; geography; resources; Native Americans; European explorers; colonization; wars and their effects on S.C. people, agriculture, and economy; state government.

Spanish/Computer: Direct instruction provides exposure to Spanish language and culture reinforced through oral participation in class, interacting with classmates to practice speaking and pronunciation, and taking learned vocabulary to an action. Students practice vocabulary and comprehension in different ways to enhance learning – worksheets, textbooks, songs, games, etc. In computer, students learn basic drawing and keyboarding skills using interactive software. Spanish language concepts are introduced through games, lesson activities, and fun hands-on projects that provide practical application of language concepts. Students review previously learned vocabulary and make connections with new topics, such as, community helper, personal characteristics, body parts, clothing, etc. In computer, students begin self-paced typing instruction to learn proper hand position.

Art: Creating art through a Christian worldview with an emphasis on art history. Students use the elements and principles of design to create art through a variety of mediums. Units focus on Biblical concepts
related to art.

Physical Education: Fundamental motor skills (locomotor, nonlocomotor, body control, manipulative), movement concepts, health related fitness components, physical fitness concepts, cooperative activities, games and activities of low organization, and rhythmic activities lead-up to team sports. Fitnessgram Fitness Test; age appropriate team sports including basketball, football, soccer, and volleyball; simple gymnastic skills and line dancing; Fundamental motor skills combinations.

Music: The elementary grades focus on learning about and experiencing music through music appreciation, matching pitch, singing, music history, reading/writing music, rhythmic patterns, listening activities, music terms, playing various classroom instruments, and performance opportunities. A ukulele unit offers a unique hands-on experience.

Media Center: Students browse the library collection to select books for pleasure reading and inquiry, develop literature appreciation through read-alouds and author studies, participate in age appropriate research and information literacy skills. Reading comprehension strategies, South Carolina Picture Book Award
program.

Bible: Fully integrated worldview and Bible survey curriculum helps younger students learn the biblical story through the worldview framework of creation, fall, and redemption. Students learn to view the world through the distinct relationships God created: our relationship with the Creator, with each other, and with His creation. Spiral progression with five key themes: wisdom, fellowship, image-bearing, servanthood, and stewardship. Scripture memorization.

Language Arts – Reading: A balanced literacy program begins with strong phonics instruction in the early grades integrated with sight words and reading strategies. A variety of reading experiences includes reading aloud; literacy circles; and shared, guided, and independent reading to develop strong, thinking readers. Students read quality literature (fiction and nonfiction) at their reading level and develop tools (visualizing, making connections, questioning, inferring, determining importance, and synthesizing) that increase comprehension and interaction with
text.

Language Arts – Writing: Writing instruction focuses on the goal of fostering lifelong writers using a consistent writing process. Students work in authentic ways to develop independence as writers. Each grade level completes units of study to meet developmental and curricular needs. The teacher acts as a mentor, modeling writing techniques and conferencing. Students develop writing skills as they write frequently, for extended periods of time, on topics of their own choosing. The workshop style of teaching writing is based on Lucy Caukins’ materials.

Mathematics: Students build mathematical understanding through a concrete-pictorial-abstract approach. Using manipulatives first, then visual models/drawings, and finally numerical symbols, students learn to apply multiple strategies for computation and develop as problem solvers and thinkers. A spiraling curriculum emphasizes depth over breadth and utilizes techniques, such as model drawing diagrams to understand word problems and provide a bridge to algebraic thinking and Mental Math to promote numerical fluency. This approach encourages active thinking, process, communication of mathematical ideas, and problem solving.

Science: An inquiry-based, hands-on approach to science instruction gives students numerous opportunities to discover principles and truths of God’s creation. Units in Life Science, Physical Science, Earth & Space Science, and the human body are designed to engage student in age-and grade-appropriate investigation skills. God’s Design of Life, Light and Sound,
Motion and Force, The Lithosphere (Earth’s Soil, Layers, Etc), The Hydrosphere (Water and Stewardship), Human Body Systems, STEAM, Science Inquiry.

Social Studies: A study of United States history from creation through the great migration, exploration of the new world, coloni- zation, and the founding of our great nation through the Civil War. Emphasis on America’s geography and culture and ways people and places affect one another.

Spanish/Computer: Direct instruction provides exposure to Spanish language and culture reinforced through oral participation in class, interacting with classmates to practice speaking and pronunciation, and taking learned vocabulary to an action. Students practice vocabulary and comprehension in different ways to enhance learning – worksheets, textbooks, songs, games, etc. In computer, students learn basic drawing and keyboarding skills using interactive software. Students practice language concepts through interactive activities, recognize words orally, and identify vocabulary. They build phrases in Spanish and understand topics of conversation. Vocabulary, phrases, and concepts learned include household items, feelings and emotions, likes and dislikes, hobbies, etc. In computer, self-paced typing instruction continues as students practice proper hand position and develop accuracy and speed. Microsoft Office applications are introduced, such as, Word, PowerPoint, and EXCEL.

Art: Creating art through a Christian worldview with an emphasis on art history. Students use the elements and principles of design to create art through a variety of mediums. Units focus on different art forms and
mediums.

Physical Education: Fundamental motor skills (locomotor, nonlocomotor, body control, manipulative), movement concepts, health related fitness components, physical fitness concepts, cooperative activities, games and activities of low organization, and rhythmic activities lead-up to team sports. Fitnessgram Fitness Test; age appropriate team sports including basketball, football, soccer, and volleyball; simple gymnastic skills and line dancing; Fundamental motor skills combinations.

Music: The elementary grades focus on learning about and experiencing music through music appreciation, matching pitch, singing, music history, reading/writing music, rhythmic patterns, listening activities, music terms, playing various classroom instruments, and performance opportunities. A recorder unit uses the Recorder Karate curriculum.

Media Center: Students browse the library collection to select books for pleasure reading and inquiry, develop literature appreciation through read-alouds and author studies, participate in age appropriate research and information literacy skills. Using print and electronic research sources including an encyclopedia, atlas, almanac, dictionary, and thesaurus; South Carolina Children’s Book Award program.

Bible: Fully integrated worldview and Bible survey curriculum helps younger students learn the biblical story through the worldview framework of creation, fall, and redemption. Students learn to view the world through the distinct relationships God created: our relationship with the Creator, with each other, and with His creation. Spiral progression with five key themes: wisdom, fellowship, image-bearing, servanthood, and stewardship. Scripture memorization.

Language Arts – Reading: A balanced literacy program begins with strong phonics instruction in the early grades integrated with sight words and reading strategies. A variety of reading experiences includes reading aloud; literacy circles; and shared, guided, and independent reading to develop strong, thinking readers. Students read quality literature (fiction and nonfiction) at their reading level and develop tools (visualizing, making connections, questioning, inferring, determining importance, and synthesizing) that increase comprehension and interaction with
text.

Language Arts – Writing: Writing instruction focuses on the goal of fostering lifelong writers using a consistent writing process. Students work in authentic ways to develop independence as writers. Each grade level completes units of study to meet developmental and curricular needs. The teacher acts as a mentor, modeling writing techniques and conferencing. Students develop writing skills as they write frequently, for extended periods of time, on topics of their own choosing. The workshop style of teaching writing is based on Lucy Caukins’ materials.

Mathematics: Students build mathematical understanding through a concrete-pictorial-abstract approach. Using manipulatives first, then visual models/drawings, and finally numerical symbols, students learn to apply multiple strategies for computation and develop as problem solvers and thinkers. A spiraling curriculum emphasizes depth over breadth and utilizes techniques, such as model drawing diagrams to understand word problems and provide a bridge to algebraic thinking and Mental Math to promote numerical fluency. This approach encourages active thinking, process, communication of mathematical ideas, and problem solving.

Science: An inquiry-based, hands-on approach to science instruction gives students numerous opportunities to discover principles and truths of God’s creation. Units in Life Science, Physical Science, Earth & Space Science, and the human body are designed to engage student in age-and grade-appropriate investigation skills. Includes: Investigation Skills, Animals, Plants, Ecosystems/Habits, Cells, Energy, Motion, Matter, Machines, The Lithosphere, The Hydrosphere, The Atmosphere, Astronomy, Human Body, Health

Social Studies: Units of study that include hands-on experiences and novels studying United States history from post-Civil War through present day. Emphasis is given to critical thinking skills, map skills, reading and understanding charts and graphs.

Spanish/Computer: Direct instruction provides exposure to Spanish language and culture reinforced through oral participation in class, interacting with classmates to practice speaking and pronunciation, and taking learned vocabulary to an action. Students practice vocabulary and comprehension in different ways to enhance learning – worksheets, textbooks, songs, games, etc. In computer, students learn basic drawing and keyboarding skills using interactive software. Students practice language concepts through interactive activities, recognize words orally, and identify vocabulary. They build phrases in Spanish and understand topics of conversation. Vocabulary, phrases, and concepts learned include household items, feelings and emotions, likes and dislikes, hobbies, etc. In computer, self-paced typing instruction continues as students practice proper hand position and develop accuracy and speed. Microsoft Office applications are introduced, such as, Word, PowerPoint, and EXCEL.

Art: Creating art through a Christian worldview with an emphasis on art history. Students use the elements and principles of design to create art through a variety of mediums. Units focus on art history.

Physical Education: Fundamental motor skills (locomotor, nonlocomotor, body control, manipulative), movement concepts, health related fitness components, physical fitness concepts, cooperative activities, games and activities of low organization, and rhythmic activities lead-up to team sports. Fitnessgram Fitness Test; age appropriate team sports including basketball, football, soccer, and volleyball; simple gymnastic skills and line dancing; Fundamental motor skills combinations.

Music: The elementary grades focus on learning about and experiencing music through music appreciation, matching pitch, singing, music history, reading/writing music, rhythmic patterns, listening activities, music terms, playing various classroom instruments, and performance opportunities. A recorder unit uses the Recorder Karate curriculum

Media Center: Students browse the library collection to select books for pleasure reading and inquiry, develop literature appreciation through read-alouds and author studies, participate in age appropriate research and information literacy skills. Using print and electronic research sources including an encyclopedia, atlas, almanac, dictionary, and thesaurus; South Carolina Children’s Book Award program.