K-8 School Curriculum
Accredited by W.A.S.C. Western Association of Schools & Colleges
Go directly to a grade
- Kindergarten
- First Grade
- Second Grade
- Third Grade
- Fourth Grade
- Fifth Grade
- Sixth Grade
- Seventh Grade
- Eighth Grade
KINDERGARTEN
Language Art Reading / Lit
Letter recognition- Knows letter sounds; Discriminates beginning and ending sounds; Sequences and blends sounds; Reads simple words. Spells simple words; Knows color and sight words; Identifies and demonstrates correct formation of letters in uppercase/lowercase. Demonstrates proper spacing; Expresses ideas. Listening and speaking strategies and skills.
Mathematics
- Numbers-recognizing, sequencing, writing, count to 100, by 2s, 5, 10s.
- Recognize geometric shapes. Sorting & patterns. Money-identifying coins- penny, nickel, dime, quarter.
- Calendar skills. Time-hour & ½ hour.
- Interpret graphs.
- Addition and subtraction facts 1-10.
- Measurment, comparing, and contrasting of objects.
Soc. Studies/ History
Students will gain understanding of starting school and understanding their classroom and school environment; Meeting families and learning about the diversity of family life such as homes, jobs, needs and wants; Exploring environmental studies and diversity of lifestyles; What it is to be a good citizen. Understand national symbols and global studies of our country and world; Understanding of holidays and birthdays and their importance; Learn to compare and contrast now and long ago.
Science
Students will be introduced to life science and understand different plants and animals inhabit the earth; Physical science: observation, measurement, and predicting; Earth science: land, air, water; The human body: five senses and compare and sort common objects.
Religion
Students will gain understanding and insight of our Lord through Bible stories, scripture, song, discussion, and application to their daily life.
Music
Sing together; Match pitch; Learn basic rhythms
FIRST GRADE:
Reading / Lit
Phonics- letter sounds and patterns, short and long vowels, consonant blends and digraphs; All basic Sight words; Reading comprehension skills including, but not limited to: cause and effect, predicting outcomes, realism vs. fiction, plot and sequencing, comparing and contrasting, main idea, inference, fact vs. opinion, and context clues; Reading with inflection and expression.
Mathematics
Skills including, but not limited to:
numbers written and spoken to 100; Counting by 1, 2, 5, and 10; Addition and subtraction facts through 18; Add and subtract 2 digit numbers without regrouping; Problem solving/logical thinking strategies; Place value to 1’s, 10’s, and 100’s; Time to hour and half hour on digital and analog clocks; Recognize & count pennies, nickels, dimes, & quarters up to $1; Measurement and use of ruler with both centimeters and inches; Fractions ½, 1/3, and ¼; Making and reading a variety of graphs; Patterns and sequencing using pattern blocks and linking cubes; Weight using a balance; Identifying temperature using a thermometer; Sorting by attributes; Recognizing symbols of comparison; Write simple number sentences based on word problems.
English / Language Art
Parts of speech including: nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, prepositions, object of the preposition, and article adjectives; Basic sentence structure and formation; Rules of a sentence incl appropriate capitalization & endmarks; Writing basic 4-5 sentence paragraphs with correct form and support; Weekly spelling list/vocabulary words- students master words and how to use them in sentences; Skills including but not limited to: synonyms and antonyms, compound words, contractions, putting words in ABC order, homonyms and homophones, verb tenses, singular and plural nouns, pronouns, special titles, and subject verb agreement.
Soc. Studies/ History
Communities and neighborhoods; Map skills and basic geography of continent; Holidays and important historical events throughout the year; Ethnic celebrations and customs.
Science
Life science- plants and animals; Physical science- states of matter; Earth science- space, weather, and rocks; Human body- health, nutrition, 5 senses.
Religion
Biblical knowledge of stories, events, and people; Weekly memory verse from scripture; Knowledge that Jesus is our friend and Savior; Integrating Christian values into everyday life.
Spanish
Instruction will include: Vocabulary, Colors, Numbers, Greetings, Pronunciation, Culture, Show likes and dislikes, Goodbyes, and Introducing oneself.
Music
Sing together; Match pitch; Learn basic rhythms; & Kodaly Method
Physical Education
Identifies physical activities that are enjoyable; Uses physical activity as a measure of self-expression; Demonstrates responsible personal and social behavior in physical activity settings; and Understands that physical activity provides opportunities for enjoyment, challenge, Self expression and social interaction.
SECOND GRADE
Reading / Lit
Phonics- letter sounds and patterns, short and long vowels, consonant blends and digraphs; All basic Sight words; Reading comprehension skills including, but not limited to: cause and effect, predicting outcomes, realism vs. fiction, plot and sequencing, comparing and contrasting, main idea, inference, fact vs. opinion, and context clues; Reading with inflection and expression.
Mathematics
Skills including, but not limited to:
- Numbers written and spoken to 100.
- Counting by 1, 2, 5, and 10.
- Addition and subtraction facts through 18.
- Add and subtract 2 digit numbers without regrouping.
- Problem solving/logical thinking strategies.
- Place value to 1’s, 10’s, and 100’s.
- Time to hour and half hour on digital and analog clocks.
- Recognize count pennies, nickels, dimes, & quarters up to $1.
- Measurement and use of ruler with both centimeters and inches.
- Fractions ½, 1/3, and ¼.
- Making and reading a variety of graphs.
- Patterns and sequencing using pattern blocks and linking cubes.
- Weight using a balance.
- Identifying temperature using a thermometer.
- Sorting by attributes.
- Recognizing symbols of comparison.
- Write simple number sentences based on word problems.
English / Language Arts
- Parts of speech including: nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, prepositions, object of the preposition, and article adjectives.
- Basic sentence structure and formation.
- Rules of a sentence including capitalization and endmarks.
- Writing basic 4-5 sentence paragraphs with correct form and support.
- Weekly spelling list/vocabulary words- students master words and how to use them in sentences.
- Skills including but not limited to: synonyms and antonyms, compound words, contractions, putting words in ABC order, homonyms and homophones, verb tenses, singular and plural nouns, pronouns, special titles, and subject verb agreement.
Soc. Studies/ History
Communities and neighborhoods; Map skills and basic geography of continents; Holidays and important historical events throughout the year; Ethnic celebrations and customs.
Science
Life science- plants and animals; Physical science- states of matter; Earth science- space, weather, and rocks; Human body- health, nutrition, 5 senses.
Religion
Biblical knowledge of stories, events, and people; Weekly memory verse from scripture; Knowledge that Jesus is our friend and Savior; Integrating Christian values into everyday life.
Spanish
Instruction will include: Vocabulary, Colors, Numbers, Greetings, Pronunciation, Culture, Show likes and dislikes, Goodbyes, and Introducing oneself.
Music
Sing together; Match pitch; Learn basic rhythms; Dynamics; and Notes on the treble clef staff.
Physical Education
Identifies physical activities that are enjoyable; Uses physical activity as a measure of self-expression; Demonstrates responsible personal and social behavior in physical activity settings; and Understands that physical activity provides opportunities for enjoyment, challenge, Self expression and social interaction.
THIRD GRADE
Reading / Lit
Comprehension-predicting, fact/opinion, reality/fantasy, details; Vocabulary; Dictionary skills; Sequence; Novels-Charlotte’s Web, Little House on the Prairie
Mathematics
- Multiplication tables 0-12
- Word Problems
- Adding and Subtracting decimals and fractions
- Area, Perimeter
- Rounding
English / Language Arts
8 Parts of speech, punctuation; Expository paragraphs; Antonyms, synonyms, homonyms; Possessives, prepositions; Direct and indirect objects; Friendly letter ; Spelling weekly list based on phonetics or skills such as contractions; Phonics-letter combinations that make one sound.
Science
Topics include: Animal groups, States of matter, Water cycle, Weather, 6 human body systems, and Simple machines.
Soc. Studies/ History
Topics and skills include: Map skills, Communities, Past and present, Building our government, Pioneers, and States and capitals
Religion
Old and New testament stories; Christian living (fruits of the spirit)
Computer
Work on basic keyboarding, beginning computer terminology, beginning Microsoft Word, beginning Microsoft Publisher, simple computer ethics, care of the computer, saving a document to a folder and introduce to the internet.
Spanish
Instruction will include: Vocabulary, Colors, Numbers, Greetings, Pronunciation, Culture, Show likes and dislikes, Goodbyes, & Introductions
Music
Sing together; Time Signatures; Harmony recognition; and Notes on the treble clef staff
Physical Education
Identifies physical activities that are enjoyable; Uses physical activity as a measure of self-expression; Demonstrates responsible personal and social behavior in physical activity settings; and Understands that physical activity provides opportunities for enjoyment, challenge, Self expression and social interaction.
FOURTH GRADE
Reading / Lit
Author’s purpose, Cause/effect, Character, Compare/contrast, Context clues, Drawing conclusions, Fact/opinion, Generalizing, Graphic sources, Main Idea/Supporting Details, Making judgments, Paraphrasing, Phonics skills, Plot, Predicting, Sequence, Setting, Steps in a process, Summarizing, Text structure, Theme, Visualizing.
Mathematics
- Number Sense - add, subtract, multiply, divide; place value; rounding; add/subtract fractions; add/subtract/order/compare decimal numbers
- Geometry - congruency, similarity, perimeter, area, graphing, polygons
- Measuring - U.S. Customary and Metric
- Beginning Algebra
- Data Analysis & Probability
- Problem Solving
English / Language Arts
Grammar; Writing Paragraphs - expository, persuasive, 1st and 3rd person; Writing Research Reports; Speeches; Poetry - reading and writing
Soc. Studies/ History
California History - Geography, Native Americans, Missions, Ranchos, Gold Rush, Statehood, Transcontinental Railroad, Immigrants, Economic Issues Technology
Science
Topics include: Plant & Animal Life, Ecosystems/Habitats, Matter, Magnetism/Electricity, Light & Sound, Human Body, Makeup of Earth/Oceans.
Religion
Old Testament Patriarchs; Birth, Life, Death and Resurrection of Jesus; Incorporating Bible truths into daily and classroom life
Computer
Continue to develop keyboarding skills, increase knowledge in computer terminology, computer ethics, care of the computer and working with folders. Continue growth in Microsoft Publisher and Microsoft Word. Introduce to Microsoft Encarta and the Internet.
Spanish
Instruction will include: Vocabulary, Reinforcement of Numbers and colors, Pronunciation and reading, Listening skills, Comparison of Cultures, Pronouns, Articles, Asking and Answering Questions, Introduction to Spanish Verbs and Conjugations, and Conversation.
Music
Sing together; Time Signatures; Play recorders; and Notes on the treble clef staff
Physical Education
Identifies physical activities that are enjoyable; Uses physical activity as a measure of self-expression; Demonstrates responsible personal and social behavior in physical activity settings; and Understands that physical activity provides opportunities for enjoyment, challenge, Self expression and social interaction.
FIFTH GRADE
Reading / Lit
Comprehension & Vocabulary Development -Draw inferences, conclusions, or generalizations about text (author’s purpose, cause/effect, character analysis, compare/contrast, context clues, fact/opinion, main idea/supporting details, making judgments, paraphrasing, plot, predicting, sequence, setting, summarizing, text structure, theme, visualizing)
Mathematics
- Number Sense - add, subtract, multiply, divide; place value; rounding; add/subtract/multiply/divide/order/compare fractions and decimals
- Geometry - plane /solid figures, congruency, perimeter, area, volume
- Measuring & Converting - U.S. Customary and Metric
- Beginning Algebra
- Statistics, Data Analysis, & Probability
- Mathematical Reasoning /Problem Solving
English / Language Arts
Correct Identification and Usage of the 8 Parts of Speech; Capitalization and Punctuation Rules and Application; Dictionary Skills; Spelling - roots, suffixes, prefixes, contractions, and phonics; Writing Paragraphs - expository, persuasive, 1st and 3rd person; Writing Research Reports
Story/Creative Writing; Poetry - reading and writing; Preparing/Presenting Oral Reports; Autobiography Writing
Soc. Studies/ History
U.S. Geography - states, capitals, and landforms (map project/state report); U.S. History - exploration & settlement of North America, life in the 13 Colonies, the American Revolution, the U.S. Constitution, LA Purchase, War of 1812, TX & Mexican War, Slavery & Civil War, an introduction to the presidents
Science
Physical - matter, elements, reactions, motion, and forms of energy; Life - human body (respiratory & excretory systems), sex education; plant/animal cells, plant/animal adaptations, and introduction to genetics; Earth - solar system (sun, moon, planets, stars, asteroids, and meteors), weather/water cycle; Scientific Investigation & Experimentation - (science project)
Religion
The Exodus/Conquering Canaan, Judges & Kings; Birth, Life, Death and Resurrection of Jesus; Life of Martin Luther/Reformation; Weekly Scripture Memorization & Application of Bible Truths into Daily Life
Computer
Continue to develop keyboarding skills (15 to 20 WPM), expand knowledge in computer terminology, computer ethics, care of the computer and working with folders. Continue growth in Microsoft Publisher and Microsoft Word and Microsoft Encarta. Introduce to internet research and social networks.
Spanish
Instruction will include: Vocabulary, Reinforcement of Numbers and colors, Pronunciation and reading, Listening skills, Comparison of Cultures, Pronouns, Articles, Asking and Answering Questions, Introduction to Spanish Verbs and Conjugations, and Conversation.
Music
All elements of music; music in films; & History of Opera and Rock
Physical Education
Demonstrates competency in many movement forms; Applies principles of movement to learning and development of motor skills; Achieves and maintains a health enhancing level of physical fitness; and Demonstrates responsible personal and social behavior in physical activity settings
SIXTH GRADE
Reading / Lit
Sequencing, Author’s Viewpoint, Cause and Effect, Generalizing, Character, Making Judgments, Predicting, Setting, Visualizing, Persuasive Devices, Drawing Conclusions, Compare and Contrast, Cause and Effect, Summarizing, Theme, Plot, Main Ideas and Supporting Details, Text Structure, Author’s Purpose, Fact and Opinion, Context Clues, Steps in a Process, Bias, Graphic Sources, Paraphrasing
Mathematics
By the end of grade six, students have mastered the four arithmetic operations with whole numbers, positive fractions, positive decimals, and positive and negative integers; they accurately compute and solve problems. They apply their knowledge to statistics and probability. Students understand the concepts of mean, median , and mode of data sets and how to calculate the range. They analyze data and sampling processes for possible bias and misleading conclusions; they use addition and multiplication of fractions routinely to calculate the probabilities for compound events. Students conceptually understand and work with ratios and proportions; they compute percentages (e.g., tax, tips, interest). Students know about pi and the formulas for the circumference and area of a circle. They use letters for numbers in formulas involving geometric shapes and in ratios to represent an unknown part of an expression. They solve one-step linear equations.
English / Language Arts
Study Skills, Vocabulary, Nouns, Prepositions, Verbs, Subject-Verb Agreement, Homonyms, Capitalization, Punctuation, Direct and Indirect Objects, Compound and Complex Sentences, Coordinate Conjunctions and Connective Verbs, Subjective and Objective Pronouns, Possessive Nouns, Indefinite Pronouns, Antecedent Agreement, Double Negatives, Predicate Nouns, Principle Parts of Verbs, Degrees of Adjectives, Contractions Writing: Poetry - Structured and Unstructured, Creative Writing, Business and Friendly Letters, Invitations and Thank-you Notes, Descriptive Writing, Story Elements, Outlining, Research Paper, Word Choice, Editing, Voice
Soc. Studies/ History
Students expand their understanding of people and culture from early prehistoric man to 400 A.D. The ancient civilizations studied are Mesopotamia, Egypt, Kush and Nok, India, China, the Americas, Israel, Phoenicia and Greece, and Rome.
Science
Semester of Chemistry with topics of: States of Matter; Atomic structure; Periodic Table; Chemical Bonds & Reactions ; Acids, Bases and pH; and Introduction to Organic Chemistry. Semester of Physics with topcis of: Newton’s Laws of Motion (3); Forces in Fluids: Pascal, Archimedes & Bernoulli; Work and Machines; Types of Energy and Energy Conversions; Waves & Sound; Electromagnetic Spectrum & Light; and Electricity & Magnetism
Religion
Books of the Bible, Sacraments of the Lutheran Church, Jesus and His Teachings, Great Commission, History of the Lutheran Church Memory: Books of Bible, 10 Commandments, Bible verses, Lord’s Prayer Petitions
Computer
Continue to develop keyboarding skills (20 to 25 WPM), expand knowledge in computer terminology, computer ethics, care of the computer and working with folders. Continue growth in Microsoft Publisher, Microsoft Word and Microsoft Encarta. Introduce to Microsoft PowerPoint, internet research and social networks.
Invitation to Languages(Foreign Languages)
Instruction will include: Origin of Language, Language families and Groups, Why is important to study another language, Vocabulary, Introducing oneself, Numbers, Culture, and Time and date.
Music
Instrument specifics; Music in society; and Contemporary music topics
Physical Education
Demonstrates competency in many movement forms; Applies principles of movement to learning and development of motor skills; Achieves and maintains a health enhancing level of physical fitness; and Demonstrates responsible personal and social behavior in physical activity settings
SEVENTH GRADE
Literature
This course will utilize prior knowledge of word origins, relationships, and context clues to learn new meanings of grade-level-appropriate words. Grade level material will be studied with an emphasis on connecting essential ideas, evaluating structure and organization, and applying knowledge of author’s purpose to better understand challenging texts. Historically and/or culturally significant works of literature will be studied, that will enhance further studies of history and social science.
Math (PreAlgebra)
- Scientific notation
- Math operations involving algebraic terms
- Positive & negative exponents
- Square and cube roots
- Fractions, decimals & percents
- Writing algebraic equations from word problems & solving
- Solving 2-step equations with fractions and decimals
- Graphing line - slope, intercept and equation of a line
- Vertical and adjacent angles
- Pythagorean theorem
- Surface area & Volume of common geometric shapes
- Data representation: Venn diagrams, stem-and-leaf, box-and-whisker plots
Social Studies / History
This course will examine major turning points in American history from the early exploration to the beginning of the Civil War. Emphasis will be placed on the relationship between past events and people with the present day in order to develop a better sense of who we are as Christian people in the 21st century.
Earth Science
Students will study a wide range of geological topics, including:Minerals and Rocks, Plate Tectonics / Earthquakes / Volcanoes, Weather / Climate / Erosion, Energy / Resources, Water - Fresh, Ocean, and Astronomy. Also, various laboratory activities (including a week-long expedition to Yosemite studying Geology)
English
Practice using a variety of sentence structures and follow conventions of written English as they continue to develop as active researchers; Write for different purposes (narrative, expository, persuasive, and descriptive) for different audiences; Focus on word origins in their study of vocabulary and review spelling specific sounds
Religion
Incorporate Biblical truths throughout the curriculum; Old Testament history; God’s plan of salvation; Family Involvement- leadership roles, God’s influence and blessings, worship; and Memory selections from Catechism and Scripture
Computer
Continue to develop keyboarding skills (20 to 30 WPM), expand knowledge in computer terminology, computer ethics, care of the computer and working with folders. Continue growth in Microsoft Publisher, Microsoft Word and Microsoft PowerPoint. Introduce Microsoft Excel. Go over copyright and software licensing.
Spanish
Instruction will include: Greetings, Articles (definite & indefinite), Pronouns, Conjugation of -Ar, -Er and -Ir verbs, Interrogative words, Irregular Yo forms of a verb, Vocabulary, Culture, Giving Dates, Adjectives, Telling Time, Noun-adjective agreement, and Numbers
Physical Education
Demonstrates competency in many movement forms; Applies principles of movement to learning and development of motor skills; Achieves and maintains a health enhancing level of physical fitness; and Demonstrates responsible personal and social behavior in physical activity settings
EIGHTH GRADE
Reading / Lit
Using textual structure to make sense of instructional materials; Analyze propaganda techniques; Different forms and purposes of poetry; Structural literary elements and literary devices; A brief overview of the historical eras and the relevance of setting to plot, mood, and meaning
Recognize recurring literary themes; Compose oral responses to literature
Math (PreAlgebra)
- Review of topics listed for Course 2
- Add, subtract & multiply polynomials
- Proportions - direct & inverse variation
- Word problems and how to write algebraic equations
- Solving equations with exponents
- Solving system of equations with 2 unknowns by graphing
- Graphing inequalities on number line
- Trigometric ratios
- Surface area & Volume of cones & pyramids
- Probability & simple statistics
- Data representation: Scatter plots
English
- Students continue to conduct and report on original research.
- Students continue to focus on word origins and context clues as part of their vocabulary study.
- Writers develop revision and self-assessment skills when writing narrative, expository, persuasive or descriptive writing
- Students make organized oral presentations and speeches.
Social Studies / History
This course will examine major turning points in American history from the Civil War to the early 2000’s. Emphasis will be placed on the relationship between past events and people with the present day in order to develop a better sense of who we are as Christian people in the 21st century.
Life Science
Students will study a wide range of biological topics, including: Cells, Genetics / Heredity, Classification Systems, Bacteria, Protists, Plants, Animals and Animal Behavior, Human Physiology and Health, and Ecology and Ecosystems. Also, various laboratory activities (including a week-long expedition to Catalina studying Marine Biology).
Religion
Students will study a wide range of Biblical topics, including:Prayer, Church History (including the Reformation), Contemporary Christianity, Comparative World Religion, New Testament Overview, Proverbs, and Revelation.
Computer
Continue to develop keyboarding skills (25 to 35 WPM), expand knowledge in computer terminology, computer ethics, care of the computer and working with folders and software updates. Continue mastering knowledge in Microsoft Publisher, Word and PowerPoint. Expand knowledge in Microsoft Excel and in internet research.
Spanish
Instruction will include: Prepositions of Location, Stem-Changing Verbs, Affirmative and Negative Words, Giving Commands, Superlatives, Location words, Reflexive Verbs, Preterite Verbs, and Adverbs
Physical Education
Demonstrates competency in many movement forms; Applies principles of movement to learning and development of motor skills; Achieves and maintains a health enhancing level of physical fitness; and Demonstrates responsible personal and social behavior in physical activity settings
GRADES 6-8
Music Band
- Various performances: Advent Services, Chapel, Pep Rallies, & Spring Concert
- Beginning Band starts in 5th grade (but not limited to) with concert instruments for beginning players
- Jr. High Band is for at least 1 year of experience (6-8 grade)
Math - Algebra
Review of topics listed for Course 2 & 3; Division with scientific notation
Equation for line in y-intercept format; Graphing parallel & perpendicular lines; Use of set and function notation; Conversion by unit multipliers
Solve uniform motion problems; Quotient rule and power theorem for exponents; Understanding of exponential increase and decrease; Adding, multiplying and solving radical expressions; Rationalize denominators in order to solve problems; Overall average and weighted averages; Least common multiple & greatest common factor of algebraic expressions; Polynomial expressions: completing the square, factoring, and division; Solve single and multi-step abstract equations; Quadratic formula; Familiarity with scientific calculator
Art
ARTS ATTACK is a curriculum used for grade 6-9 students. The main goal of the program is to teach every child how to express himself through art. Students learn elements and principals of art and drawing, as well as the study of artists, cultures and historical periods. The students will have explored many media with drawing and painting techniques. The elements of art that are covered are: line, color, shape and form, pattern, texture, space, and composition.
For more detailed information about our school and what we offer, please use the “K-8 School” links, on the right side of this page, or on the K-8 School home page. If you have any questions regarding our School Ministry, please use our contact form, and choose “K-8 School” in the “Areas of Ministry” choice menu, or contact us by phone at (925) 447-2082, ext. 225.