In the Kindergarten program, we begin to build students foundational skills. Students learn about the world God has created. Each student begins to develop key skills in both academic and social settings. This is where a Christ ­centered journey of lifelong learning begins.

Bible (Purposeful Design)

A Biblical foundation is essential to the mission of Rancho Christian School. Our Bible classes prepare our students for living the Christian life, and are a guide to help them become grounded in and shaped by God’s Word.

• Familiar Bible Truths that emphasize God’s loving care

• Creation, The First Family, Noah

• Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph

• Salvation

• The Life and Ministry of Christ

Language Arts (Open Court Reading)

God reveals Himself through language. The study of language enables our students to gain knowledge, explore ideas, and communicate effectively. It is an integrated study of literature, phonics, reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Through the study of language, we strengthen our relationship with God, and are able to communicate His message to others.

Phonics:

• Recognition and sounds of consonants, vowels and blends

• One and two vowel words

• Phoneme blending, isolation, substitution, matching, pronunciation

• Segmentation

Writing:

• Proper formation of letters

• Sentence structure

• Punctuation

• Introduction to creative writing

• Introduction to book reports

Reading:

• Print and Book Awareness

• Beginning high frequency words-mastery

• Series of readers to equip students to read with fluency and expression

• Comprehension and critical thinking

• Simple Chapter Books for students who complete the kindergarten reading series early

• Language Arts Centers

• Reading Buddies (cross ­aged reading partners)

Mathematics (Dimensions)

The Christian approach to teaching Kindergarten mathematics reflects order and structure, because our world was created by an orderly God. Students will discover exactness, preciseness and completeness in the subject matter of mathematics, just as would be expected in God’s world. Students will gain the foundational skills of conceptual understanding of numbers by exploring numbers through pictorial representations

• Number sense 1­-100

• Introduction of addition and subtraction

• Abstract concepts: time and money

• Calendar skills

• Critical thinking with problem solving

Social Studies/History (Studies Weekly)

Students are introduced to United States and world geography from a Biblical worldview; as well as the cultures of people of other countries. Our curriculum also teaches that God loves them as well as children all over the world.

• Community Helpers

• America: Our Great Country

• Children of the World

Science (Mystery Science/Generation Genius)

God is the creator of all things living and nonliving. God’s glory and His character are revealed through exploration, observation, and scientific study of His world.

• God’s Incredible Design: Me

• Weather, Seasons and Space

• Plants and Seeds

• Animals

• Ocean Life

Supplemental Events and Activities

Kindergartners learn through a variety of experiences that will enhance all learning modalities. Our supplemental events complement and enhance our solid curricular foundation which is developmentally and age appropriate.

• Apple Fun Day

• Winter Fun Day

• Science Day

• 100th Day of School

• Easter Hat Parade

• Dr. Seuss and Read Across America

• Space Camp

• International Day

First grade students are taught the skills of being an independent learner and a collaborative team member. Teachers differentiate lessons in order to celebrate the skills with which God has blessed each student. Excellence is encouraged in each classroom. Through these experiences, students begin to prepare for the plan God has for each of them.

Bible (Purposeful Design)

We study the Bible with an emphasis on discovering familiar Bible truths that emphasize God’s relationship to people. We will also be studying the underlying Scripture basis for each belief statement in addition to memorizing Scripture. The goal for students is to develop a Christian worldview and realize that the primary reason for living is to love and serve God. This occurs through knowledge and application of Scripture.

• God’s Great Story of Truth and Love

• Plan of Salvation

• Spiritual Growth in Christ

• Bible Study, Prayer & Worship

Language Arts (Open Court Reading)

Students in first grade receive comprehensive instruction in mastering the foundational components of language skills, including reading proficiency and the beginning elements of effective writing.

Phonics:

• Orally taught phonics sounds

• Application of sounds in reading and writing

• Sound/Spelling connection

• Special Vowels Teams, dipthongs, digraphs, r-controlled, silent letters

Grammar:

• Capitalization & punctuation

• Sentence structure

• Correct word use

Writing:

• Journal writing

• Complete sentences and short stories

• Penmanship and correct pencil grip

Reading:

• Comprehensive phonics and spelling

• High frequency word and vocabulary development

• Open Court decodables support progressive reading proficiency and comprehension

• Literature units

Mathematics (Dimensions)

First graders learn to master a received body of knowledge and apply it. The math curriculum is focused on mastery, which is achieved through intentional sequencing of concepts. Some key features of the Dimensions approach include Concrete, Pictorial, Abstract progression, number bonds, bar modeling and mental math. Students will learn to think mathematically and rely on the depth of knowledge gained throughout their lessons.

• Place value

• Addition and subtraction

• Money, time, and measurement

• Fractions

• Problem solving and logical thinking
  
  

Social Studies/History (Studies Weekly)

Our social studies curriculum lays the foundation for patriotism and stimulates the students’ appetite for learning about America and other countries around the world. In addition, the students are introduced to geography.

• American Symbols and Freedoms

• My America Travels

• Beginning World Travels

• International Day

Science (Mystery Science/Generation Genius)

First graders learn about the universe as the direct creation of God. The curriculum is presented with the belief that God is the Great Designer and Lawgiver, without Whom the evident design and laws of nature would be inexplicable.

• Discovering Myself

• Simple Machines

• Animals and Insects

• Plants and Seasons

• Science Day

Second grade students take the foundational skills acquired in first grade and begin to apply them in more complex concepts and situations. Students are taught with a variety of strategies to take into account each student’s learning style. Differentiated instruction is offered to assure that every student is being challenged and working up to his/her potential.

Bible (Purposeful Design)

Second graders take a more detailed look at the studies of the character traits of various people in the Bible. Through object lessons, activities, and discussion teachers help children to understand the gospel presented in the New Testament. Students memorize scripture weekly. .

Language Arts (Open Court Reading)

Students learn language with a balanced approach: memorizing essential grammar in phonics, sentence structure, and paragraph formation. They then apply these language skills in reading, discussing and writing about literature, history, and science concepts.

Phonics:

• Review of phonics foundations

• Word Analysis skills - synonyms, antonyms, comparatives, superlatives, homophones, irregular plurals, multiple meaning words

• Inflectional endings, multisyllabic words, r-controlled vowel spellings

Grammar:

• Capitalization

• Punctuation

• Parts of speech

• Prefixes and suffixes

Writing:

• Key Word Outlines

• Summarizing

• Paragraph writing

• Stylistic techniques

• Journal writing

• Cursive

Reading:

• High frequency words

• Book reports

• Novels: The Hundred Dresses, Trumpet of the Swan, My Father’s Dragon, Mrs. Piggle Wiggle

Mathematics (Dimensions)

Students are taught to take concepts previously learned to a more complex level. The math curriculum is focused on mastery, which is achieved through intentional sequencing of concepts. Some key features of the Dimensions approach include Concrete, Pictorial, Abstract progression, number bonds, bar modeling and mental math. Students will learn to think mathematically and rely on the depth of knowledge gained throughout their lessons.

• Math fact memorization (+,-­, x)

• Place value to hundred thousands

• Problem solving

• Time/Money Measurement

• Multiple unit addition/subtraction with regrouping

Social Studies/History (Studies Weekly)

Second graders focus on the United States and the people who built it. Students also learn the location of all states, oceans, and continents.

• States, Patriotic Holidays and Songs

• Separatists, Indians, Colonists, Pioneers and Cowboys

• Native American home project

• 1620 Day

• International Day

Science (Mystery Science/Generation Genius)

Students’ interests are stimulated through the study of God’s creation.

• Animal World

• Plant World

• Things that Move

• The Air Around Us

• Earth and Sky

• Experiments

• Science Day

Third grade students are introduced to many opportunities to develop critical thinking skills during this transitional year between primary and upper elementary. Our goal is to develop students that can think critically, solve multi­step problems and apply Biblical principles to their academic and social lives.

Bible (Purposeful Design)

We study the Bible with an emphasis on discovering how Jesus and the Gospel is the central message of each book. In third grade students will be looking at studies in the life of Christ, the early Church and missions from the time of Paul until now. We'll also be studying the underlying Scripture basis for each belief statement.

Language Arts (Open Court Reading)

Students will learn to apply grammar skills to their creative writing in a consistent manner in order to communicate effectively in all subjects.

Students will develop oral reading fluency. They will participate in class discussions on what they read and Biblical principles will be integrated into reading time as students make real world connections with the characters.

Grammar:

• Capitalization

• Punctuation

• Basic sentence structure

• Word usage

• Prefixes, suffixes, Greek & Latin roots

Spelling/Vocabulary:

Students will learn to expand critical grade-level vocabulary and utilize content-area academic reading, writing and speaking.

• Shades of meaning/Levels of Specificity

Writing:

• Key Word Outline (for brainstorming and text exposition)

• Seasonal and holiday writing

• Responsive journal writing

• Book reports

• Poetry (haiku and acrostic styles)

Reading:

• The BFG

• Charlie & the Chocolate Factory

• Because of Winn Dixie

• Charlotte’s Web

• Tale of Despereaux

Mathematics (Dimensions)

Third grade students will use their knowledge of facts in a variety of multi­step processes. The math curriculum is focused on mastery, which is achieved through intentional sequencing of concepts. Some key features of the Dimensions approach include Concrete, Pictorial, Abstract progression, number bonds, bar modeling and mental math. Students will learn to think mathematically and rely on the depth of knowledge gained throughout their lessons.

• Addition and subtraction to the thousands

• Multiplication and division facts through 12’s

• Long division to the thousands

• Measurement and conversions

Social Studies/History (Studies Weekly)

The study of American history (from New World exploration through the 1900’s) in a biographical format.

• History Field Day (activity based event that reviews history concepts)

• Geography (continents, maps, grids, directions, map keys)

Science (Mystery Science/Generation Genius)

• The study of God’s world.

• Plants (research using school garden)

• Weather

• Five senses

• Animals within various habitats

Fourth grade students are challenged to be critical thinkers while solving real world problems by applying God’s truths into each situation. Within each classroom, teachers use a variety of teaching styles to allow students to learn using different methods including hands­ on activities and projects.

Bible (Purposeful Design)

Students are digging deeper into the basic doctrines of the Church, Students use common stories to develop and discern the true meaning within the context of the Bible. students recognize how Christ is the center of every story. Students are told why sins have consequences, but also about how the love of Christ can provide healing and salvation to a lost world.

Language Arts (Open Court Reading)

Students continue to demonstrate understanding of facts and ideas by organizing, comparing, inferring, and applying knowledge of key concepts.

Grammar:

• Capitalization

• Punctuation

• Diagramming

• Eight parts of speech

• Sentence structure

Writing:

• Fables

• Native Americans

• California Missions

• Summaries

• Compare and Contrast

• Persuasive paragraphs

Spelling/Vocabulary:

Students will learn to expand critical grade-level vocabulary and utilize content-area academic reading, writing and speaking. Students will spell high frequency words correctly.

Reading:

• Narnia Series

Mathematics (Dimensions)

While building on the foundational concepts such as addition, subtraction, multiplication and division, students solve complex problems in a variety of forms. Students coming into fourth grade should be proficient in multiplication and division facts. The math curriculum is focused on mastery, which is achieved through intentional sequencing of concepts. Some key features of the Dimensions approach include Concrete, Pictorial, Abstract progression, number bonds, bar modeling and mental math. Students will learn to think mathematically and rely on the depth of knowledge gained throughout their lessons.

• Two and three digit multipliers

• Two digit divisors

• Fractions

• Geometry

Social Studies/History (Studies Weekly)

Fourth grade students study the history of California from the Native Americans to present day.

• Geography of California

• Native Americans

• Missions

• Gold Rush

• California History Project

Science (Mystery Science/Generation Genius)

Students continue to build on previously learned concepts. Students conduct an individual Science Fair project.

• Scientific Inquiry

• Science Fair

• Changes to the Earth’s Surface

• Plants and Animals

• Rocks and Minerals

• Scientist of the Week

Bible (Purposeful Design)

Textbook: Purposeful Design by ASCI

Our desire through this curriculum is to help students find knowledge, wisdom, and understanding of Jesus in the Old Testament

• Studies in the Old Testament that emphasize choices and their consequences

• Old Testament survey with an emphasis on the gospel message

• Weekly Bible Verses which teaches essential Christian doctrines

Language Arts (Open Court)

Through an integrated study of literature, writing, listening, speaking, and grammar; students gain knowledge, explore ideas, and communicate effectively. This allows them to strengthen their relationship with God and better share His message to others.

Grammar:

• Eight parts of speech

• Sentence structure and diagramming

• Master punctuation, capitalization, and subject/verb agreement in all writing.

Spelling/Vocabulary:

Students will learn to expand critical grade-level vocabulary and utilize in content-area academic reading, writing and speaking. Students will spell high frequency words correctly and work to identify the latin and greek roots of words in order to spell larger words correctly.

Reading:

Students will read a variety of novels and respond weekly through diverse writing assignments, vocabulary quizzes, and comprehension quizzes.

Writing:

Students will learn to:

• Research information and organize material properly through the use of graphic organizers, outlining techniques, and note taking.

• Compose five paragraph essays on both literature read and topics researched.

• Use stylistic techniques to create quality essays.

• Complete a research project. It will include researching five sources of information, writing a two to three page paper, and preparing a powerpoint presentation.

Mathematics (Dimensions)

Textbook: Dimensions by Singapore Math

The students receive instruction in basic mathematical functions and problem solving. Review and master concepts studied in fourth grade.

• Perform basic operations with fractions and decimals

• Geometry, probability, and story problems

• Solve multi-step problems

• Utilize critical thinking skills

• Review and master concepts previously studied

• Perform basic operations with fractions, decimals, ratios, and percents

• Integers, coordinates, and life application

• Continued application of critical thinking skills

• Multi-Step problem solving

Social Studies/History (Studies Weekly)

The students will study American history from a Christian perspective beginning with Native American tribal groups up through the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960’s.

• Geography of the United States

• Native Americans

• Revolutionary War

• African American

• Oregon Trail

Science (TCI)

Textbook: TCI

The students investigate a variety of areas in the field of science with an emphasis on God as the Creator

• Science Inquiry

• Physical Science

• Earth Science

• Life Science ­

• Computer Science

• Engineering

Computer Science: Rancho Christian School equips students to function in a technical society. Students practice application of the basics of computer science with drop and drag programming as well as coding, document creation, spreadsheets and presentation software. The use of technology is integrated across subject areas. Careers in computer science will be discussed.

Astronomy: This course provides a basic introduction to the exciting field of astronomy. The course will cover astronomy, planets, stars, galaxies, black holes and planetary motion. Students will also be able to identify different types of telescopes and have exposure to using the school’s power telescope. Students will begin to understand the purpose of an observatory and how an observatory enables us to see beyond our own planet. Careers in the field of astronomy and exploration will be discussed.

Math & Science Lab: Students will investigate life and earth sciences in the lab utilizing the scientific method. Students will also apply mathematical principles and problem solve real world situations in exercises that stimulate and develop critical thinking

Bible (Purposeful Design)

Textbook: Purposeful Design

New Testament Survey

In this class, the student will look at the studies in the New Testament that emphasize application of Scripture. We will look at the life of Jesus Christ, His ministry, and His death and resurrection. We will conclude with a believer’s responsibility to Jesus Christ and to the Church. Students will read and analyze various passages in Genesis, Exodus, Judges, I and II Samuel, I and II Kings, Ecclesiastes, Jeremiah, Daniel, Jonah as well as selected Psalms and Proverbs.

Language Arts (College Board)

Grammar and Literature

Sixth grade grammar is designed to make clear the orderly structure of their language. It is taught in a practical way so students will see how all words have specific jobs that fit together to form sentences. They are guided to develop orderly and complete paragraphs through creative writing, expository essays, and persuasive writing. Through discussion and guided writing assignments, articulate and correct verbal and written skills will be developed.

Writing:

Students will learn to:

• Research information and organize material properly through the use of graphic organizers, outlining techniques, and note taking (Cornell Notes).

• Compose five paragraph essays on both literature read and topics researched.

• Use stylistic techniques to create quality essays.

• Students will complete a research project. It will include researching five sources of information, writing a two to three page paper, and preparing a powerpoint presentation.

Spelling/Vocabulary:

Students will learn to expand critical grade-level vocabulary and utilize content-area academic reading, writing and speaking. Students will spell high frequency words correctly and work to identify the latin and greek roots of words in order to spell larger words correctly.

Literature:

Reading will be done for the enrichment of the literary process according to classic and modern works. Students will work on analysis through literary elements, comprehension, fluency, and application. A variety of novels will be read and studied throughout the year beginning with a novel assigned for summer reading.

Mathematics (Envision)

Textbook: Envision Math 6

A challenging, foundational course preparing students for Pre-Algebra. Students will be taught the foundations of arithmetic operations and problem solving involving integers and rational numbers, estimation, order of operations, functions and relations, basic equations and inequalities, as well as measurement, data analysis, and geometry. Biblical Integration: Math is a gift from God as a way to communicate, solve problems, and proactively create solutions in everyday life.

Advanced Course (testing qualification only)

Textbook: Envision Math 7

A rigorous course that continues to lay the foundations for Pre-Algebra and Algebra. Students will be developing and mastering concepts taught in Course 1 within more complex algebraic problems/equations. Application of mastery in data analysis, problem solving, some aspects of geometry and measurement. Biblical Integration: Structure and order are ordained by the Creator and reflected in mathematical functions.

Social Studies/History (Studies Weekly)

Ancient World History

This course will cover the religious, social, cultural, political and technological changes of the world from creation until just before the fall of the Roman Empire. An Apologetics introduction to Intelligent Design will be presented, as well as the arguments for other theories of the origin of the universe. This will allow students to understand the scientific evidence behind creation. While it would be impossible to do justice to every era of history during that time, our focus will be upon the major civilizations like Mesopotamia, Egypt, Israel, India, China, Greece, and Rome. In addition to simply learning about the events of the past, this course will begin to discuss the connections that exist between them. As we begin to learn about the world, it will also be important to learn about history itself; how it is written, who writes it, and to understand its importance.

Science (TCI)

Textbook: TCI

Students will investigate a variety of areas in the field of science with an emphasis on God as the Creator.

• Science Inquiry

• Physical Science

• Earth Science

• Life Science ­

• Computer Science

• Engineering

Computer Science: Rancho Christian School equips students to function in a technical society. Students practice application of the basics of computer science with drop and drag programming as well as coding, document creation, spreadsheets and presentation software. The use of technology is integrated across subject areas. Careers in computer science will be discussed.

Astronomy: This course provides a basic introduction to the exciting field of astronomy. The course will cover astronomy, planets, stars, galaxies, black holes and planetary motion. Students will also be able to identify different types of telescopes and have exposure to using the school’s power telescope. Students will begin to understand the purpose of an observatory and how an observatory enables us to see beyond our own planet. Careers in the field of astronomy and exploration will be discussed.

Math & Science Lab: Students will investigate life and earth sciences in the lab utilizing the scientific method. Students will also apply mathematical principles and problem solve real world situations in exercises that stimulate and develop critical thinking.