Curriculum
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Curriculum Overview
The Common Core State Standards( CCSS) provide a consistent, clear understanding of what students are expected to learn, so teachers and parents know what they need to do to help them. The standards are designed to be robust and relevant to the real world, reflecting the knowledge and skills that our young people need for success in college and careers. With American students fully prepared for the future, our communities will be best positioned to compete successfully in the global economy.
Building on the excellent foundation of standards states have laid, the CCSS are the first step in providing our young people with a high-quality education. It should be clear to every student, parent, and teacher what the standards of success are in every school. The Common Core State Standards have been written for English language arts and mathematics, and have been adopted by 45 states, including Michigan. Common Core literacy standards have also been integrated into social studies, science, music, art and other technical subjects. This educational movement has been described as “... the most sweeping reform of the K-12 curriculum that has ever occurred in this country” (Calkins 1). See the Core Standards website for more information.
First graders study The Bible as God’s Story, learning about God through stories from the Old and New Testaments and memorizing key verses.
- They learn literacy skills to read, write, speak, and listen, using an integrated literacy series that gives them the ability to notice, think about and work with the individual sounds in spoken words, learn the relationship between the sounds of spoken language and the letters of the alphabet that represent those sounds in written language.
- They develop reading comprehension, writing skills and develop reading practices.
- They can count, write and order numbers, add and subtract, measure, tell time, count money, work with shapes, data charts and probability.
- They learn about their community: school, family and neighborhoods as well as other communities, and study science topics about plants and animals, magnets and rocks, health and nutrition.
Second graders study The Bible as the Story of Jesus, learning about His life and redemptive work from the New Testament and engaging in memory work.
- They use literacy skills to read, write, speak, and listen, with an integrated approach that gives them skills in word recognitions, reading fluency, comprehension of narrative and informational text, development of writing traits and the use of writing tools, spelling, and handwriting. Additionally they work on listening and speaking skills.
- In math, they learn about place and value, addition and subtraction of whole numbers, multiplication and division, fractions, geometric ideas, measurements, and pictographs.
- They continue to learn about their community and communities around the world, and study science topics such as plants and animals, the surface of the earth, health and water cycles, sound and matter.
Third graders study God’s promise as taught in the Old Testament and key memory verses.
- They use literacy skills to read, write, speak, and listen, using an integrated approach that develops word recognitions, reading fluency, comprehension of narrative and informational text, writing traits, spelling, handwriting, as well as listening and speaking skills.
- In math, they understand and solve problems with number operations that include place value, addition, subtraction, multiplication and division, fractions and data measurement. They also learn about geometry and data charts.
- They study Grand Rapids and develop geography and map skills.
- In science, they explore topics like animal classification and life cycles, bones and muscles, friction, motions and machines, pollutions and recycling.
In fourth grade, students study the books of the Bible, God’s work with the people of Israel and Judah, and learn key memory verses.
- They use literacy skills such as reading, writing, listening, speaking and viewing, to develop good writing, spelling and word study.
- They read a variety of literature to improve reading comprehension, fluency, vocabulary, and their understanding of narrative and informational texts.
- They understand and solve problems using multiplications, division, fractions, decimals, geometry, measurement, data interpretation, and probability.
- They study Michigan, learn about ecosystems, health topics, changes in matter, electricity and magnetism, astronomy and earth surface using the skills of a geographer.
Academic Courses
English Language Arts
This course teaches students critical reading and viewing skills, as well as effective communication through writing and speaking. Students study specific narrative genres and literature, use of information texts, reading, vocabulary, writing, grammar, spelling, punctuation, word study, and English usage. It also covers speaking, presenting information, active listening, research and using and evaluating technology resources and media.
Math
This course uses a various resources to teach math concepts at the grade level. Students learn the understanding and applications of concepts and problem-solving skills in the areas of number and operations, algebra, geometry, measurement, and data and probability. In the fifth grade, there is an emphasis on understanding the addition and subtraction of fractions, along with continued consolidation of multiplication and division concepts and skills with whole numbers. The concept of remainders in whole number division is addressed. Students learn the meaning of a fraction and work with decimals and percentages.
Science
This course introduces students to concepts in physical and life sciences. It focuses on developing inquiry learning skills and focuses on topics related to scientific inquiry and reasoning, including units on classification, adaptations, classifications, heredity, earth and solar system, force and motion.
Social Studies
This course introduces students to the Western hemisphere and the themes of geography, history and economics. Units are integrated with inquiry, writing, technology skills and research skills. Students study various countries and areas of the hemisphere countries and the U.S. in a project-based setting.
Bible
The focus of this year’s study is Jesus’ life and ministry, as well as on various types of Old Testament books. Students are engaged with activities that make connections to their lives, learn through memory work, and understand these truths through the framework of a reformed Christian perspective.
Co-Curricular Classes
Art
This program encompasses six design and media goals, including perception, conceptualization, visual organization, creative expression, applications skills, and aesthetic appreciation for the visual arts. Students study and apply design elements, various media processes, knowledge of art styles and themes in this year-long course.
General Music
This program integrates knowledge of choral reading, understanding, performance skills, and aesthetic appreciation of choral music. The focus areas for choral music include rhythm, melody, harmony, musical form, tone color, expression, approach to vocal music and awareness of various forms and styles. Additionally, students will study musical theatre, music history and important musical pieces.
Physical Education
This program engages students in health and fitness activities, develops skills and proficiency in various team sports, track and field events, and gymnastics, offers various movement experiences, develops understandings in these areas, and provides decision-making opportunities. Girls and boys classes are separated and offer focused experiences.
World Language - Spanish
All students are engaged in world language learning through a communicative approach to language with emphasis on speaking and listening. Students learn to converse with teachers and friends, talk about themselves, exchange information, as well as identifying Spanish-speaking countries, learning about their cultures, and developing cross cultural competencies.
Academic Courses
English Language Arts
This course teaches students critical reading and viewing skills, as well as effective communication through writing and speaking. Students study specific narrative genres and literature, use of information texts, reading, vocabulary, writing, grammar, spelling, punctuation, word study, and English usage. It also covers speaking, presenting information, active listening, research and using and evaluating technology resources and media.
Math
This course uses a various resources to teach math concepts at the grade level. Students learn the understanding and applications of concepts and problem-solving skills in the areas of number and operations, algebra, geometry, measurement, and data and probability. In the fifth grade, there is an emphasis on understanding the addition and subtraction of fractions, along with continued consolidation of multiplication and division concepts and skills with whole numbers. The concept of remainders in whole number division is addressed. Students learn the meaning of a fraction and work with decimals and percentages.
Science
This course introduces students to concepts in physical and life sciences. It focuses on developing inquiry learning skills and focuses on topics related to scientific inquiry and reasoning, including units on classification, adaptations, classifications, heredity, earth and solar system, force and motion.
Social Studies
This course introduces students to the Western hemisphere and the themes of geography, history and economics. Units are integrated with inquiry, writing, technology skills and research skills. Students study various countries and areas of the hemisphere countries and the U.S. in a project-based setting.
Bible
The focus of this year’s study is Jesus’ life and ministry, as well as on various types of Old Testament books. Students are engaged with activities that make connections to their lives, learn through memory work, and understand these truths through the framework of a reformed Christian perspective.
Co-Curricular Classes
Art
This program encompasses six design and media goals, including perception, conceptualization, visual organization, creative expression, applications skills, and aesthetic appreciation for the visual arts. Students study and apply design elements, various media processes, knowledge of art styles and themes in this year-long course.
General Music
This program integrates knowledge of choral reading, understanding, performance skills, and aesthetic appreciation of choral music. The focus areas for choral music include rhythm, melody, harmony, musical form, tone color, expression, approach to vocal music and awareness of various forms and styles. Additionally, students will study musical theatre, music history and important musical pieces.
Physical Education
This program engages students in health and fitness activities, develops skills and proficiency in various team sports, track and field events, and gymnastics, offers various movement experiences, develops understandings in these areas, and provides decision-making opportunities. Girls and boys classes are separated and offer focused experiences.
World Language - Spanish
All students are engaged in world language learning through a communicative approach to language with emphasis on speaking and listening. Students learn to converse with teachers and friends, talk about themselves, exchange information, as well as identifying Spanish-speaking countries, learning about their cultures, and developing cross cultural competencies.
Academic Courses
English Language Arts
This course teaches students critical reading and viewing skills, as well as effective communication through writing and speaking. Students study specific narrative genres and literature, use of information texts, reading, vocabulary, writing, grammar, spelling, punctuation, word study, and English usage. It also covers speaking, presenting information, active listening, research and using and evaluating technology resources and media.
Math
This course uses a various resources to teach math concepts at the grade level. Students learn the understanding and applications of concepts and problem-solving skills in the areas of number and operations, algebra, geometry, measurement, and data and probability. In the fifth grade, there is an emphasis on understanding the addition and subtraction of fractions, along with continued consolidation of multiplication and division concepts and skills with whole numbers. The concept of remainders in whole number division is addressed. Students learn the meaning of a fraction and work with decimals and percentages.
Science
This course introduces students to concepts in physical and life sciences. It focuses on developing inquiry learning skills and focuses on topics related to scientific inquiry and reasoning, including units on classification, adaptations, classifications, heredity, earth and solar system, force and motion.
Social Studies
This course introduces students to the Western hemisphere and the themes of geography, history and economics. Units are integrated with inquiry, writing, technology skills and research skills. Students study various countries and areas of the hemisphere countries and the U.S. in a project-based setting.
Bible
The focus of this year’s study is Jesus’ life and ministry, as well as on various types of Old Testament books. Students are engaged with activities that make connections to their lives, learn through memory work, and understand these truths through the framework of a reformed Christian perspective.
Co-Curricular Classes
Art
This program encompasses six design and media goals, including perception, conceptualization, visual organization, creative expression, applications skills, and aesthetic appreciation for the visual arts. Students study and apply design elements, various media processes, knowledge of art styles and themes in this year-long course.
General Music
This program integrates knowledge of choral reading, understanding, performance skills, and aesthetic appreciation of choral music. The focus areas for choral music include rhythm, melody, harmony, musical form, tone color, expression, approach to vocal music and awareness of various forms and styles. Additionally, students will study musical theatre, music history and important musical pieces.
Physical Education
This program engages students in health and fitness activities, develops skills and proficiency in various team sports, track and field events, and gymnastics, offers various movement experiences, develops understandings in these areas, and provides decision-making opportunities. Girls and boys classes are separated and offer focused experiences.
World Language - Spanish
All students are engaged in world language learning through a communicative approach to language with emphasis on speaking and listening. Students learn to converse with teachers and friends, talk about themselves, exchange information, as well as identifying Spanish-speaking countries, learning about their cultures, and developing cross cultural competencies.
Academic Courses
English Language Arts
This course teaches students critical reading and viewing skills, as well as effective communication through writing and speaking. Students study specific narrative genres and literature, use of information texts, reading, vocabulary, writing, grammar, spelling, punctuation, word study, and English usage. It also covers speaking, presenting information, active listening, research and using and evaluating technology resources and media.
Math
This course uses a various resources to teach math concepts at the grade level. Students learn the understanding and applications of concepts and problem-solving skills in the areas of number and operations, algebra, geometry, measurement, and data and probability. In the fifth grade, there is an emphasis on understanding the addition and subtraction of fractions, along with continued consolidation of multiplication and division concepts and skills with whole numbers. The concept of remainders in whole number division is addressed. Students learn the meaning of a fraction and work with decimals and percentages.
Science
This course introduces students to concepts in physical and life sciences. It focuses on developing inquiry learning skills and focuses on topics related to scientific inquiry and reasoning, including units on classification, adaptations, classifications, heredity, earth and solar system, force and motion.
Social Studies
This course introduces students to the Western hemisphere and the themes of geography, history and economics. Units are integrated with inquiry, writing, technology skills and research skills. Students study various countries and areas of the hemisphere countries and the U.S. in a project-based setting.
Bible
The focus of this year’s study is Jesus’ life and ministry, as well as on various types of Old Testament books. Students are engaged with activities that make connections to their lives, learn through memory work, and understand these truths through the framework of a reformed Christian perspective.
Co-Curricular Classes
Art
This program encompasses six design and media goals, including perception, conceptualization, visual organization, creative expression, applications skills, and aesthetic appreciation for the visual arts. Students study and apply design elements, various media processes, knowledge of art styles and themes in this year-long course.
General Music
This program integrates knowledge of choral reading, understanding, performance skills, and aesthetic appreciation of choral music. The focus areas for choral music include rhythm, melody, harmony, musical form, tone color, expression, approach to vocal music and awareness of various forms and styles. Additionally, students will study musical theatre, music history and important musical pieces.
Physical Education
This program engages students in health and fitness activities, develops skills and proficiency in various team sports, track and field events, and gymnastics, offers various movement experiences, develops understandings in these areas, and provides decision-making opportunities. Girls and boys classes are separated and offer focused experiences.
World Language - Spanish
All students are engaged in world language learning through a communicative approach to language with emphasis on speaking and listening. Students learn to converse with teachers and friends, talk about themselves, exchange information, as well as identifying Spanish-speaking countries, learning about their cultures, and developing cross cultural competencies.
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They learn literacy skills to read, write, speak, and listen, using an integrated literacy series that gives them the ability to notice, think about and work with the individual sounds in spoken words, learn the relationship between the sounds of spoken language and the letters of the alphabet that represent those sounds in written language.
-
They develop reading comprehension, writing skills and develop reading practices.
-
They can count, write and order numbers, add and subtract, measure, tell time, count money, work with shapes, data charts and probability.
-
They learn about their community: school, family and neighborhoods as well as other communities, and study science topics about plants and animals, magnets and rocks, health and nutrition.
Second graders study The Bible as the Story of Jesus, learning about His life and redemptive work from the New Testament and engaging in memory work.
- They use literacy skills to read, write, speak, and listen, with an integrated approach that gives them skills in word recognitions, reading fluency, comprehension of narrative and informational text, development of writing traits and the use of writing tools, spelling, and handwriting. Additionally they work on listening and speaking skills.
- In math, they learn about place and value, addition and subtraction of whole numbers, multiplication and division, fractions, geometric ideas, measurements, and pictographs.
- They continue to learn about their community and communities around the world, and study science topics such as plants and animals, the surface of the earth, health and water cycles, sound and matter.
Third graders study God’s promise as taught in the Old Testament and key memory verses.
- They use literacy skills to read, write, speak, and listen, using an integrated approach that develops word recognitions, reading fluency, comprehension of narrative and informational text, writing traits, spelling, handwriting, as well as listening and speaking skills.
- In math, they understand and solve problems with number operations that include place value, addition, subtraction, multiplication and division, fractions and data measurement. They also learn about geometry and data charts.
- They study Grand Rapids and develop geography and map skills.
- In science, they explore topics like animal classification and life cycles, bones and muscles, friction, motions and machines, pollutions and recycling.
In fourth grade, students study the books of the Bible, God’s work with the people of Israel and Judah, and learn key memory verses.
- They use literacy skills such as reading, writing, listening, speaking and viewing, to develop good writing, spelling and word study.
- They read a variety of literature to improve reading comprehension, fluency, vocabulary, and their understanding of narrative and informational texts.
- They understand and solve problems using multiplications, division, fractions, decimals, geometry, measurement, data interpretation, and probability.
- They study Michigan, learn about ecosystems, health topics, changes in matter, electricity and magnetism, astronomy and earth surface using the skills of a geographer.