First Grade Curricular Offerings

CLASSROOM INSTRUCTION:

Bible
Bible is a core subject at Denbigh Christian Academy. Bible grades in first grade are based on weekly memory verses and quizzes on Bible stories taught in class. Students will be taught various Bible stories and Biblical principles. A Beka Publications is the primary resource for our Bible curriculum. Denbigh Christian Academy teaches Biblical Doctrine. Weekly chapels are an integral part of the spiritual formation of our students. Each class presents at least one chapel program per year. Students are encouraged to participate weekly in worship, praise, and age appropriate application of God’s Word.

Language Arts
Phonics and Reading: Denbigh Christian Academy teaches Reading using a phonetic approach. Students in first grade review vowel and consonant sounds, consonant-vowel blends, phonics rules, and expand their repertoire of special sounds. Students learn to read sentences and stories with one and two vowel words, special sounds, and sight words. They receive small group instruction with students of similar reading ability level. A Beka Publications is the primary resource for our Language Arts curriculum. Students are graded on their ability to read orally, to match sounds visually on worksheets, and to complete oral and written Phonics tests.

Spelling
First grade students will be tested and graded weekly on a phonics-based word list. Language: Students in first grade begin basic language skills to include simple capitalization rules. They cover correct punctuation at the ends of sentences. Basic word usage skills such as alphabetizing of words, identifying syllables, use of suffixes and prefixes, distinguishing words that rhyme and have opposite and same meanings, and use of compound words and contractions are included in language instruction. Students begin creative writing with sentences and short paragraphs. They are graded on performance on worksheets and class participation.

Mathematics
Students in the first grade classes at Denbigh Christian Academy learn to recognize, write, and practice counting orally by ones, twos, threes, fives, and tens, numbers from 1-100.  First grade students learn to count and combine coins, the dollar bill, telling time to the nearest five minutes, and use of English and some metric measures. They also learn to use a ruler and read a thermometer. Students are introduced to number sequences, ordinal numbers, Roman numerals, and reading pictographs and bar graphs. Problem solving skills include the use of 1-13 addition and subtraction facts, beginning multiplication, story problems, and multiple combinations. Unit fractions are introduced. Instruction consists of daily oral drills, worksheets, and speed drills that are usually graded.  Students are also given weekly graded tests which require written and oral responses. A Beka Publications is the primary resource for our Mathematics curriculum.

Writing
Students in first grade at Denbigh Christian Academy continue practicing correct cursive letter formation. They are expected to write in cursive in daily seatwork practice and on all academic tests. Students are graded on accuracy and effort. Students are graded on a weekly writing test and overall performance on daily seatwork.

History and Geography
History and Geography are an added enrichment to the first grade instructional program. The first grade students at Denbigh Christian Academy study the basic landmarks and symbols of America. Location and basic customs of many nations are introduced. A Beka Publications is the primary resource for our history and geography curriculum.

Science, Health, Safety, Manners
Students in the first grade at Denbigh Christian Academy have the opportunity to study basic science, health, safety, and manners. These studies serve to enrich the core curriculum. Science topics include discovering oneself, energy, animals, plants, and seasons. Health, safety, and manners incorporates discussion and projects regarding eating good foods, exercise, rest, care of body, clothes, and home, and safety at home and away from home, and using good manners. A Beka Publications is the primary resource for the science, health, safety, manners curriculum.

RESOURCES:

Art
Students in grades one through five at Denbigh Christian Academy attend class with the art teacher at least once a week. The art curriculum is designed for the students to experience age appropriate activities and instruction.

Computer
Students in grades one through five at Denbigh Christian Academy attend regularly scheduled classes with the computer teacher in the computer lab at least once per week. The Tech Works curriculum, which covers appropriate skills for each grade level is used. Students are also given time to work independently in an age appropriate supervised environment.

Library
Students in grades one through five at Denbigh Christian Academy have a weekly scheduled library class. During this time, they receive age appropriate instruction to include library skills and etiquette. They are also allowed to check out books, and encouraged to utilize library resources.

Music
Students in grades one through five at Denbigh Christian Academy attend music class at least once weekly with the music teacher. This class is designed according to a prescribed, age appropriate curriculum. Students in grades one through five have the opportunity to participate in “Serving Through Music” clubs. The content of these classes varies each year according to student interest and participation level. An additional fee is charged for participation in these “after school” clubs.

Physical Education
Students in grades one through five attend class with the Physical Education teacher to focus on specific age appropriate skills at least once each week. Students participate in the Presidential Physical Fitness Award program and Jump Rope for Heart. On days that Physical Education classes are not scheduled, each class has a regularly scheduled recess period.

Special Activities
Students in grades one through five at Denbigh Christian Academy have various opportunities through out the school year to experience educational field trips. Classroom parties are held for celebrations such as Christmas, Valentine’s Day, student birthdays, or other occasions the teacher may select. Special guests may also be invited to present programs to enhance the spiritual and educational content of our program.