FIRST GRADE

BIBLE: Bible Truths (Bob Jones Press)

The goal of this class is for children to know the Lord and grow in their walk with Him. First graders are presented an exciting journey through Creation, the Birth of Christ, Easter, and the presentation of the Gospel. They are introduced to Bible characters such as Adam, Eve, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, and many more. Supplemental material provides music for each of the units, maps of Bible times, and a Bible Journal. Activity pages correlate to missions. The glossary contains definitions of Bible terms to support comprehension. The Bible characters and the Bible itself come to life. Students begin to understand that the Bible is God's guide for their daily lives.

READING: Reading One (Bob Jones Press); Phonics and Reading (A Beka)

Reading instruction in first grade is designed to develop students who comprehend what they read and who enjoy doing so. During the year readers grow from decoders to comprehending young people. They learn the life skill of silent reading for understanding and pleasure while oral reading is taught for communication. Students are presented materials that assist them in their growth in Christ.

The combination of two curricula is designed to bring the students a comprehensive and individualized reading program designed to meet the needs of all students. The A Beka curriculum to supports continued growth in phonics, and the Bob Jones text encourages reading comprehension.

The goal is to encourage a life long love of reading in a supportive Christian environment.

MATHEMATICS: Arithmetic One (A Beka Book)

Students in first grade mathematics are taught that God is a God of order and that math is important in their daily lives. They are instructed through speed drills, mental math, board work, oral math, written tests, and hands-on manipulatives, such as the abacus, unifix cubes, linking chains, counters, place value mats, real measurement scales, and calculators.
Students learn to read graphs, to calculate two digit sums with carrying, to navigate word problems, and to use calculators. They learn to understand time, money, units of measurement, months, money, and much more.

HISTORY: My America; My World (A Beka Book)

From the start students are encouraged to see God's work throughout the world. Students take a journey traveling first through America (symbols, landscapes, and historical information) and then continue onto many foreign countries (Mexico, England, France, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Israel, Egypt, India, China, Australia and more) learning about diverse cultures. The material is brought to life for the students through use of videos, projects, festival celebrations, and biographies.

SCIENCE: Health Safety and Manners (A Beka Book); Science One (Bob Jones Press)

Students learn science by considering all that God has created. Concepts in science include studies of health and manners, physical science, earth science, life science, study of the human body, and much more. Students interact with science through hands-on experiments and models. They make models of the human body and planets, study animal life cycles, and plant a terrarium.

LANGUAGE: Language 1 (A Beka Book)

First grade language is a phonics-based course that emphasizes visual memory for the recognition of sounds. In training students to develop reading skills by learning phonics, it also encourages them to develop their writing using phonics as a guide. Students are challenged to learn the writing process. They are eased into writing with phonics-based instruction which leads to sentence writing and the development of full length paragraphs and stories. Language is also supplemented in the classroom with a creative writing journal. The understanding of language gives students the skills to share the gospel and defend their faith.

SPELLING: Spelling 1 and Poetry (A Beka Book)

Spelling and vocabulary establish a foundation for students in reading, writing, and speaking. They are instructed in both written and oral settings to build their vocabulary based on what they already know.
Teaching includes the spelling and meaning of the word and shows the student how to use the word in the context of a sentence. Also, students are introduced to the idea of synonyms, antonyms, homonyms, and homophones. Application exercises allow students to use the vocabulary in a natural setting, and their language exercises often reflect the same words and rules to tie the two areas of learning together. Through teaching, the text, and practice, students are enabled to grow in the use and knowledge of words. This knowledge promotes a better understanding of God's Word.