Rochester Hills Christian School

In first grade, a phonetic approach to reading is applied using A Beka Book` Christian reading series and other readers. First semester emphasis is on oral reading. In the second semester, comprehension skills are developed. There is extensive drill in phonics with an emphasis on word-analysis skills.
In math, students are taught addition and subtraction facts, order and sequence from 1 to 200, place value, money values, time, story problems and simple fractions. Ten to fifteen spelling words will be introduced per week using phonetic skills. Sight words are included. The highlight of first grade penmanship is the mastery of the cursive alphabet. Language includes composing sentences and writing short stories. Capitalization and punctuation are stressed.
Bible lessons about favorite Old Testament characters are given. One or two verses are memorized per week along with the books of the Bible; some doctrinal drill is included. In the second semester, science, health and history are added to the curriculum.

Second grade is a general review of first grade with a light introduction to third grade material. The students read ten books from the A Beka Book series as well as several supplementary readers. Phonics is drilled daily with an emphasis on word analysis
In writing, emphasis is placed on correct formation of the cursive alphabet, proper spacing, and proper posture including correct position of pencil. Arithmetic covers addition and subtraction problems involving carrying and borrowing, interspersed with an introduction to multiplication, division and Roman numerals. Bible instruction and memorization, history, science, and health are also studied in second grade.

Third grade uses a variety of books from the A Beka Book Christian readers including Pilgrim's Progress. Grammar, punctuation, capitalization, letter writing and creative writing are covered in the language area. A concentrated practice of cursive writing is conducted in penmanship. Spelling words that review the phonics rules and vocabulary words are learned each week.
Math contains a study of addition and subtraction with an introduction to and a stressed study of multiplication and division, story problems and algebraic equations. In history, a study is made of men and women who made America great beginning with Columbus and ending with Laura Ingalls Wilder. A general look at eating right, safety at home and school, and manners is covered in health. The introduction to the five classes of animals and the five senses is studied in science. Third grade curriculum also includes Bible instruction and memorization.

Fourth grade subjects include reading, spelling and vocabulary, penmanship, English, science, arithmetic, Bible, music and history. In reading, character-building patriotic stories are studied with vocabulary and speed reading practice. Twenty spelling words are introduced with several reinforcement exercises used to teach definition and usage. Penmanship is practiced daily, with a concentration on correct letter formation.
In English, grammar usage and composition are studied. A general survey of American history is covered. In math, a traditional approach to working fractions, measures, drilling in speed and accuracy in the four mathematical processes; multiplication facts through twelve; multiplying by two- and three-digit numbers and dividing by two-digit numbers are studied. Science includes a survey of earth science, the body, weather, plants, insects and water. Music, poetry memorization and Bible instruction are also included.

The fifth grade curriculum encompasses nine subject areas: Bible, math, reading, English, spelling, history, science, music and penmanship. Bible class entails the study of the Old Testament, with Scripture selections to be memorized each month. In math, addition and subtraction skills are reviewed, and multiplication and division skills are increased to include two and three digits in the multiplier and divisor. All four math processes are taught extensively in fractions.
Students read The Modern McGuffy Reader selected excerpts from the classics in the Of America series. Emphasis is placed on comprehension and speed reading. All the parts of speech are taught in English as well as reviewing capitalization, punctuation and usage. A library research project is undertaken in the last quarter of the year. The Old World is studied in history from ancient times to the present. Science includes a study of animals, plants, the human body, weather, navigation and forms of energy and electricity.

The sixth grade curriculum covers Bible, reading, math, English, spelling, history, science, health and music. Bible instruction includes a Christian character-building series and verse memorization. Patriotic stories are read in class with an emphasis on vocabulary, comprehension and speed reading. Book reports are done monthly. Language entails grammar usage, creative writing and a library research project.
In math there are speed and accuracy drills for addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. There is a concentrated study of fractions, decimals, percentages, graphs and the metric system. In history, the geography of the Western Hemisphere is studied. Map work is included. Creation is taught in science along with an introduction to chemistry and physics.