Kindergarten

In Bible class, children learn about God through the lives of major characters throughout the Bible. Activities are used to help children comprehend and apply Bible truths. Students memorize scripture and learn godly character traits each week. Students enjoy weekly chapel time to experience worship and praise. Prayer is a part of each day.

A primary goal of Kindergarten is to allow children to develop a love and curiosity of reading. As the student explores our language system, teachers engage the students in "...powerful, meaningful, and interesting instruction in phonics and other principles of how words are constructed." (Word Matters, XV) Oral and written language are intricate processes of the total language process and the kindergarten curriculum is very rich in language experiences.

CCS teachers pursue a phonics approach to reading because we believe that the rules of phonics will provide children with the basic tools for decoding words. Reading groups are formed so that every student can perform at their own pace.

Kindergarten is a time of preparation for reading and writing. The basic elements of phonics are developed and letter-sound associations are emphasized. Children also grow in their composition skills and creative writing through the use of their own journal.

Supporting materials: ABeka readers, along with leveled books; Curriculum Press; Fairfax Christian

CCS teachers use the modern manuscript form of handwriting. Students learn the basic printed letters and use them to form words and sentences. The curriculum provides a fun, hands-on approach to teach correct letter formation. Writing workshops are held daily.

Supporting materials: ABeka

Exposure to mathematical concepts is lively and interactive. Children use a variety of manipulatives, such as teddy bear counters and unifix cubes, to develop numerical concepts. Teachers expose the students to numbers and number sense, measurements, geometrical and spatial relationships, fractional concepts, graphing, sequencing/patterning, classification, and probability. Children learn to tell time and are introduced to the skill of counting money. Students learn single digit addition concepts, along with the reverse operation of subtraction.

Supporting materials: ACSI Purposeful Design and ABeka

Children study a variety of science topics that make them aware of the world around them. The students learn about life science topics through study and observation; they explore earth and physical science topics through the studies of seasons and magnetism. In Social Studies, kindergartners begin to learn about the world and the community around them. Teachers present various units throughout the school year to help develop this community awareness and the concept of cities, states, and nations.

Supporting materials: Social Studies K, ABeka, and God's World

Kindergartners visit the elementary library once a week for a library session and story with the Librarian. During this time, the Librarian helps students develop an appreciation for quality children's literature, as well as the basics of using the library.

Students receive computer-assisted instruction in the computer lab two times a week. The computer skills taught are basic computer usage and knowledge. These include: keyboarding, word processing, graphic design, multimedia, and spreadsheets. Each technology area is carefully designed to reinforce their learning in the core curricular subjects, as well as to develop their technology skills through step-by-step instruction.

The CCS P.E. teacher encourages children to develop a love for fitness through movement, balance, and coordination activities. The teacher works with the students two times a week in these areas. Through social interaction and team building, kindergarten students learn the value of Christian principles in competition.

Kindergartners attend music class two times a week with the music teacher. Students explore pitch, rhythm, dynamics, tempo, and tone through singing, playing instruments, and creating music. There are various performances throughout the year.

Students also attend art class with the art teacher two times a week. The children are introduced to drawing simple lines and shapes. With this as a foundation, students begin to branch out into creating graphic designs, animals, plants, and people. The goal is to instill an awe of God and learn how to celebrate the ability to create. They learn to value art as expressions of God's creativity.