The objective of the elementary school (grades kindergarten through fifth) is to develop a Christ-centered view of the world as well as prepare students academically. The curriculum includes daily Bible instruction, language arts (reading, writing, grammar, spelling), mathematics, science, and social studies. Biblical truth is integrated into all subject areas. In addition, specialists in physical education, music, art, computer, foreign language, and library work with students each week.
Field trips, service projects, and academic contest provide opportunities for community involvement and give students a chance to live and communicate their world and life view.
NOTE: Kindergarten and first grade has a September 1st birthday cut-off. Concerning the school year for which they have applied, kindergarten students must be five years old, and first grade students must be six years old by September 1st.
(Course descriptions are being reviewed and subject to change.)
Kindergarten
Bible
Students understand the Bible as God's acts and words, written so that His people might know God and themselves, accept His gift of salvation, and live lives of joyful service and obedience through an overview of both the Old and New Testament. Students remember and retell Bible stories, recite Bible passages and a section from the Westminster Shorter Catechism, and relate the Bible to daily life.
Student resources include CSI God's Wonders, Westminster Shorter Catechism First Catechism, the Bible, and Bible storybooks.
Language Arts
The goal of the Language Arts curriculum is that students learn to understand and use our language. Objectives mastered by the students include association of letter name, sound, and formation; left to right directionality; discrimination of phonemes in initial, medial, and final position; blending phonemes to read words; awareness of action words (verbs), naming words (nouns), and descriptive words (adjectives); development of reading comprehension skills; development of oral reading skills and independent word attack skills. Students are exposed to a wide variety of genres.
Student resources include MacMillan Treasures, Wilson Language Basics and various read alouds.
Math
Students are introduced to math concepts including Number sense and numeration (counting by 1's, 5's, 10's; writing number 1-100; ordinal number position), concepts of whole number operations (addition and subtraction); fractions (identifying half of a whole); money (identifying and counting pennies, dimes, nickels); geometry and spatial relationships (identifying common geometric shapes; identifying similar shapes); measurement (time and calendar; linear measure-both standard and nonstandard; weight;, capacity, and area; data analysis and statistics (graphs; sorting); patterns (identifying, reading, and expanding repeating patterns).
Student resources include Saxon Math and various manipulatives.
Social Studies
The Kindergarten social studies curriculum focuses on "Me and the World Around Me". Main topics include families, self, community (including community helpers), and holidays. Students complete various projects that promote home/school involvement (i.e. 100th day poster).
Science
The kindergarten Science curriculum focuses on Life Science-characteristics of living things, Physical Science-the study of non-living things, and Earth and Space Science-the study of Earth and its place in the universe. Main topics include the five senses, plants, animals, insects, space, ecology, volcanoes, health and nutrition, and the human body.
Foreign Language
Elementary Spanish is a K through 2nd grade course with emphasis on speaking the language and learning about the Spanish culture.
Art
In the words of Michelangelo, "Art is the shadow of Divine perfection."
Elementary Art is designed to help children see and duplicate that which God has created through the structured and imaginative use of line, shape, color, value, texture, form, and space. Students use a variety of media to execute these concepts. In addition, interdisciplinary instruction focusing on famous artist, seasonal, and classroom-oriented projects are also integrated into the art curriculum.
Physical Education
PE in grades K-2 emphasizes the development of locomotor, non-locomotor and manipulative skills. In addition, rhythmic and fitness activities as well as simple games are used to provide additional learning.
CSI Physical Education K-2
Music
Music in grades K-1 emphasizes the singing of songs with dynamics and rhythms. In addition, one hymn a month, multiple songs with some having motions, games, and rhymes are learned to promote additional learning.
Library
Westminster Christian Academy's library program is designed to be an integral part of the learning experience of every student at WCA. Utilizing systematically planned activities involving the whole school community, the library media center serves to enhance the curriculum goals of the faculty and to teach effective information skills to the students. In addition, on the elementary level, students visit the library regularly to participate in a read-aloud story time and to check out books for personal reading and curricular use.
Computer
During kindergarten through fifth grade students are taught to use computer much as they would learn to write with pencil and paper. Basic mouse, keyboard and computer skills are taught from kindergarten through fifth grade with an emphasis on typing skills and familiarization with the full office suite beginning in second grade and continuing through fifth. Students learn how to use each office program so that they are able to move easily from one to another with an understanding of the basic tenets of how they work. Students also learn a basic understanding of computer networking, email, and safe, responsible use of the Internet for research and information gathering.
Teacher created materials and Web resources.
First Grade
Bible
At the heart of the first grade Bible curriculum is the story of God and His people.
What a privilege it is to share this wonderful story with the children. Students are introduced to a Bible timeline as they study stories beginning with creation and culminating with a focus on the early church. Content lessons include creation, the patriarchs, the judges, early monarchy, peaceful reign of Solomon, prophets, captivity, and return, Jesus as Savior, and the early church. Each week students learn scripture passages and a catechism. Students are taught that the Bible stories have personal value, and are relevant to their lives.
Textbooks - CSI God's Plan and Westminster Shorter Catechism First Catechism, Early Reader Bible.
Language Arts
In first grade, students are learning to listen, speak, and write. Students will study the mechanics of writing. They will be exposed to capitalization, question marks, periods, and commas. Special emphasis is placed on grammar study, as they learn to speak and write in complete sentences. First graders will learn parts of speech. They will apply their skills through frequent writing activities such as creative writing, letter writing, and construction of poetry. They will have many opportunities to proofread. Students develop speaking skills as they participate in play presentations and oral reports. The curriculum consists of spelling, vocabulary, and study skills. Students will learn ABC order and how to use the library. Weekly and unit tests are given.
Workbook - Daily Oral Language and My Writing Journal
Reading
First graders are introduced to the wonderful world of reading! They are daily given time to read with the class and to read independently. As they develop a love of reading, they will master certain objectives. The curriculum will focus on comprehension skills. Students will be able to recognize main idea, sequence of events, cause and effect, and point of view. They will learn to draw conclusions, predict outcomes, and think creatively. They should understand context clues, and facts/opinions. First graders will learn to use a contents page, follow directions, and identify title and author of a book. Literary elements will be emphasized as the children are exposed to all genres of literature. They should develop a knowledge of plot, character, and setting.
Language Arts textbooks and resources - MacMillan Treasures and various read alouds.
Handwriting
First grade handwriting focuses on learning the size, shape, slant and spacing of all the upper and lower case letters of the alphabet. Handwriting positions, the use of guidelines, capitalization and some punctuation are also emphasized. Students learn proofreading skills and sentence structure as they keep a weekly spelling journal. In addition to their journal, student's handwriting is also graded on papers and letters they will write throughout the year.
Workbook - Zaner Bloser Handwriting Level I
Math
The first grade math curriculum introduces students to basic problem solving skills and strategies that will be the foundation for future algebraic concepts. In addition to developing addition and subtraction concepts, students will learn to organize and use data, compare measurements, measure time, recognize number patterns, identify coins, identify geometric figures, understand place value, describe fractional parts and solve two-digit addition and subtraction problems. Emphasis is placed on addition and subtraction facts.
Textbook - MacMillan Math Connects 1
Social Studies
The first grade social studies curriculum exposes students to people and neighborhoods at home and around the world. Students will learn about God's world as they study families, places we live, our country's history, and special Americans. They will be introduced to geography and map skills. They learn of rights and responsibilities as a citizen. Students will be involved in plays, and they will enjoy a variety of historical fiction trade books.
Resources - Integration with MacMillan Treasures reading program as well as MacMillan People and Neighborhoods
Science
First grade science is a wonderful time of discovering God's creation. Students will learn of God's power in his created world and how they relate to it. Students learn to look for God's handiwork and for his plan and purpose as they study life cycles, seasons, migration and animals in winter, weather, measurements, magnets, simple machines, plants, pollination, discovering how we grow, and the rainforest. Because first grade science is a participation grade, students will be actively involved in experiments and presentations as well as assigned class work.
Resources - Integration with MacMillan Treasures reading program as well as Merrill Science.
Foreign Language
Elementary Spanish is a K through 2nd grade course with emphasis on speaking the language and learning about the Spanish culture. Some writing and reading
are introduced in the 2nd grade.
Art
In the words of Michelangelo,"Art is the shadow of Divine perfection."
Elementary Art is designed to help children see and duplicate that which God has created through the structured and imaginative use of line, shape, color, value, texture, form, and space. Students use a variety of media to execute these concepts. In addition, interdisciplinary instruction focusing on famous artist, seasonal, and classroom-oriented projects are also integrated into the art curriculum.
Physical Education
PE in grades K-2 emphasizes the development of locomotor, non-locomotor and manipulative skills. In addition, rhythmic and fitness activities as well as simple games are used to provide additional learning.
CSI Physical Education K-2
Music
Music in grades K-1 emphasizes the singing of songs with dynamics and rhythms. In addition, one hymn a month, multiple songs with some having motions, games, and rhymes are learned to promote additional learning.
Library
Westminster Christian Academy's library program is designed to be an integral part of the learning experience of every student at WCA. Utilizing systematically planned activities involving the whole school community, the library media center serves to enhance the curriculum goals of the faculty and to teach effective information skills to the students. In addition, on the elementary level, students visit the library regularly to participate in a read-aloud story time and to check out books for personal reading and curricular use.
Computer
During kindergarten through fifth grade students are taught to use computer much as they would learn to write with pencil and paper. Basic mouse, keyboard and computer skills are taught from kindergarten through fifth grade with an emphasis on typing skills and familiarization with the full office suite beginning in second grade and continuing through fifth. Students learn how to use each office program so that they are able to move easily from one to another with an understanding of the basic tenets of how they work. Students also learn a basic understanding of computer networking, email, and safe, responsible use of the Internet for research and information gathering.
Teacher created materials and Web resources.
Second Grade
Bible
The second grade students study the Bible, the story of God and His people. The study begins with creation and the conflict begins with the fall into sin. The story shows how God acted to save and restore His people to a right relationship with Him and with the world they inhabit. The story climaxes with Christ's death and resurrection and ends with a preview of the new heaven and the new earth. Students are immersed in the stories of the Bible so that they may grow in knowledge, wisdom, sensitivity, and creativity. Students also memorize scriptures and catechisms. Through the study of the Bible, we help students make an informed commitment to Christ as Savior and Lord and to live out that commitment through love, obedience, and service to Him.
Textbook - Christian Schools International God's Promises, Westminster Shorter Catechism First Catechism, and Discoverer's Bible NIV.
Language Arts
The second grade language arts program focuses on advancing children's phonemic awareness, phonics, and high-frequency word-recognition skills, extending their understanding of narrative and informational text, and increasing their efficiency in written communication. Strategies for learning to spell words are taught and these strategies enable students to spell correctly in written work. Grammar is taught within the Language Arts program. Sentence structure and kinds of sentences are taught as well as parts of speech, capitalization and punctuation. All these Language Arts skills enable students to become better communicators of God's message.
Textbook - Macmillan/McGraw-Hill Treasures, Daily Oral Language, Houghton Mifflin Spelling and Vocabulary Level 2, and Zaner Bloser Handwriting Level 2.
Reading
First graders are introduced to the wonderful world of reading! They are daily given time to read with the class and to read independently. As they develop a love of reading, they will master certain objectives. The curriculum will focus on comprehension skills. Students will be able to recognize main idea, sequence of events, cause and effect, and point of view. They will learn to draw conclusions, predict outcomes, and think creatively. They should understand context clues, and facts/opinions. First graders will learn to use a contents page, follow directions, and identify title and author of a book. Literary elements will be emphasized as the children are exposed to all genres of literature. They should develop a knowledge of plot, character, and setting.
Language Arts textbooks and resources - MacMillan Treasures and various read alouds.
Handwriting
The second grade handwriting curriculum reviews and masters the manuscript alphabet. Second semester is spent on introducing the cursive alphabet. Students are taught to produce legible handwriting through shape, size, spacing, and slant which are the four keys to legibility. Second graders are encouraged to produce neat and well written work because they are doing it to honor and glorify God.
Textbook - Zaner Bloser Handwriting 2
Math
The Second Grade Math program provides students with the appropriate development of problem-solving strategies, skills, and applications. The students are provided with ongoing opportunities to apply their math skills and solve problems using visual thinking, logical reasoning, and number sense. Students are made aware of God's order in the world and how that relates to the study of math.
Textbook - Macmillan/McGraw-Hill Math Connects 2
Social Studies
The second grade social studies curriculum covers neighborhoods and communities, stressing history, geography, economics, citizenship, and the humanities with lessons about other countries integrated in the units for easy comparison. Reading and thinking skills are incorporated into the social studies curriculum. There is an emphasis placed on God's providence in history.
Textbook - Macmillan/McGraw-Hill Treasures reading program as well as Neighborhoods and Communities The World Around Us
Science
The second grade science includes a study of animal groups, changes on Earth, sound and heat, how people grow and change, planets, weather, and plants. Students investigate the beauty, order, intricacy, and variety of God's world. Studying Science prompts amazement and awe of our God who created and upholds the world.
Textbook - Christian Schools International Science and Merrill Science
Foreign Language
Elementary Spanish is a K through 2nd grade course with emphasis on speaking
the language and learning about the Spanish culture. Some writing and reading
are introduced in the 2nd grade.
Art
In the words of Michelangelo, "Art is the shadow of Divine perfection." Elementary Art is designed to help children see and duplicate that which God has created through the structured and imaginative use of line, shape, color, value, texture, form, and space. Students use a variety of media to execute these concepts. In addition, interdisciplinary instruction focusing on famous artist, seasonal, and classroom-oriented projects are also integrated into the art curriculum.
Physical Education
PE in grades K-2 emphasizes the development of locomotor, non-locomotor and manipulative skills. In addition, rhythmic and fitness activities as well as simple games are used to provide additional learning.
CSI Physical Education K-2
Music
Music in grades two and three includes singing many folk songs and play-party games. Emphasis is placed on teaching the correct use of the singing voice as well as on rhythm, melody, and reading music. A hymn is learned each month.
Library
Westminster Christian Academy's library program is designed to be an integral part of the learning experience of every student at WCA. Utilizing systematically planned activities involving the whole school community, the library media center serves to enhance the curriculum goals of the faculty and to teach effective information skills to the students. In addition, on the elementary level, students visit the library regularly to participate in a read-aloud story time and to check out books for personal reading and curricular use.
Computer
During kindergarten through fifth grade students are taught to use computer much as they would learn to write with pencil and paper. Basic mouse, keyboard and computer skills are taught from kindergarten through fifth grade with an emphasis on typing skills and familiarization with the full office suite beginning in second grade and continuing through fifth. Students learn how to use each office program so that they are able to move easily from one to another with an understanding of the basic tenets of how they work. Students also learn a basic understanding of computer networking, email, and safe, responsible use of the Internet for research and information gathering.
Teacher created materials and Web resources.
Third Grade
Bible
The third grade Bible class is a study of creation, God's covenant with Abraham, the exodus, God's law, Israelites in the wilderness, the promised land, and the judges. The focus will be placed on God's plan for redemption and his sovereignty. Third grade memory work includes various Bible passages and questions 109-150 of the Westminster Shorter Catechism First Catechism.
Textbook - Christian Schools International Calling of God's Tribe
Language Arts
The third grade language course is designed to help students understand the importance of the written word in effectively communicating to others in the place where God has placed them. In the area of grammar, students develop an understanding of a complete sentence. They improve writing skills as they study eight parts of speech and proper punctuation rules. The parts of speech are reinforced through the use of chants which the children sing. The students then apply these skills to writing assignments including expository, persuasive and narrative paragraphs. They also develop their creativity through writing a fairy tale and various poetry pieces. Students learn to write and edit paragraphs with a topic sentence and the correct order of supporting details.
Reading
The third grade reading course exposes students to a variety of literature pieces including fiction, non-fiction, fairy tales, folklore, expository articles, biographies, poetry and plays. Each reading assignment is used to develop reading comprehension skills including character development, drawing conclusions, inferring information, story plot and sequencing, finding main idea and details. Vocabulary is enriched as the students are taught to use context clues to decipher word meaning and dissect words while looking at the meaning of the Greek roots, suffixes and prefixes. Students evaluate the reading to discover the author's purpose, decipher facts and opinions, and understand cause and effect. Students develop communication skills by presenting group projects and reports that are related to the completed reading assignments. Throughout the reading process, students are encouraged to think from a Biblical perspective which will provide them with a solid foundation for logical reasoning and analyzing skills to apply to future reading.
Spelling/Phonics
The third grade spelling course is based on the study of word structure. The students spelling skills are improved as they study lists that are organized by patterns and spelling principles which include beginning and ending sounds, vowel sounds, consonant and vowel diagraphs, prefixes, suffixes and r-controlled vowels. Word knowledge is enhanced through practice in a variety of other activities that include vocabulary activities, analogies, word classification and usage, and multiple meanings. Phonics study is continued in the third grade as the students practice more decoding skills. A strong emphasis is placed on syllables and dictionary skills. Much practice is provided in the review of the spelling patterns taught in the spelling curriculum. As students' word knowledge increases, it will help to improve their writing and reading skills enabling them to use these skills to the best of their ability to glorify God.
Textbooks for Language Arts - MacMillan Treasures, various trade books, Houghton Mifflin Spelling and Vocabulary and Zaner Bloser Handwriting Level 3
Math
Third grade math focuses on place value, problem solving, addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. Topics in measurement, capacity, weight, volume, time and temperature are presented. Spatial reasoning, data interpretation, fractions and decimals are also introduced.
Textbook - MacMillan Math Connects 3
Social Studies
Third grade social studies focuses on communities of the past and present, geography, and map skills. Historical communities such as the Native Americans, the Pilgrims and the Spanish are explored. Rural, urban, and suburban communities are explored as well. Community growth, change, and government are also introduced. Emphasis is placed on God's providential establishment and care for communities past and present.
Textbook - MacMillan Communities Near and Far, Our Huntsville, Pearson Learning Maps, Charts, and Graphs
Science
The third grade science curriculum is a broad based study that covers several units. It explores our five senses as well as animal life and behaviors. Students will also explore machines and work, electricity, heat, temperature, water, Earth's resources and the solar system. This course is taught from a Biblical world view and Christian perspective. Students will conduct in-class experiments and participate in activities to support the science curriculum.
Textbook - Christian Schools International Science 3
Foreign Language
Elementary Latin for 3rd grade is an introductory course to Latin. The cultural
aspects of the Roman Empire are emphasized through the study of a family who
actually lived in Britannia during the 2nd century A.D. Details about the Cerialis'
family are substantiated with artifacts found in Vindolanda. Some emphasis
is placed on grammar, conjugation and declension.
Art
In the words of Michelangelo, "Art is the shadow of Divine perfection."
Elementary art is designed to help children see and duplicate that which God has created through the structured and imaginative use of line, shape, color, value, texture, form, and space. Students use a variety of media to execute these concepts. In addition, instruction focusing on famous artist, seasonal, and classroom-oriented projects are also integrated into the art curriculum.
Physical Education
The third grade PE year focuses on moving to a more advanced stage development of the fundamental skills introduced in grades K - 2. These skills will also be used in combination as students are challenged while playing the different games and activities. The games vary between cooperative, creative, and modified sports. Of primary importance is the continual building of the foundation which is necessary both now and in the future for students in the different activities of their life.
Properly trained motor proficiency skills are beneficial when working on health fitness. In addition, confidence begins to grow and the desire to participate in physical activities increases, thus developing an appreciation of physical activity and its benefits to life. Physical activities are also an opportunity for creative expression and students will be challenged to appreciate the many aspects of play. Since many of these skills take place in activities that require social interaction, students will be challenged to exercise understanding of cooperation, teamwork, sportsmanship, and competition and their greater dependence on God to graciously grow Christ-like behavior in them.
CSI Physical Education 3-5
Music
Music in grades two and three includes singing many folk songs and play-party games. Emphasis is placed on teaching the correct use of the singing voice as well as on rhythm, melody, and reading music. A hymn is learned each month.
Library
Westminster Christian Academy's library program is designed to be an integral part of the learning experience of every student at WCA. Utilizing systematically planned activities involving the whole school community, the library media center serves to enhance the curriculum goals of the faculty and to teach effective information skills to the students. In addition, on the elementary level, students visit the library regularly to participate in a read-aloud story time and to check out books for personal reading and curricular use.
Computer
During kindergarten through fifth grade students are taught to use computer much as they would learn to write with pencil and paper. Basic mouse, keyboard and computer skills are taught from kindergarten through fifth grade with an emphasis on typing skills and familiarization with the full office suite beginning in second grade and continuing through fifth. Students learn how to use each office program so that they are able to move easily from one to another with an understanding of the basic tenets of how they work. Students also learn a basic understanding of computer networking, email, and safe, responsible use of the Internet for research and information gathering.
Teacher created materials and Web resources.
Fourth Grade
Bible
Fourth grade students at Westminster Christian Academy learn about our sovereign Lord and master the following concepts during Bible instruction: the books of the Old Testament; the Westminster Shorter Catechism Q & A 1-21; how the Bible came to be written (history of writing and history of the Bible); how the kingdom of Israel was established under the rule of Samuel, Saul, David, and Solomon; about the divided kingdoms of Israel and Judah and how God kept his covenant; about the kings and prophets of Israel and Judah; and how to read the Bible and apply it to their lives ("What does this tell me about God?" "What can I learn about who God wants me to be?").
Students and teachers use the following resources: NIV student textbook edition Bible, CSI Bible curriculum (Record of God's Nation), Westminster Shorter Catechism, Training Hearts Teaching Minds by Starr Meade; The Shorter Catechism Vol. 1 by G.I. Willliamson, and Westminster Shorter Catechism Songs by Holly Dutton.
Language Arts
Fourth Grade students at Westminster Christian Academy learn about the beauty and intricacy of the English Language and master the following concepts during language instruction: the parts of speech (primarily prepositions, verbs, nouns, and adjectives), how to properly punctuate and capitalize, and how to apply proper grammar, punctuation, and mechanics in their writing (using the writing process).
Students and teachers use the following resources: Easy Grammar - Grades 4 and 5; and Daily Grams - Grade 4, Zaner Bloser Handwriting 4
Reading
Fourth Grade students at Westminster Christian Academy learn to become analytical readers by learning the following story elements and reading strategies: characters, setting, problem/solution (plot development), cause/effect, foreshadowing, prediction/checking predictions, logical syllogisms, compare/contrast, and classification. Students also learn to ask themselves how each piece of literature compares to or contrasts with our Christian worldview.
Textbooks - Christian Schools International World of Literature grade 4 and various trade books
Spelling
Fourth Grade students at Westminster Christian Academy learn to spell words in order to become effective communicators so they may bring glory to God. In spelling instruction, they learn to see patterns in words by sorting words according to their patterns, to commit the spelling of words to memory by practicing words in a variety of ways (graphically, orally, kinesthetically, in context), about the relationships of words and word structure by using analogies, phonics, dictionaries, thesauruses, proofreading, and cloze passages.
Workbook - Houghton Mifflin Spelling and Vocabulary Level 4.
Math
Fourth grade students at Westminster Christian Academy learn about the order, design, and patterns in God's world through a variety of means of instruction. Students will be taught to organize, display, and interpret data while being instructed on the following skills: multiplication and division facts, place value, describing algebraic patterns, understanding spatial relations, describing and comparing fractions, and working with decimals.
Students and teachers use the following resources: MacMillan Math Connects grade 4, fact practice sheets, skip counting songs, and math manipulatives.
Social Studies
Fourth grade students in Westminster Christian Academy learn that history is really His story. God is the author of history and is in control. Students are focused on studying the history of our state, Alabama. Some of the concepts taught include: the explorers, how Alabama became a state, the three branches of US and state government, the importance of agriculture and industry to our state, economic terms, Civil Rights, World War I and II, and Alabama's journey into space. Another focus in fourth grade is placed on geography skills including: reading maps, latitude and longitude, continents, and oceans.
Textbooks - The Alabama Journey and Map Skills for Today.
Science
Fourth grade students at Westminster Christian Academy learn about God's handiwork in the creation of the world and of every living and nonliving thing. They will discover the importance of classification in studying God's vast creation. Students will study the following topics: pond communities, food plants, energy, sound, packages, the Earth's surface, ocean, and weather.
Textbook - Christian Schools International Science for Grade 4 in addition to using Internet resources, posters, and doing experiments.
Foreign Language
Elementary Latin for 4th and 5th grade classes is a continuation of the study of the
Cerialis' family who lived in Britannia during the 2nd century A.D. Emphasis is
placed on grammar with particular attention to conjugation and declension.
Art
In the words of Michelangelo,"Art is the shadow of Divine perfection."
Elementary Art is designed to help children see and duplicate that which God has created through the structured and imaginative use of line, shape, color, value, texture, form, and space. Students use a variety of media to execute these concepts. In addition, interdisciplinary instruction focusing on famous artist, seasonal, and classroom-oriented projects are also integrated into the art curriculum.
Physical Education
The fourth grade PE curriculum begins the introduction of sports. Specialized skills unique to each sport will be introduced as these, along with the foundational skills from grades K through third, are used in playing the sport games. At times, there will be some modifications in order to accommodate age and ability. Testing on the rules, the performance of skills in isolation and the level of participation which includes sportsmanship comprise the final grade.
CSI Physical Education 3-5
Music
Music in grade four includes learning to play the soprano recorder with emphasis on reading notes. A hymn is learned each month as well as a greater understanding of melody, rhythm, timbre, form, and harmony.
Library
Westminster Christian Academy's library program is designed to be an integral part of the learning experience of every student at WCA. Utilizing systematically planned activities involving the whole school community, the library media center serves to enhance the curriculum goals of the faculty and to teach effective information skills to the students. In addition, on the elementary level, students visit the library regularly to participate in a read-aloud story time and to check out books for personal reading and curricular use.
Computer
During kindergarten through fifth grade students are taught to use computer much as they would learn to write with pencil and paper. Basic mouse, keyboard and computer skills are taught from kindergarten through fifth grade with an emphasis on typing skills and familiarization with the full office suite beginning in second grade and continuing through fifth. Students learn how to use each office program so that they are able to move easily from one to another with an understanding of the basic tenets of how they work. Students also learn a basic understanding of computer networking, email, and safe, responsible use of the Internet for research and information gathering.
Teacher created materials and Web resources.
Fifth Grade
Bible
The fifth grade Bible course is The Story of God and His People as Witnesses to the Gospel. It comprises stories about Writings of the Pentateuch, Writings in the Books of Poetry, The Prophetic Writings, Gospel Writings: Jesus' Birth and Early Ministry, Jesus' Ministry, Jesus' Death, Resurrection, and Ascension, Luke Writes about the Early Church, and New Testament Letters and the Book of Prophecy.
Textbook - Christian Schools International Witnesses to the Gospel
Language Arts
Reading/Literature/Vocabulary
The fifth grade reading scope and sequence is mastered through the use of eight carefully selected trade books of different genres. Through the trade books, a reading composition book, and a vocabulary journal students are taught to master skills such as using context clues, predicting and inferring, drawing conclusions, characterization, sequencing, setting, cause and effect, compare and contrast, summarization, plot, theme, author's message, and using figurative language. Students are taught to evaluate all literature and analyze each character according to Biblical principles, while relating story elements to current events and life experiences.
Textbooks - Christian School International Literature 5 and various trade books such as
My Side of the Mountain, Sounder, and Number the Stars.
English/Writing
The purpose of Easy Grammar is to provide students with grammar tools which will guide them in proper writing and speaking. The fifth grade Easy Grammar text covers elements of English such as; prepositions, verbs, nouns, interjections, conjunctions, adjectives, adverbs, pronouns, types of sentences, fragments, run-ons, phrases, clauses, punctuation, capitalization, and letter writing.
Textbook - Easy Grammar teacher text only, no workbook, and Internet Sources
Spelling
Word lists are organized by principles, patterns (syllable and spelling), word parts (base, root, prefix, and suffix), and common features or sounds. Each list includes 20 basic words, 5 review words, and 5 challenge words.
Textbook - No student text or workbook. Spelling lists are from the Houghton-Mifflin spelling program.
Handwriting
Handwriting instruction builds communication skills for a lifetime. Zaner-Bloser Handwriting uses and easy step-by-step approach to teach handwriting so that students develop a solid foundation skill that encourages and supports all of their writing, reading, and assessment efforts. The Handwriting 5 books focuses on the basic handwriting skills of proper shape, size, spacing, and slant.
Workbook - Zaner Bloser Handwriting 5
Math
The fifth grade Math Connects 5 textbook focuses on the basic foundations for students in reviewing Place Value, Adding and Subtracting Whole Numbers and Decimals, Dividing Whole Numbers, and introduces Using Algebraic Expressions, Using Equations and Function Tables, Displaying and Interpreting Data, Develop Fraction Concepts, Using Factors and Multiples, Adding and Subtracting Fractions, Using Measures in the U.S. Customary System and in the Metric System, Identifying, Comparing, and Classifying Geometric Figures, Measuring Perimeter, Area, and Volume, and Using Probability to Make Predictions.
Textbook - Glencoe Math Connects 5
Social Studies
Fifth grade covers the first half of The American Journey. Students cover the Exploration Age and Explorers, the founding of the New World, Colonization of the Americas, the British Colonies, the Revolutionary War and the founding of the Unites States, The Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, the Presidents of the United States, the States and Capitals, the Road to the Civil War, the Civil War, and Reconstruction. In this course, fifth grade students will also write a paper about and present a colonial occupation, as well as visit Shiloh National Battlefield when we cover the Civil War.
Textbook - Glencoe The American Journey, chapters 1-17
Science
The CSI science program centers on the acknowledgment that the world in which we live belongs to God, who created and upholds it. This hands-on program encourages students to become actively involved in scientific discovery throughout the following units: cells & heredity, body systems, seed plants, insects, environmental factors, geology, structures, light, and matter.
Textbook - Christian Schools International Science 5
Foreign Language
Elementary Latin for 4th and 5th grade classes is a continuation of the study of the
Cerialis' family who lived in Britannia during the 2nd century A.D. Emphasis is
placed on grammar with particular attention to conjugation and declension.
Art
In the words of Michelangelo, "Art is the shadow of Divine perfection."
Elementary Art is designed to help children see and duplicate that which God has created through the structured and imaginative use of line, shape, color, value, texture, form, and space. Students use a variety of media to execute these concepts. In addition, interdisciplinary instruction focusing on famous artist, seasonal, and classroom-oriented projects are also integrated into the art curriculum.
Physical Education
The fifth grade PE curriculum builds upon the introduction to sports begun in the fourth grade. More specialized sport skills will be introduced and the nature of the game will be re-enforced with game playing. Fewer modifications will occur unless necessary for the game to be played. Testing on the rules, the performance of skills in isolation and the level of participation which includes sportsmanship comprise the final grade.
CSI Physical Education 3-5
Band
Band in grade five begins with each child learning the basics of producing a tone on
his/her instrument and learning correct fingerings/positions. In addition, learning to
play in an ensemble with expression.
Music
Music in grade five includes learning to play hand chimes and developing an appreciation for many forms of recorded music as well as implementing knowledge of melody, rhythm, timbre, form, and harmony. A hymn is earned each month.
Library
Westminster Christian Academy's library program is designed to be an integral part of the learning experience of every student at WCA. Utilizing systematically planned activities involving the whole school community, the library media center serves to enhance the curriculum goals of the faculty and to teach effective information skills to the students. In addition, on the elementary level, students visit the library regularly to participate in a read-aloud story time and to check out books for personal reading and curricular use.
Computer
During kindergarten through fifth grade students are taught to use computer much as they would learn to write with pencil and paper. Basic mouse, keyboard and computer skills are taught from kindergarten through fifth grade with an emphasis on typing skills and familiarization with the full office suite beginning in second grade and continuing through fifth. Students learn how to use each office program so that they are able to move easily from one to another with an understanding of the basic tenets of how they work. Students also learn a basic understanding of computer networking, email, and safe, responsible use of the Internet for research and information gathering.
The objective of the elementary school (grades kindergarten through fifth) is to develop a Christ-centered view of the world as well as prepare students academically. The curriculum includes daily Bible instruction, language arts (reading, writing, grammar, spelling), mathematics, science, and social studies. Biblical truth is integrated into all subject areas. In addition, specialists in physical education, music, art, computer, foreign language, and library work with students each week.
