Elementary Curriculum - Grades K - 6
Lake Arrowhead Christian School uses the following curriculum for Kindergarten through Sixth Grade:
Kindergarten
Math (Saxon) - Students learn a foundational number sense and participate in shape recognition. Additionally, students are introduced to spatial reasoning and critical thinking through problem solving. Students perform basic computation with the use of manipulatives.
Phonics (A Beka Advanced) - Students engage in upper and lowercase letter identification and phonemic awareness. Students learn how to blend sounds to read words and segment words through syllables. Finally, students learn how to decode phonetically.
Reading (A Beka Advanced) - Reading begins with word recognition. Students understand simple sentence structure and paragraphs. Students learn to independently read and comprehend stories that contain multiple paragraphs.
Writing (A Beka Advanced) - In addition to learning basic manuscript letter formation, students learn how to write words, sentences and 3 sentence paragraphs
Science and Social Studies - Concepts in the California state standards are taught through the use of thematic unit studies. Units that have been taught in Kindergarten may include but are not limited to Dinosaurs, Space, Oceans, Farm, Community Helpers, Arctic, Fall, Winter, Spring, Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter.
Bible (Biblical Choices) - Utilizing the Biblical Choices curriculum, students learn about the foundations of Creation and elements of Christian character. Students participate in Bible memorization work and are introduced to basic Biblical themes.
First Grade
Reading - In our reading program, students learn to read fiction and nonfiction containing multi-syllable words. Students participate in reading orally with a good conversational tone as well as reading for comprehension, recognizing the sequence of a story and learning to draw conclusions based on information given in the story.
Language/Phonics - Students begin the process of writing in story form using correct grammar and punctuation. Additionally, students learn to spell multi-syllable words as well as identify and apply prefixes, suffixes, and correct verb subject agreement.
Math - Students sharpen problem-solving skills through solving and creating word problems. Additionally, students commit addition and subtraction facts to memory while learning to add and subtract numbers with multiple digits. Finally, students learn to measure using inches and centimeters, explore geometric solids, tell time by the hour and half hour, adding money
Science - In science, students discover God’s world through the study of animal classification, plants, insects, seasons, human body, and transportation.
History - Students are challenged to broaden their understanding of the United States through American symbols, places, and presidents. In addition, we expand our understanding of other cultures through the studying of the history and customs of other countries.
Bible - Students explore God’s greatness and plan to save his people through the Old and New testament. Our learning includes journaling, drama, crafts, and other hands on activities to make the Bible come to life.
Second Grade
Math (A Beka) - Students memorize addition/subtraction math facts, engage in critical thinking/problem solving, and are introduced to multiplication and division.
Reading (A Beka) - Students participate in reading groups with curriculum and chapter books. Students also write book reports, engage in phonics, and utilize their language workbooks daily.
Writing (6 Traits of Writing) - Students are introduced to the 6 + 1 traits of writing, including ideas, organization, word choice, voice, sentence fluency, conventions and presentation.
Spelling (A Beka) - Spelling lists correlate with phonics curriculum. Students are also given bonus words and vocabulary.
Science (A Beka) - Students study the human body, animals, plants, our solar system and much more.
History (A Beka) - The central theme of second grade history is “Our America”. Students learn about the flag, patriotic holidays, American songs and the
people who built America.
Bible (A Beka) - Students interact with the Bible through four primary themes: Salvation Series, Boyhood of Jesus, The First Christmas, and The
Crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus.
Third & Fourth Grade
Math (A Beka) - Students add, subtract, multiply and divide whole numbers and fractions. Students also practice problem solving.
Reading (A Beka) - Students work on fluency and comprehension, reading fiction and non-fiction texts.
Language (6 Traits of Writing) - Vocabulary and language acquisition are integral parts of this course. Additionally, students complete grammar exercises that are focused on parts of speech, punctuation, capitalization, word usage and more. Students practice composition including expository, creative and persuasive reports.
Writing - Students are exposed to the foundations of cursive writing.
Spelling (A Beka) - Spelling of grade-level words, phonetic-based spelling and prefixes and suffixes are primary components of this course.
Science (A Beka) - Students study the nervous system, sense organs, plants, vertebrates, invertebrates, desert, ocean, pond, forest, farmer's field and weather.
History (A Beka) - Students explore the many facets of United States History.
Bible (A Beka) - Students engage in Bible lessons on faith and obedience through the study of the judges, Deborah, Gideon, Samson, Ruth and Samuel. Students also examine the qualities of God's leaders and learn about the greatest commandment and the Great Commission.
Fifth Grade
Math (A Beka) - Students learn arithmetic operations, including fractions, place value and decimals.
Reading (A Beka) - Students expand upon and deepen their understanding of concepts through the reading of more complicated and sophisticated texts. Students learn and apply new strategies and skills to aid in their comprehension, analysis and synthesis of new information from various texts.
Writing (6 Traits of Writing) - Students read and write utilizing a variety of texts in addition to analyzing and evaluating a broader scope of information and ideas.
Spelling (A Beka) - Students spell grade-level words and also actively participate in the understanding of roots, prefixes and suffixes as they acquire and apply new academic vocabulary.
Science (A Beka) - Students thoroughly investigate God's world including the Earth, sea, nature, mammals, light, engines, sky, weather and vertebrates all from a Christian perspective.
History (A Beka) - Students study geography and old world history of Asia, Africa, Europe, Australia, and Antarctica from a Christian perspective.
Bible (A Beka) - The Bible curriculum is based on three primary themes woven throughout the course. The themes are as follows: 1.) God tells His great story in the Bible, 2.) God's Word is truth, and 3.) God loves everyone. Students are taught a Christian worldview through God's nature, His works, and His plan of redemption. Students learn that the Bible is the best source for guidance and direction for life. Finally, students learn how God loves and cares for His people.
Sixth Grade
Math (A Beka) - In A Beka math, we review whole number computation to the billions place value. Students learn how to convert decimals, fractions, and percents, and are mastering factoring. Students are exposed to pre-algebraic concepts, and we also study concepts in geometry.
Language Arts (Prentice Hall) - Students work on developing their skills as a writer as they work through the writing process. Emphasis is placed on expository essays, narratives, persuasive writing, comparing and contrasting ideas, poetry and writing an effective research paper. In reading, students' comprehension skills are strengthened through the explicit teaching of making predictions, inferences, and connections. Students are exposed to a variety of genres to grow their appreciation of literature. Spelling, vocabulary, and grammar are integrated throughout our curriculum.
Science (A Beka) - Students primarily focus on physical and life science. Students study geology, space, animal and cellular classification, genetics, electricity, and magnetism.
History (A Beka) - Students engage in an overview of ancient world cultures. Their critical thinking skills are developed through the exploration of cultures, graphs, maps and timelines. Cultures explored include Mesopotamia and Egypt, Rome and Greece, India and China, and the Hebrew and Christian faiths.
Bible (Biblical Choices) - In Biblical Choices, students focus on making good choices for Godly living. We examine the lives of leaders in the Old and New Testament and look closely at what we believe as Christians to strengthen their faith.
Weekly Bible Lessons & Chapels
Pastor Mike Whisner of Twin Peaks Community Church leads elementary students in weekly Bible lessons and chapels. This year, Pastor Mike is focusing on "The Life of Christ." Students will learn 50 New Testament stories tracing the life of Jesus from His birth through His resurrection. Additionally, students are taught about the book of Acts and how the early church was formed. Pastor Mike uses flash cards for each story to engage student's attention and facilitate learning. Students receive a deck of 50 mini flash cards at the end of the school year.
Reading Coach
Amy Rowell is a credentialed school psychologist with knowledge of cognitive development, including learning and memory, social-emotional functioning, behavior, communication, developmental disabilities and learning disabilities. With that foundation, Amy can support teachers in problem-solving with academic, social, emotional and behavioral issues. As a reading coach, Amy is able to assess oral reading fluency and comprehension for each student in grades 1-3. Assessment for students in grades 4-6 is conducted at the teacher's discretion. Amy also supports students who need to strengthen basic reading skills by providing additional opportunities to read in both small group and individual sessions. Assessments are then conducted to monitor progress and follow-up support is adapted accordingly.
Lake Arrowhead Christian School uses the following curriculum for Kindergarten through Sixth Grade:
Kindergarten
Math (Saxon) - Students learn a foundational number sense and participate in shape recognition. Additionally, students are introduced to spatial reasoning and critical thinking through problem solving. Students perform basic computation with the use of manipulatives.
Phonics (A Beka Advanced) - Students engage in upper and lowercase letter identification and phonemic awareness. Students learn how to blend sounds to read words and segment words through syllables. Finally, students learn how to decode phonetically.
Reading (A Beka Advanced) - Reading begins with word recognition. Students understand simple sentence structure and paragraphs. Students learn to independently read and comprehend stories that contain multiple paragraphs.
Writing (A Beka Advanced) - In addition to learning basic manuscript letter formation, students learn how to write words, sentences and 3 sentence paragraphs
Science and Social Studies - Concepts in the California state standards are taught through the use of thematic unit studies. Units that have been taught in Kindergarten may include but are not limited to Dinosaurs, Space, Oceans, Farm, Community Helpers, Arctic, Fall, Winter, Spring, Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter.
Bible (Biblical Choices) - Utilizing the Biblical Choices curriculum, students learn about the foundations of Creation and elements of Christian character. Students participate in Bible memorization work and are introduced to basic Biblical themes.
First Grade
Reading - In our reading program, students learn to read fiction and nonfiction containing multi-syllable words. Students participate in reading orally with a good conversational tone as well as reading for comprehension, recognizing the sequence of a story and learning to draw conclusions based on information given in the story.
Language/Phonics - Students begin the process of writing in story form using correct grammar and punctuation. Additionally, students learn to spell multi-syllable words as well as identify and apply prefixes, suffixes, and correct verb subject agreement.
Math - Students sharpen problem-solving skills through solving and creating word problems. Additionally, students commit addition and subtraction facts to memory while learning to add and subtract numbers with multiple digits. Finally, students learn to measure using inches and centimeters, explore geometric solids, tell time by the hour and half hour, adding money
Science - In science, students discover God’s world through the study of animal classification, plants, insects, seasons, human body, and transportation.
History - Students are challenged to broaden their understanding of the United States through American symbols, places, and presidents. In addition, we expand our understanding of other cultures through the studying of the history and customs of other countries.
Bible - Students explore God’s greatness and plan to save his people through the Old and New testament. Our learning includes journaling, drama, crafts, and other hands on activities to make the Bible come to life.
Second Grade
Math (A Beka) - Students memorize addition/subtraction math facts, engage in critical thinking/problem solving, and are introduced to multiplication and division.
Reading (A Beka) - Students participate in reading groups with curriculum and chapter books. Students also write book reports, engage in phonics, and utilize their language workbooks daily.
Writing (6 Traits of Writing) - Students are introduced to the 6 + 1 traits of writing, including ideas, organization, word choice, voice, sentence fluency, conventions and presentation.
Spelling (A Beka) - Spelling lists correlate with phonics curriculum. Students are also given bonus words and vocabulary.
Science (A Beka) - Students study the human body, animals, plants, our solar system and much more.
History (A Beka) - The central theme of second grade history is “Our America”. Students learn about the flag, patriotic holidays, American songs and the
people who built America.
Bible (A Beka) - Students interact with the Bible through four primary themes: Salvation Series, Boyhood of Jesus, The First Christmas, and The
Crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus.
Third & Fourth Grade
Math (A Beka) - Students add, subtract, multiply and divide whole numbers and fractions. Students also practice problem solving.
Reading (A Beka) - Students work on fluency and comprehension, reading fiction and non-fiction texts.
Language (6 Traits of Writing) - Vocabulary and language acquisition are integral parts of this course. Additionally, students complete grammar exercises that are focused on parts of speech, punctuation, capitalization, word usage and more. Students practice composition including expository, creative and persuasive reports.
Writing - Students are exposed to the foundations of cursive writing.
Spelling (A Beka) - Spelling of grade-level words, phonetic-based spelling and prefixes and suffixes are primary components of this course.
Science (A Beka) - Students study the nervous system, sense organs, plants, vertebrates, invertebrates, desert, ocean, pond, forest, farmer's field and weather.
History (A Beka) - Students explore the many facets of United States History.
Bible (A Beka) - Students engage in Bible lessons on faith and obedience through the study of the judges, Deborah, Gideon, Samson, Ruth and Samuel. Students also examine the qualities of God's leaders and learn about the greatest commandment and the Great Commission.
Fifth Grade
Math (A Beka) - Students learn arithmetic operations, including fractions, place value and decimals.
Reading (A Beka) - Students expand upon and deepen their understanding of concepts through the reading of more complicated and sophisticated texts. Students learn and apply new strategies and skills to aid in their comprehension, analysis and synthesis of new information from various texts.
Writing (6 Traits of Writing) - Students read and write utilizing a variety of texts in addition to analyzing and evaluating a broader scope of information and ideas.
Spelling (A Beka) - Students spell grade-level words and also actively participate in the understanding of roots, prefixes and suffixes as they acquire and apply new academic vocabulary.
Science (A Beka) - Students thoroughly investigate God's world including the Earth, sea, nature, mammals, light, engines, sky, weather and vertebrates all from a Christian perspective.
History (A Beka) - Students study geography and old world history of Asia, Africa, Europe, Australia, and Antarctica from a Christian perspective.
Bible (A Beka) - The Bible curriculum is based on three primary themes woven throughout the course. The themes are as follows: 1.) God tells His great story in the Bible, 2.) God's Word is truth, and 3.) God loves everyone. Students are taught a Christian worldview through God's nature, His works, and His plan of redemption. Students learn that the Bible is the best source for guidance and direction for life. Finally, students learn how God loves and cares for His people.
Sixth Grade
Math (A Beka) - In A Beka math, we review whole number computation to the billions place value. Students learn how to convert decimals, fractions, and percents, and are mastering factoring. Students are exposed to pre-algebraic concepts, and we also study concepts in geometry.
Language Arts (Prentice Hall) - Students work on developing their skills as a writer as they work through the writing process. Emphasis is placed on expository essays, narratives, persuasive writing, comparing and contrasting ideas, poetry and writing an effective research paper. In reading, students' comprehension skills are strengthened through the explicit teaching of making predictions, inferences, and connections. Students are exposed to a variety of genres to grow their appreciation of literature. Spelling, vocabulary, and grammar are integrated throughout our curriculum.
Science (A Beka) - Students primarily focus on physical and life science. Students study geology, space, animal and cellular classification, genetics, electricity, and magnetism.
History (A Beka) - Students engage in an overview of ancient world cultures. Their critical thinking skills are developed through the exploration of cultures, graphs, maps and timelines. Cultures explored include Mesopotamia and Egypt, Rome and Greece, India and China, and the Hebrew and Christian faiths.
Bible (Biblical Choices) - In Biblical Choices, students focus on making good choices for Godly living. We examine the lives of leaders in the Old and New Testament and look closely at what we believe as Christians to strengthen their faith.
Weekly Bible Lessons & Chapels
Pastor Mike Whisner of Twin Peaks Community Church leads elementary students in weekly Bible lessons and chapels. This year, Pastor Mike is focusing on "The Life of Christ." Students will learn 50 New Testament stories tracing the life of Jesus from His birth through His resurrection. Additionally, students are taught about the book of Acts and how the early church was formed. Pastor Mike uses flash cards for each story to engage student's attention and facilitate learning. Students receive a deck of 50 mini flash cards at the end of the school year.
Reading Coach
Amy Rowell is a credentialed school psychologist with knowledge of cognitive development, including learning and memory, social-emotional functioning, behavior, communication, developmental disabilities and learning disabilities. With that foundation, Amy can support teachers in problem-solving with academic, social, emotional and behavioral issues. As a reading coach, Amy is able to assess oral reading fluency and comprehension for each student in grades 1-3. Assessment for students in grades 4-6 is conducted at the teacher's discretion. Amy also supports students who need to strengthen basic reading skills by providing additional opportunities to read in both small group and individual sessions. Assessments are then conducted to monitor progress and follow-up support is adapted accordingly.