BIBLE:
This year we are starting with the Birth of the Church (Unit
5) - Christian Schools International (CSI). We then move to
Expanding the Church and Strengthening the Church. We will
continue to explore the New Testament and learn about the
struggles of the church and how it stands firm.
Additionally, and a very important aspect of our Bible program,
we will be
reflecting on different characteristics of God and ourselves and
learning together how we can become closer to God and to get to
know Him better and better.
MEMORY WORK:
A short passage from the Bible is assigned most weeks, usually
relating to a theme being studied in our devotions or tied to
our current theme for the year:
Kids of Integrity.
ENGLISH:
This course is composed of two traditional disciplines: Grammar
and Composition. We learn about the mechanics of our
language, focussing on sentence construction, the parts of the
sentence and the parts of speech. Students do not have a
textbook as we work off of two computer programs, Writing
English in Context and Grammar and Usage, that are
displayed using the projector. Almost all work that we do is
done in class. We also will access many computer web sites that
will help us in our writing, spelling and communication skills.
Students learn about and are given much practice in writing.
Among skills learned: building vocabulary, sentence combining,
rewriting, revising and preparing final drafts, different types
of paragraphs, writing reports, studying and research skills and
writing letters. Students write daily summaries about the
class novels, the first of which is The Penderwicks. A
lot of the work in this class is done in the computer room, so
students get more opportunity to practice keyboarding and
word-processing.
HISTORY:
We have begun this year with a unit called The Story Crests -
Canada: 1839-1867. Following that will be The Story
Expands - Canada: 1868-1885 and then we’ll finish the year
with the unit, The Roman
Empire.
MUSIC:
Students in 4-8 form the
Junior/Senior choir of the school. Grade 7/8 will also play
numerous and varied pieces on the recorder and will have
opportunities for music appreciation through recordings and
videotapes.
SPELLING:
This year we are using Spelling in Language Arts. Much
work is done in the proper usage of words, words in terms of
their parts of speech and as parts of a sentence. A lot of the
work in this class is done on computer, so students get more
opportunity to practice keyboarding and word-processing. In
alternate weeks, the class has spelling dictations and English
quizzes based on the spelling sentences.
CURRENT EVENTS:
Once a week we study what is happening in God’s world. Question
sheets are prepared that accompany a taping of a network news
cast. We stress that God is always in control. Opportunities
for discussion are provided. A significant amount of map work
is a part of our studies. The class does two or three group
projects in this course, where skills such as researching and
presentation techniques are emphasized. This year’s current
events theme is In Your Light We See Light (Ps. 36:9).
HEALTH:
We are beginning this year using a book and tape set:
Preparing for Adolescence (James Dobson). We also use a CSI
book for this course called Healthy Living. There is no
textbook; students get quite a few handouts.
LITERATURE:
We will be studying at least two novels this year, the first of
which is The Bronze Bow. Two CSI anthologies, The Nest and I Am Waiting,
will be our sources of studying short stories and poems. A unit
on Media is also scheduled.
COMPUTERS:
This class, as well as the rest of the students in the school
aside from Junior and Senior Kindergarten, has weekly computer
instruction classes with our computer teacher, Mrs. Luchies.
MATH:
The text used for
this course is “Math Makes Sense”
(Addison Wesley). Students also work out of a consumable workbook
for additional practice that follows the main text. Topics
include number sense and numeration, rate, ratio, proportion and
percent, fractions, decimals, measurement and geometry, measuring
perimeter and area, data management, algebra, integers,
probability and calculator skills. There is a year-round emphasis
on estimation, problem-solving, and computation.
SCIENCE:
The science course this years consists of the following units:
Cells: The Wonder of Life, Forces at Work and The Amazing
Atmosphere. These units seek to help students become
scientifically literate and become aware of the nature of science
and its impact on their lives in terms of social benefits and
costs. Students will learn how to complete scientific drawings,
the importance of safety in science, and carefully executing a
science experiment. The emphasis is on “doing science”, allowing
students to experience science first-hand, take on new
responsibilities, and develop a sense of awe for God’s marvellous
creation.
GEOGRAPHY:
Students will discover God’s creation through the units Living in the Tundra, Living in the Deciduous Biome and the
Temperate Grasslands (OACS). Students will explore these different areas
of the world while learning geography skills such as reading maps,
charting, graphing, and understanding various relationships
between land and people.
ART:
God calls His people to know, enjoy and evaluate the visual
aesthetic in His creation and the visual expression of others.
This course will focus on learning to use our abilities to be
creative and to learn techniques using the six main aspects of
art: line, colour, shape, texture, space and value. Some specific
areas to be covered are Optical Illusion Art and Origami.
PHYS. ED.:
This course emphasizes
that each individual is God’s unique creation and that each person
shares in the responsibility of personal well-being by maintaining
a good level of physical fitness. We will be working on team
sports such as soccer, volleyball, basketball, and floor hockey.
We will also be doing a unit on aerobics and Pilates. Finally, we
will include cup stacking throughout the year. Students will be
encouraged to use the gifts given to him/her by God and to
encourage and build up one another. Respect and interpersonal
co-operation are foundational attitudes promoted through the
activities in Phys. Ed.
