What is Life Like at a Christian Elementary School?

Teacher: Mrs. Becky Santilli
Classes to be Taught:

• Reading and Writing

  First graders’ eagerness to read and write is harnessed with differentiated instruction tailored to meet the needs of all learners. They will learn to spell, write in sentences, and even revise and rewrite as they learn about giving feedback to others and making sure their sentences express an action or thought. First grade utilizes Reading Street by Pearson curriculum. Phonemic awareness is built as students study spelling, comprehension, and mechanics such as nouns, verbs, adjectives and punctuation. Handwriting development continues with D’Nealian letters and numbers.

• Bible

  Using the Summit Ministries, Building on the Rock –  Wisdom curriculum, first graders focus on biblical truths related to the character traits of obedience, reverence, loyalty and gratitude. Weekly memory verses help the students to reinforce their understanding of these truths.Students learn about the book of Genesis; Creation; and the biblical and historical influences of Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph.

• Social Studies

  It is fun for the students to learn about oceans, continents, and how people lived long ago compared to today. Students learn what is unique about our city, community, state and country, and how to find areas on a map. First grade utilizes the BJU Press Heritage Studies curriculum for Social Studies.

• Math

  In first grade, students are counting to 150, learning addition, subtraction, graphs, charts, place value, measuring, money, manipulatives, shapes, time, and more! Students learn counting by 1’s, 2’s, 5’s, and 10’s by jumping and/or other motions. Real life manipulatives and objects are used to increase student understanding. First grade math utilizes the BJU Press curriculum in a hands-on and visual manner.

• Science

  Students learn how God gave us five senses to discover His world as they learn about the weather, seasons, animals, states of matter, sound, and space. While using the BJU Press curriculum, students do experiments, make predictions, and record results in science class.

Teacher: Mrs. Sandi Barrett
Classes to be Taught:

• Bible

  Using the  Summit Ministries Building on the Rock: Fellowship curriculum, students primarily learn about Bible truths relating to fellowship with God, others, themselves and creation.   Bible studies end with a survey of key points in the books of Genesis, Exodus, Joshua, and Judges; Egyptian captivity; Moses and the exodus as well as their time in the wilderness.  All these historical influences tie into the Bible truths that are learned through the 2nd grade curriculum. Weekly memory verses help the students cement their understanding of  these truths, as well.

• Math

  Students continue to solidify basic place value and work to understand time, money, and fractions. Students focus on learning and applying strategies that will help them progress to more complex addition and subtraction problems, and multiplication facts are also introduced. Each math chapter in the BJU Press curriculum has story problems with characters traveling the globe to serve God and others using math.

• Reading

  Using the Pearson’s Reading Street curriculum, second graders will encounter a variety of literary genres as they enjoy reading plays, folktales, informational texts and narratives. They develop decoding skills, comprehension strategies and further develop their joy of reading. There is also a significant shift this year from “learning to read” to “reading to learn.”

• Language and Writing

  Students look closely at proper sentence formation and the basic parts of speech while discovering what grammar means to writing. While utilizing a variety of curriculum, students write to persuade, inform, and entertain. Spelling lists each center on a phonetic or word pattern. Second graders transition from D’Nealian manuscript to cursive handwriting halfway through this school year.

• Social Studies

  Using the BJU Press Heritage Studies curriculum, students discover more about our world and the ways people live. They discover God’s order and design for mankind, starting with a broad understanding of community and landforms, and gradually focusing on the formation of our nation.

• Science

  From fossils to earthquakes and natural resources, 2nd graders learn fascinating things about our Earth. They also study life science to learn about the parts of plants, comparing animal habitats, and the growth and change of all living things. In the BJU Press curriculum, students also learn the ways our Changeless Creator designed matter to change and move in physical science.

Teacher: Ms. Jennifer Garabrant
Classes to be Taught:

• Reading

  Our spelling curriculum uses word lists from the Reading Street by Pearson curriculum, based on short/long vowel syllables, consonant patterns, blends, plurals, prefixes and suffixes, and compound words. The reading program continues to teach students the different genres, including poetry, while each story has a vocabulary lesson and comprehension questions. Students learn more about supporting details, main ideas, cause and effect, and other literary elements.

• English / Writing

  Students learn correct grammar in written and oral communication and develop in their use of new vocabulary. They study the writing process in types of compositions as students hone study and reference skills to be integrated throughout the subjects. The writing curriculum helps students use writing to support opinions and convey experiences (both real and imaginary). D’Nealian Handwriting continues with cursive development. Multiple curriculum sources are used to develop English and writing skills in students including BJU Press, Reading Street by Pearson, and Vocabulary Workshop by Sadlier.

• Bible

  Using the Summit Ministries Building on the Rock –  Image Bearing curriculum, 3rd graders focus on biblical truths related to the character traits of holiness, confidence, self-control, and peace. Weekly memory verses help the students to reinforce their understanding of these truths. Students also learn about the biblical and historical influences of Samuel, King Saul, King David, and King Solomon.

• Heritage Studies

  This BJU Press Heritage Studies curriculum teaches students about America’s history, geography, government, economics, and culture. Students are also made aware of God’s character and how He wants students to act with others, showing consequences of right and wrong choices, studying the concepts of justice, freedom and taking one’s place in society. Third graders also learn that God wants them to be good citizens as a way to honor Him.

• Math

  Students learn to enjoy math while also learning critical thinking and problem-solving skills. The BJU Press curriculum uses manipulatives to introduce new concepts, and students consistently review past learned concepts throughout the year.

• Science

  In third grade, students understand God as the creator and sustainer of the universe. Students learn what a Christian worldview is and how it differs from other worldviews. The wonder of God’s creation inspires students to learn more about the wonders of His earth. Students are taught to question, experiment, and identify results through group activities as they learn to be good stewards of our planet.

Teacher: Ms. Rachel Burmeister
Classes to be Taught:

• Math

  Using BJU Press curriculum, students use concrete manipulatives to understand new concepts and develop problem-solving skills while making learning enjoyable. Skills are reviewed systematically to increase computation ability and prepare for higher-level learning. Students are introduced to many multi-step processes.

• Grammar 

  Students use BJU Press curriculum to develop the correct use of English grammar in written and oral communication through identifying parts of speech, diagramming sentences and making connections to other subject areas. Lessons also focus on improving listening and speaking skills.

• Writing 

  Students focus on four main types of writing: opinion/persuasive essays, informative essays that develop research skills in supporting the main idea, and personal and fictional narratives. In the narratives, students write about real and imaginary events that teaches them to elaborate details and include meaningful dialogue. Multiple curriculum sources are used to develop writing skills in students including Vocabulary Workshop by Sadlier.

• Handwriting 

  Using D’Nealian handwriting, students develop handwriting that is consistent and legible. They review the correct form, slant, size, and spacing for each letter. They practice by writing real sentences and paragraphs using regular lined paper without a dotted center line, in order to “write like adults.”

• Reading / Spelling / Vocabulary 

  Using various appropriate works of literature, this class promotes student’s vocabulary and reading comprehension through diligent practice. They review synonyms, antonyms, and words in context as they foster fluency through reading and identifying examples. Multiple curriculum sources are used to develop reading skills in students including Pearson Reading Street, Purposeful Design and Vocabulary Workshop by Sadlier.

• Science 

  To inspire curiosity, enjoyment and admiration of God’s creation while establishing foundational science facts and skill, we work to promote orderly approaches to problem solving and generate a positive attitude through active participation and relevant discussions. Students use the BJU Press science curriculum.

• Social Studies 

  For one semester, students are taught to understand the importance of our New Jersey state history, as well as covering geography, native Lenape, early settlers, and New Jersey industries. Trips, class projects, classroom visitors, and a special New Jersey Day event are just a few ways students better understand their state in a tangible way. For the second semester, we broaden our view of our place in the United States as we expand our learning to the various regions of the United States.

• Bible 

  Students use Summit Ministries Building on The Rock – Servanthood curriculum to better understand that the Bible is God’s inspired Word. Students are encouraged to grow in their faith while studying the character traits of friendliness, honesty, kindness, and forgiveness. Students will dive into their Bibles as they learn about biblical patriarchs including Elijah, Elisha, Isaiah, and Jeremiah.  They will discover and apply God’s Word to their everyday lives as they bring to light the truth that God and His Word are the rock and foundation of everything.

• Math (5th)

  Using the BJU Press curriculum, students participate in interactive questioning and problem-solving. At this level they develop critical thinking skills and can increase computation skills through systematic review. This class prepares them for the higher-level math they will encounter in middle school.

   

Teacher: Mrs. Karen Houser
Classes to be Taught:

• Math 

  Using the BJU Press curriculum, students participate in interactive questioning and problem-solving. At this level they develop critical thinking skills and can increase computation skills through systematic review. This class prepares them for the higher-level math they will encounter in middle school.

• Grammar 

  Using the BJU Press curriculum, students hone the correct use of English grammar in written and oral communication through identification of parts of speech, diagramming sentences and connections to other subject areas. Students also improve listening and speaking skills while adding enjoyment through chapter themes.

• Writing 

  Using Grammar Workshop by Sadlier, students continue their focus on opinion-persuasive and personal essays, informative essays and narratives. They will also complete a research paper focusing on skills learned throughout the year.

• Reading / Spelling / Vocabulary 

  Using various appropriate works of literature, this class promotes students’ vocabulary and reading comprehension through diligent practice. They review synonyms, antonyms, and words in context, as they foster fluency through reading and identifying examples. Multiple curriculum sources are used to develop reading skills in students including Pearson Reading Street, Purposeful Design, and Vocabulary Workshop by Sadlier.

• Science 

  The students develop a biblical worldview as it relates to science concepts while using the BJU Press Science curriculum. The course focuses on minerals and rocks, fossils, matter and heat, sound and light, weather, biomes, ecosystems, and the respiratory and circulatory systems. Throughout the course, the student will have opportunities to develop his science process skills as he participates in hands-on activities and projects.

• Social Studies 

  Students utilize the BJU Press Heritage Studies curriculum which surveys many different fields of study crucial to a thorough understanding of history. Students will study our original people of North America. They will continue to learn of the importance of the first settlers and how their arrival led to the colonization of our nation. Leading off with the American Revolution, we follow the course of our nation’s establishment and move through the events that shaped us into the nation we are today.

• Bible 

  Using the Summit Ministries Building on the Rock – Stewardship curriculum, students will continue the process of developing foundational beliefs and values based upon twenty core Biblical truths about God, creation, the fall, and redemption.  Students will solidify their interpretation of knowledge and culture to create a framework through which they will formulate a Biblical view of the world.  Reading, interpreting, memorizing, and discussing scripture is the heart of Bible class, ensuring that these principles are understood so that Bible-based life applications can more easily be made.

Classes to be Taught:

• Physical Education 

  Physical education is an important component of the TCA program as it provides students with a platform to not only appreciate their bodies and their God-given abilities, but to also learn and grow in strength and skills as they mature physically, mentally, and spiritually. Elementary school PE focuses first on the basic principles of physical fitness including the development of movement skills, imporvement of overall coordination, and the establishment of fitness levels. As students begin to develp basic motor skills, they start to use them in simple low organizational games. Age-appropriate games and activities provide students with practice in following directions and developing good cooperationo and sportmanship preparing them for competitive sports and for reaching greater fitness level.

• Spanish

  TCA partners with Homeschool Spanish Academy to provide elementary students with weekly grade level group Spanish classes. Under the supervision of their classroom teacher, students connect with a Spanish teacher online who provides multimedia lessons that cover vocabulary, speaking, listening, grammar, reading, and writing.  The teacher also guides students to apply new skills in real-time, while students receive direct feedback as they solidify their understanding of what was learned before the end of each class.

• Art

  Art class at the elementary level is designed to help students explore and expand upon their God-given creative talents, to gain an appreciation for the visual arts.  Students learn the appropriate vocabulary and skill sets that apply to the arts, along with how to apply these techniques to enhance their artwork.  Students observe the various styles of art and learn how to differentiate between them.  Furthermore, students learn how to carefully study God’s creation and to use what they learn from their observations to create more realistic works of art.  This class allows students to explore the evolution of art throughout history and to see how art has influenced the development of cultures throughout the world.  Students are encouraged to not only explore and develop their own art style, but also to consider how they can use their God-given creative talents to serve others and Christ.  In addition, students learn about contemporary art careers and how artists can use their God-given talents to make the world a better place.  This art classroom is designed to be a fun and creative environment where students can experiment with various mediums while learning how to properly and safely use art materials.

• Music

  In elementary school music class, students will develop their independent singing voice using Curwen hand signs to either perform alone or with others on various rhythm and tonal instruments. They will learn to read rhythmic and pitched music notation on a staff as well as music analysis, and form. Kindergarten will participate in the Pre-K and Kindergarten Christmas Program by acting out their designated parts on stage and performing several songs. As students enter the the upper elementary grades, they will apply what they’ve learned about reading music and performance through the use of recorders.

• Chorus

  From September to December, students in 1st – 4th grades will participate in this vocal class learning how to read choral music and developing healthy singing techniques as well as working together to perform well in the Christmas Concert. Students in kindergarten through 3rd grade will participate in Elementary Chorus class to perform in the Spring Concert. Students will learn and perform fun unison and partner songs in seasonal, folk, patriotic, gospel, and historical styles.

• Computer Technology

  Computer Technology class prepares students for entry into 21 century technology in a safe and supervised environment. Students beginning in kindergarten learn the fundamentals of computer literacy including mouse skills, use of the keyboard, internet safety, and coding/logic skills. As students progress through elementary school, they learn keyboarding and word processing skills, use of presentation tools, the online research process, and use of web-based applications.

• Concert Band & String Ensemble

  Concert Band and String Ensemble is an elective option open to 4th – 8th grade students who desire to play a brass, woodwind, or percussion instrument, or a violin, viola, or cello instrument of their choice in a collaborative setting. They will learn and perform diverse music from a variety of styles, composers, and time periods in music history. Students will hone their skills in reading music and playing their instrument in weekly group lessons. Through ensemble rehearsals, they will learn teamwork as they see how their part fits into the sound of the whole group. Students will develop good practice and performance habits that will benefit them in many ways. Students will perform what they have learned in the Christmas and Spring Concerts. .