Bible

Instructional philosophy

The heart of Christian education is to lead students into a greater understanding of God and His plan for their lives. The primary focus of instruction should be placed upon the Bible itself. John 20:31 explains, "These things are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name." As students are taught the Word of God, it will impact their lives as they make personal application of the information they are studying.

Instructional goals

The overall goal of the first grade Bible curriculum is for students to study familiar Bible stories which reinforce the yearlong theme "God's Gifts to Me." Students will understand the following Biblical truths:
1. God gives me a place to live.
2. God gives me a family.
3. God gives me leaders.
4. God gives me helpers.
5. God gives me His Word.
6. God gives me His Son.
7. God gives me a way to live.
8. God gives me His church.
9. God gives me gifts and abilities.

Instructional Objectives

1. To know that God created everything by His Word
2. To understand that it is better to follow God's way than our own way
3. To understand that God rewards faithfulness
4. To understand that it is wrong to be deceitful
5. To understand that God can use bad situations for good
6. To honor and obey one's parents
7. To understand that God can use people with physical challenges
8. To understand that God gives people strength to be faithful to Him
9. To understand that it is better to serve God than to give into peer pressure
10. To understand that even young people can be used by God
11. To understand that God has given us His Word to guide our lives
12. To understand that God sent Jesus, His Son, to die for our sins
13. To understand that God's love is unconditional
14. To show compassion to others
15. To show gratitude to the Lord and to others
16. To learn the responsibilities believers have as part of the Church
17. To understand that everything we have belongs to God
18. To understand the mission of the Church is to win souls to Christ
19. To understand what heaven is and how to go to heaven
20. To understand the importance of reading the Bible every day
21. To understand that God has given us musical abilities to praise Him
22. To serve and help one another
23. To learn ways to show hospitality
24. To memorize verses of Scripture which teach the truths presented at this grade level
25. To learn how to pray

Resources

Textbook - God and My World (ACSI Bible Grade One), Association of Christian Schools International, 1995
Bible
Videos about the lives of Bible characters studied (for example: Adam, Noah, Joseph, Moses, Joshua, and Jesus Christ)

Scope & sequence

1. Creation and my world
2. Adam and Eve
3. The first family
4. Noah saves his family
5. Jacob cheats his brother
6. Joseph forgives his brothers
7. Lois and Eunice teach Timothy
8. Joseph is a leader
9. Moses and God's people
10. Peter and the early church
11. Joshua and Caleb
12. Ruth helps Naomi
13. John Mark helps Paul
14. The Ten Commandments
15. The Psalms
16. The Gospels
17. Birth of Christ
18. The boyhood of Christ
19. How to love others
20. How to share
21. How to care for others
22. How to believe God
23. How to be thankful
24. How to serve Him
25. The Church begins
26. Giving to His work
27. Stephen and the deacons
28. Philip and the Ethiopian
29. God's Word
30. God's Glory
31. Reading God's Word
32. Writing God's Word
33. Singing to the Lord
34. Using art and building skills
35. Serving Others
36. Showing hospitality

 

Mathematics

Instructional Philosophy

As we teach math concepts and facts, we must keep in mind the vast but ordered life God created. The complicated human body has intricate and delicate foundations, but yet is understandable too. Our God is a God who has set out His time table with mathematical precision. Therefore with math being a precise subject, we can see the need for a strong foundation and Biblical following to help establish the positive life styles demonstrated to us in Daniel 9:24-27.

Instructional goals

For first grade, the overall goal of math is to form a solid foundation with the numbers 1-20, but also a working knowledge of the use of numbers up to 100. This will involve the subgoals of:
- gaining confidence in their ability to recognize the importance of numbers
- developing skills that will carry through their lifetime
- instilling and developing knowledge that will broaden their awareness in life
- seeing the entire process of learning as part of God's given plan to man from the vastness of design to the order math offers.

Instructional Objectives

The student will:
1. Recognize and use numbers that provide a number sense foundation essential to problem solving.
2. Solve story problems that focus on whole numbers.
3. Use and understand the use of plus, minus, equal signs, and the term ‘sum'.
4. Identify shapes and patterns using symmetry that shows equal parts, then fractions.
5. Recognize patterns, relationships, and functions, and their importance.
6. Compare and contrast, then draw conclusions.
7. Use units of measurement and know how they apply to everyday use.
8. Collect and organize data for experiments, then graph and interpret the data.

Resources

Textbook - Heath Mathematics, DC Heath and Co., 1994
Practice workbook
Enrichment workbook
Reteach workbook

Scope & sequence

Numbers through 12
Addition facts through 6
Subtraction facts through 6
Addition/Subtraction facts through 10
Place value through 100
Time and money
Addition and Subtraction facts through 12
Geometry and fractions
Addition and Subtraction facts through 20
Measurement
Readiness for multiplication and division
Addition and Subtraction of two digit numbers

 

Phonics

Instructional Philosophy

Reading is the foundation for all education. A student who learns to read well is enabled to learn for the rest of his lifetime. Phonics is employed as the most logical and orderly way to teach children to read English, which is an alphabetical language. Students need to be taught a simple, logical phonics system. They can then apply this knowledge as they read from interesting student readers that are correlated with the phonics they are learning. Once a child learns to read well, he is able to read the Scriptures for himself, which allows him to know God. Deuteronomy 17:19 declares "he is to read it (the Law) all the days of his life so that he may learn to revere the Lord his God."

Instructional goals

The overall goal of teaching Phonics is to present children with a tool for learning how to read. The supreme aim of Christian education is to teach the child to read the Scriptures for himself so that he may know God.

Instructional Objectives

1. To recognize the short vowels and their sounds
2. To recognize the consonants and their sounds
3. To blend (the sound of a consonant and a vowel)
4. To sound one-vowel words
5. To learn the sounds of the long vowels
6. To sound two-vowel words
7. To recognize sight words (words which cannot be read by phonetic analysis)
8. To learn the 132 special phonics sounds, each with its corresponding spelling and clue word
9. To read words containing prefixes and suffixes
10. To read compound words
11. To read contractions and know what two words they replace
12. To divide words according to the syllabication rules in order to decode them more easily
13. To recognize rhyming words
14. To use knowledge of rhyming words as an aid to decoding new words
15. To recognize these punctuation marks and read in a way that acknowledges their meanings: periods, question marks, commas, exclamation points, and apostrophes in possessives and contractions
16. To read with smoothness, speed, accuracy, and expression
17. To read with comprehension
18. To answer inferential questions, drawing conclusions from the facts given in the story
19. To recall the events of a story in proper sequence
20. To read the Bible with understanding
21. To appreciate and enjoy good literature
22. To read for knowledge and pleasure
23. To decode words easily

Resources

Phonics and Reading Curriculum 1, A Beka Book, 1995,

Phonics:
Textbook- Letters and Sounds 1, A Beka Book, 1995.
Letters and Sounds 1, Teacher Key, A Beka Book, 1995.
Letters and Sounds 1 Student Tests,, A Beka Book, 1995.
Letters and Sounds 1 Test Key, A Beka Book, 1995.
Large Alphabet Flashcards, A Beka Book, 1995.
Blend Practice Cards A, A Beka Book, 1995.
Blend Practice Cards B, A Beka Book, 1995.
Large Phonics Teaching Charts, A Beka Book, 1995.
Basic Phonics Flashcards, A Beka Book, 1995.
Clue Word Cards, A Beka Book, 1995.
Basic Phonics Sounds Cassette, A Beka Book, 1995.
Blend Ladders, A Beka Book, 1995.

Reading:

Fun with Pets, A Beka Book, 1994.
Tiptoes, A Beka Book, 1995.
Stepping Stones, A Beka Book, 1995.
Secrets and Surprises, A Beka Book, 1994.
The Bridge Book, A Beka Book, 1994.
Open Windows, A Beka Book, 1995.
Kind and Brave, A Beka Book, 1995.
Aesop's Fables, A Beka Book, 1995.
Strong and True, A Beka Book, 1995.
Primary Bible Reader, A Beka Book, 1995.
A Handbook for Reading, A Beka Book, 1995.

Scope & sequence

Phonics:
1. First six weeks:
a. Phonics Charts 1-8
b. short vowels
c. consonants
d. blends (a consonant with a short vowel)
e. beginning/ending sounds
f. one-vowel rule
g. long vowels
h. two-vowel rule
i. use of u with q
k. rhyming words
l. suffix -s (sound of "s" or "z")

2. Second six weeks
a. Phonics Charts 9-10
b. compound words
c. syllables
d. root words e. suffixes
f. syllabication rule 1 (divide between double consonants)
g. syllabication rule 2 (divide between root word and suffix)

3. Third six weeks
a. Phonics Charts 11-12
b. syllabication rule 3 (divide between a vowel and a consonant)
c. syllabication rule 4 (between two consonants that are not alike)
d. "a" at the beginning of words says "uh"
e. words in which the final consonant was doubled when a suffix was added
f. words in which the silent e was dropped when a suffix was added

4. Fourth six weeks
a. Phonics Chart 13
b. prefixes
c. syllabication rule 5 (between prefix and root word)

5. Fifth six weeks
a. words in which the y changed to i when a suffix was added
b. contractions

6. Last six weeks
a. review of all topics introduced during the previous 30 weeks

Reading:

In first grade the students spend time practicing oral reading in reading groups. These smaller groups provide students with more opportunities to read aloud than they would have in a large group setting. Placing each child in a reading group on his level allows him to progress according to his ability and needs. The scope and sequence for reading through the first grade readers varies according to the reading group. The more advanced students will read all eleven readers in the course of the year. The average group will read nine of them. The slower group will read six or seven of them.

Science

Instructional Philosophy

The study of science focuses on the world around us. As students explore the world, they can see the plan of God as it is revealed in His orderly creation. "For since the creation of the world, God's invisible qualities - His eternal power and divine nature - have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse." (Romans 1:20) A Christian philosophy of science presents the universe as the direct creation of God and refutes the man-made Theory of Evolution. Without God as the Master Designer, the laws of nature cannot be explained.

Instructional Goals

The foundational goal of the first grade science curriculum is to stimulate the students' interest in science.
The following subgoals support the foundational goal:
1. To discover the wonders of God's creation
2. To learn facts about the human body, animals, insects, plants, energy, and the seasons
3. To understand the greatness of nature's design points to a Master Designer

Instructional Objectives

1. To learn basic facts about the human body's divine design
2. To understand that God created each person uniquely
3. To learn good personal hygiene habits
4. To discover some of the basic principles of physics that are used in everyday play experiences
5. To investigate God's unique design of a variety of different animals
6. To learn how God provides for animals' needs
7. To distinguish between animals born alive and animals born from eggs
8. To understand how insects are different from other animals
9. To learn how the ant demonstrates Biblical truths found in Proverbs
10. To investigate God's design for plants
11. To understand how plants are important to man's survival
12. To understand how the seasons of the year are a part of God's provision for His creation
13. To stimulate students' desire to read
14. To increase their reading comprehension skills

Resources

Textbook - Discovering God's World Science Reader (Grade 1), A Beka Book, 1995
Discovering God's World Science Reader Teacher Edition (Grade 1), A Beka Book, 1995

Scope and sequence

1. Discovering myself
2. Discovering my toys
3. Discovering animals
4. Discovering insects
5. Discovering plants
6. Discovering seasons

Social Studies

Instructional philosophy

When God created the world, He declared, "It is not good for the man to be alone." (Gen.2:18) From the beginning God has designed that people live in community with one another. The family was the first institution established by God. Learning how to live within one's family is foundational to all other relationships. As a child grows and begins to relate outside the family unit, he needs to understand how to play and work with others. Romans 12:16 instructs us to "Live in harmony with one another." One of the wonderful aspects of living in community with others is sharing together in times of celebration.

Instructional goals

The goal of social studies education is to provide students with an understanding of the world in which they live. A basic understanding of the world around them will make them better equipped to live in harmony with others. In first grade the following subgoals are addressed:
1. To understand the importance of families
2. To understand the purposes of a home
3. To understand how people work together
4. To understand the importance of celebrations

Instructional Objectives

1. To understand that people are alike and different
2. To understand that people have many kinds of feelings
3. To understand that all people are part of a family
4. To understand that people work to meet their needs and wants
5. To understand that families have many places that are important to them
6. To understand that stories are an important part of our heritage
7. To understand that everyone has a need for shelter
8. To understand that home can mean a feeling of belonging
9. To understand that people's lives may change when they move
10. To understand that home can provide a feeling of comfort
11. To understand that people live in different kinds of communities
12. To recognize that people live in homes around the world
13. To understand that friends work, share, and play together
14. To understand that people work together and care for each other
15. To recognize that we can work together to reach a common goal
16. To understand that people can work together to solve a problem
17. To understand that older and younger people can work together
18. To understand that some rules help us work and play together
19. To understand that we celebrate what is important to us
20. To understand that we celebrate people we care about
21. To understand that we celebrate our likenesses and differences
22. To understand that people around the world celebrate holidays in many ways
23. To understand that a country is made up of many cultures
24. To understand that holidays are special times we celebrate throughout the year

Resources

Textbook - Families and Friends (student-sized poster book), Silver Burdett Ginn, 1997
Families and Friends (poster book), Silver Burdett Ginn, 1997
Families and Friends Teaching Guide 1, Silver Burdett Ginn, 1997

Scope and sequence

Families
Homes
Working Together
Celebrations

 

Spelling

Instructional philosophy

In order for written communication to be clearly understood, words must be spelled correctly. Students need to understand that spelling is a rule-governed activity. If it is not taught this way and students are allowed to spell however they choose, then their effectiveness as written communicators is greatly diminished. The Bible teaches that "everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way" (I Corinthians 14:40). Learning to spell correctly helps children follow this precept.

Instructional goals

To goal of the first grade Spelling curriculum is to teach children how to correctly spell words.
The following subgoals support this main goal:
1. To teach students to implement their phonetic knowledge when they spell words since most English words follow phonetic patterns.
2. To teach students the spellings of sight words (words that deviate from the usual rules of phonics)
3. To teach students the spellings of contractions and abbreviations

Instructional Objectives

1. To correctly spell the words in each of the thirty Spelling lessons
2. To implement phonetic knowledge when spelling words
3. To identify in the spelling words the special sounds taught in Phonics class
4. To recognize basic spelling patterns
5. To learn the spelling of sight words
6. To learn the spelling of contractions
7. To learn the spelling of abbreviations
8. To practice orally spelling words
9. To use spelling words in sentences
10. To identify rhyming words within the spelling lists
11. To list spelling words that rhyme with a given word
12. To understanding the meaning of the words on the spelling lists
13. To recognize the vowel sounds in the spelling words
14. To identify misspelled words
15. To recognize and spell compound words
16. To recognize opposites
17. To alphabetize spelling words
18. To identify the root word and suffix in a word
19. To spell words requiring the doubling of the final consonant before a suffix is added
20. To spell words requiring the dropping of the silent e before a suffix is added

Resources

Phonics and Reading Curriculum 1 (Includes Language, Spelling, and Poetry), A Beka Book, 1995.
Spelling & Poetry 1, A Beka Book, 1995.
Spelling & Poetry 1, Teacher Edition, A Beka Book, 1995.

Scope and sequence

1. short vowel words (containing 1 vowel)
2. long vowel words (containing 2 vowels)
3. use of k or c before a vowel
4. use of ck or ke at the end of a word
5. words with ay
6. use of ll, ff, or ss at the end of a word
7. use of e, o, or y as the only vowel at the end of a word
8. words with sh and th
9. words with ou and ow
10. words with ir, er, and ur
11. words with oi and oy
12. words with oo
13. words with or, wor, and ch
14. words with igh and ite
15. words with alk and all
16. sight words
17. words with ank, ink, onk, unk, ang, ing, ong, and ung
18. review words
19. words with wa and ar
20. words with the prefix a
21. words with the suffix ing
22. words with y and le at the end of a two syllable words
23. words with the suffix ed
24. words that double the final consonant when a suffix is added
25. words that drop the silent e when a suffix is added
26. review words
27. sight words
28. words with ch and tch
29. words with old, ild, ind, and mb
30. words with soft c