Lower School Curriculum

Curriculum Overview for Lower School 2010-11

 The leaders of Blue Ridge Christian Academy have the exciting yet daunting task of choosing the curricula our students use. A variety of publisher’s materials are incorporated into our instructional program including Christian and secular where deemed an appropriate and “best” fit. Our ultimate goal is to point our students to the Creator of the universe and His Son, Jesus Christ. In light of this, we seek to nurture within our students a Christian world and life view that will, by God’s grace, enable them to impact the world for Christ. The curriculum listed below is subject to change but is written to keep parents and those interested in Blue Ridge Christian Academy informed as to how God is leading us.

Bible

The Story of God and His People – Christian Schools International

Comments from the publisher - At the heart of every lesson at every grade level is a passage of Scripture. The presentation of stories is chronological in order to emphasize the relationship between individual stories and the overall story of the Bible. The entire chronological sequence of the Bible is repeated five times between K5 and 8th grade. Students are invited to believe that the Bible is God’s Word, to remember individual stories and the overall story of the Bible, and to understand the basic themes running through it. They are urged to accept God’s call to repentance, faith and service. In this way, the curriculum relates the Bible to the concerns of daily life.

Math

Horizons Mathematics – Alpha Omega Publications (K-5th)

Comments from the publisher — Horizons Mathematics provides a balanced and well-organized approach to primary math through analytical reasoning, manipulatives (hands-on learning), memorization and drill. Every concept, from addition and subtraction to graphs and estimation, follows a deliberate pattern of introduction and gradual development to ensure student success.

Reading

Phonics-based with Leveled Readers (K5 and 1st )

Veritas Phonics Museum provides the framework for our reading program in the early grades. This curriculum offers training in phonics and provides an emphasis on various classical elements. Students are exposed to a broad array of literature and the skills necessary to become fluent and proficient readers. Leveled readers challenge students at appropriate levels while they practice phonics and fluency in addition to expanding their vocabulary and comprehension skills.

BJU Press and Novels (2nd and 3rd) 

Reading for Christian Schools emphasizes comprehension and develops phonics systematically. A variety of selections are included - family stories, adventure stories, Christian realism, historical fiction, Bible accounts retold, biographies, information articles, folktales, poems and plays - offering instruction while providing the student with both pleasure and understanding. Novel studies are used to enhance the curriculum.

Various (4th and 5th)

Beginning in fourth grade, our reading program is based on novel studies with supplementation of other genres. Using a wide range of age-appropriate, quality literature, students spend time (typically weeks) focusing on a particular novel. Teachers guide students into examining the worldview presented by a particular author and highlight Biblical values present in the story. Vocabulary, spelling, grammar and writing exercises are often based on the story. Development of strong communication skills and expansion of analytical thinking abilities are also targeted. Whenever possible, literature is put into the broader perspective of history and is “connected” to what students are learning across the curriculum.

English

Shurley English

Comments from the publisher - Knowledge of complex grammar and writing skills is not learned overnight. It is learned over time from the simplest to the most complex tasks. The Shurley English program uses a concrete set of questions about each word and sentence to teach students how all the parts of a sentence fit together. The students are taught how to merge a strong skills foundation with the writing process.

The Sitton Spelling program is used to strengthen spelling skills and build strong foundations in "extras" such as Latin and Greek roots.

 Science

Christian Schools International

Science lessons are creation-based, student-centered and hands-on. Topics covered in the elementary grades lay the foundation for the sciences taught in middle and high school. Students are exposed to the natural resources surrounding us as well as the best of other resources and publications.

Social Studies/History

Our students are taught history in light of Christ’s supremacy. We believe and hold out to the students that our righteous, powerful, and merciful God has plans and purposes for peoples throughout all ages. The students are encouraged to recognize the common and unique characteristics that make up cultures all over the world and to trace the providences and works of God in each people and era.

Kindergarten students enjoy learning about the community in which they live. Field trips to local destinations offer an exciting and interactive exposure to local businesses and community helpers.

In 1st and 2nd grade the students study continents and cultures of the world with an emphasis in the 2nd grade on our particular place in the world, our country and state.

Beginning in 3rd grade, students are taught an overview of world history in a three-year cycle. Curricula from The Story of the World: History for the Classical Child, Veritas, and Tapestry of Grace are used as the framework for teaching. These are enhanced with numerous other materials to provide a closer look at the cultures during each time period studied.

History provides a great framework for interdisciplinary connectedness at BRCA. Selections for literature, music, art and drama are often tied to the time period/culture of study during the year. This provides an enjoyable opportunity for each student to grow in understanding and appreciation of a culture and point in history. Also, a beneficial aspect is the ability to have the older and younger grades studying the same historical period gather together for "period events" such as an Exodus, Greek Festival, Medieval Festival, or a Living History Museum.

Enrichment

In addition to the “core” subjects listed above, students are provided instruction in music, physical education (including creative movement), art, drama, keyboarding, sign language (K5), and foreign language (Spanish in 1st-3rd; Latin in 4th-5th). More detailed information on Enrichment Courses can be found here at Enrichment Courses. 

We are also grateful for the marvelous setting in which God has placed us and benefit outdoors from a playground, soccer and baseball fields, and many acres to explore. A gymnasium and outdoor hard-courts are under construction.