Emmaus Christian School
 

Curriculum
Overview

 

 

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Kindergarten
Grade 1
Grade 2
Grade 3
Grade 4
Grade 5
Grade 6
Grade 7 and 8

Middle School Information Video - Part 1

Middle School Information Video - Part 2

Kindergarten Overview
The following skills and activities are focused on in Kindergarten.  Kindergarten is offered in both an all-day and half-day format.

  • Training in routines for succeeding in the school world.
  • Enhancing skills for personal care and motor development begun at home.
  • Accepting responsibility for choices and learning appropriate responses and reactions to people and situations.
  • Practicing good stewardship of time and materials with personal and school equipment and supplies.
  • Meeting new challenges of friends, authority figures and activities and seeing them as opportunities not obstacles to be feared or avoided.
  • Seeing Creator God as a personal God through his Son Jesus and His interaction with people on the earth.  Understanding and experiencing prayer and the importance of memorizing God's Word.
  • Interacting with the world God created through units on God's Plan for People (5 senses and health), Weather (observing and recording weather changes) and Seasons, Plants (planting and caring for seeds), Animals (classroom bunny, fish and frogs), and the  Seashore.
  •  Writing letters and learning to voice their sounds for the purpose of beginning spelling and reading.
  • Counting and interacting with the values and uses of numbers 1-100 for dates, grouping objects, paying for items and telling time.
  • Creating room decorations and projects and experimenting with various art media to express creativity and try new mediums.
  • Contributing materials to a personal notebook that overviews things learned for the year.
  • Enjoying outside class experiences via field trips (MAX to Tualatin Hills Nature Park, MAX to Downtown Portland at Christmas, retirement centers and nursing homes, Zoo trip,  local grocery and garden stores, pet and vet trip, year-end picnic at  teacher's house).

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First Grade Curriculum Overview

We begin our day studying the Bible, focusing on God's gifts to us.  We conclude this time with prayer.  The children learn Bible verses and passages throughout the year.  They are introduced to Biblical principles that are applied throughout our entire curriculum.  We have missions project during the year.  "The Young Peacemaker" is used to teach the children how to get along with others in the way God would want. 

Science
The highlight of first grade is the creation book that each child makes in the spring.  While they are making these creation books we introduce five sciences, integrating them with the days of Creation.

Language Arts/Literature
The 71 Spalding Phonograms are reviewed (introduced in Kindergarten). While reviewing, the children are taught how to form each letter.  The phonograms are used as a foundation for spelling, reading, and writing.  The children take daily spelling tests, beginning in October.  New words are introduced almost daily, while say and write sentences using these new words.  We begin reading groups early in November, using ABeka materials.

Math
Our Saxon Math curriculum uses many hands-on manipulatives to help the children understand math concepts.  Among the topics we teach are how to form numerals, ordinal numbers, calendars, graphs, some/some more and some/some went away stories, addition and subtraction facts, geometric shapes, money, and  telling time to the hour and half hour.  We have daily worksheets and fact sheets,   Their worksheets and fact sheets are reinforced by the daily homework.

Our curriculum also includes History, Geography, Health, Physical Education, Art, and Music.  Art, like God's Word, is integrated into all the subject areas.

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Second Grade Curriculum Overview

In light of the school's mission statement "Honoring God," we have two goals in second grade: 1) honor God by respecting authority and others, and 2) work to keep a productive atmosphere. We also seek to help children gain a better understanding of God and His world, and how they fit into His plan.  The various elements of our curriculum work well together to meet each child's learning style and challenge their abilities.

Bible
Our Bible curriculum includes five elements:  Kingdom Principles, Peacemaker, Study of New Testament books, Moses, & Bible memory work.  We use what is learned in Bible in other subjects to tie everything together and give students a worldview focusing on God and His Word.

Math
Math study, using Saxon Math, includes a mastery of basic addition and subtraction facts, along with time, money, fractions, carrying, borrowing, and graphs.

Language Arts/Literature
Language study, includes learning sentence parts and applying that to paragraph writing. We use the Spalding Method, "Writing Road to Reading," to teach spelling, reading, and phonics.  This method also addresses each child's learning style to help them become better writers, spellers, and readers.  We review manuscript writing during the first part of the school year.  Starting in January we begin cursive.  This makes a good transition and helps the children to stay motivated for the last half of the year.

History
In History we study the 50 states, pilgrims, colonists, pioneers, cowboys and immigrants. 

Science
Science focuses on chemistry, physics, meteorology, oceanography, and geology.  These subjects are approached through reading and experiments.  Some of our special events include field trips, science and book reports, visits to the library, and guest speakers.

Each child makes a notebook during the school year.  In this notebook they put pages showing what they have learned in Bible, Language, Math, History, and Science.  This becomes a record of second grade, and reminds them of God's hand in their life and learning.

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Third Grade Curriculum Overview

Helping our students look at the world through God's eyes is our highest priority.  Whether we are using the core curriculum or expressing our individuality through our other subject matter, we look for ways to help students see life the way God sees it.

Bible
Student studies include the following seven elements:  Walk Through the Bible curriculum covering the Old and New Testament survey, Passage Memorization, Peacemaker Conflict Resolution, Seven Kingdom Principles, Daily Devotions, Journaling, and the  Acts prayer pattern.    Weekly chapel time and missions focus help to round out the Bible curriculum.  In the other subjects we use what we do in Bible to tie everything together to give the students a worldview that focuses on God and His Word.

Math
Saxon Math curriculum concepts covered in the third grade include Graphs, Roman Numerals, Multiplication Algorithm, Long Division, Geometry, Fractions, Measurement, Probability, Rounding, Estimating, Averaging, Money, Time, Temperature, Checkbook Balance, Positive and Negative Numbers and Square Roots.

Language Arts/Literature
Spelling at the third grade level begins with the Writing Road to Reading phonics program.   Supplementing their spelling studies, students are taught cursive handwriting and dictionary skills.

The Grammar/Writing program for third grade includes instruction in the parts of speech and developing writing skills.  This program is supplemented by writing essays, personal journaling, and creative story writing.

Reading
Students study a variety of literature styles, some famous authors, and novels.  They practice to increase their reading  speed and comprehension skills.  Students learn library skills, and participate in drama presentations.

Social Studies
Geography elements include world map and USA map studies.  Biographies of famous Americans are introduced as well as a timeline of exploration and settlement of USA along with holidays and cultures.

Science
Genesis 1 and 2 are the basis for Science instruction at Emmaus.  From the Creation account we find 10 basic Science categories.  During their third grade year, students will be presented with detailed units on Astronomy, Zoology (habitats, invertebrates), Anatomy and Physiology, Plants and Weather.

Music
Students will develop an appreciation of styles while completing a study of composers.  Reading music and learning different hymns and their histories become part of everyday worship time.  Students participate in a variety of classroom and school wide programs during the year.

Art
Seven elements of art appreciation are developed through the study of a variety of artists and experience with their styles and mediums. 

Physical Education
Sportsmanship, games (things to get our hearts thumping) and coordination are all part of the PE Skills program for third grade.

Field Trips
Third grade students enjoy a variety of field trips during the year planned to enhance our curriculum goals.

ACSI Student Activities: 

Emmaus Christian School participates in some of the ACSI student activities offered throughout the year such as speech meet, spelling bee, art festival and math Olympics.

Everything that we learn in third grade is presented with a God-centered worldview, looking for ways to expose God's relevance to and interest in our daily lives.

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Fourth Grade Curriculum Overview

Bible
Using the "Building Life's Castles" Bible curriculum, fourth graders systematically study what God's Word says about subjects pertaining to the life and work of Christ, the Holy Spirit, Christian living and the life of Paul. Bible memory verses are also learned and recited throughout the fourth grade year.

History
The fourth grade history curriculum covers United States history from the discovery of North America to present day from a Christian perspective. Our Nation's history is divided into time periods, each with an overview of historical facts while highlighting the development of America's Christian heritage. Our year-long study includes field trips to Ft. Vancouver and the End of the Trail Interpretive Center, as well as special Oregon and State projects and guest presenters.

Mathematics
The fourth grade Saxon Mathematics program is organized in a way that allows for daily classroom presentation and discussion of new concepts along with review of concepts previously studied. Side A of each lesson is completed in class together and Side B, with the same type questions, is completed as homework. Homework is corrected together in class the next day before the following lesson is presented. Written Assessments are given every five lessons.

Concepts covered in the fourth grade include Graphs, Roman Numerals, Multiplication, Division, Geometry, Fractions, Measurement, Probability, Rounding, Estimating, Averaging, Money, Time, Temperature, Checkbook Balance, Positive and Negative Numbers and Square Roots.

Science
Three main units are taught in Science at the fourth grade level: Matter, Oceanography and Flight. Students learn the scientific method and scientific principles while conducting experiments from the curriculum and reading and discussing the text. All Science at ECS is taught from a Christian perspective that embraces a literal six-day view of creation.

Language Arts/Literature
Spelling at the fourth grade level begins with review of phonograms and rules. Words studied are taken from the Word List of the Spalding program, beginning with section S. Five new words are presented with markings each day, after being tested on the previous 25 words. Some words are carried over to the following week. Monthly Morrison-McCall Spelling Tests are given to determine overall improvement.

The English program includes creative writing, punctuation, capitalization, verb tense, possessive form, and vocabulary are also covered.

Health
Health is also taught in fourth grade from a Christian perspective. Students study bones, muscles, the respiratory system, teeth, and skin as well as how to be good stewards of our bodies as God's creation.

Reading
"Fourth grade is a year of transitions. Students go from "learning to read" in earlier years to "reading to learn." Vocabulary, comprehension, and fluency are emphasized.  Much independent reading in content areas such as History, Health, and Science is expected. "Song of the Brook," Flags Unfurled," and the Book of John are the Reading texts.  Parent involvement at home greatly enhances understanding.

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Fifth Grade Curriculum Overview

Our goals in the Fifth Grade are to cultivate and integrate God's Word in the subject areas using the Seven Biblical Principles.  Fifth graders have the unique privilege to prepare for the responsibility of junior high by changing classrooms and teachers for part of the day.

Bible
The fifth grade Bible curriculum is an overview of the Old Testament from the early writing of this Great Book through the Minor Prophets. 

History
The history curriculum is a good complement to the Bible curriculum.  It is God's story of world history from the Cradle of Civilization through the modern world with a strong emphasis on geography. 

Math
Math is facilitated by the Saxon Math book.  Fifth Grade students have the opportunity to advance to sixth grade math during the year. 

Science
In Science, students will be investigating God's World through the avenues of Anatomy, Chemistry, Physics and Geology.

Language Arts/Literature
The area of Language Arts consists of "ACSI" Spelling, Houghton-Mifflin English, and "ABeka" reading materials.

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Sixth Grade Curriculum Overview

MS Schedule Spring 2010

Sixth grade is a time of important transitions and development. Students are expected to have an increased level of self-discipline. They have more independence and are asked to shoulder more responsibilities. Our sixth graders receive instruction from different teachers over the course of each school day. They maintain their own materials, resources, and educational tools in their locker. Students are changing classes and must adhere to set schedules for leaving one classroom, storing class materials, and retrieving materials for their next class. Students maintain their own records regarding class assignments, due dates, and future test schedules.

Bible
Wise Up (Author - Cherie Noel) is a two-semester series of lessons designed for junior high students. The course is based on the book of Proverbs and is designed to help middle school students gain biblical wisdom for relationships, character family, friends, leadership, and decision-making.

History
The ABeka New World History & Geography, a study of the Western Hemisphere, is the center of our sixth grade studies. Students also focus on how museums manage primary source information. Students create for public viewing, several museums during the school year. Art, writing, and research also allow students to interact with history during the year.

Mathematics
Sixth grade students are tested at the beginning of each year and placed in math books based on math skills and ability.

  • Saxon Math 76 presents high sixth/low seventh concepts in a lower-level manner.
  • Saxon Math 87 is a pre-pre-algebra book which presents upper-level concepts in a lower-level manner.
  • Students ready for Pre-Algebra and above switch to the McDougal Littell/Houghton Mifflin series: Mathematical Connections: A Bridge to Algebra and Geometry, Algebra, and Geometry.

Science
The A Beka Science text for the sixth grade provides the framework for our Science studies. A growing, well-equipped science laboratory and a yearly one-week outdoor school focusing on God's creation are exceptional enhancements to this program. Hands-on experimentation, observation, and environmental interaction make for meaningful educational experiences for these students.

Language Arts/Literature
Sixth grade students use the ABeka Spelling/Vocabulary word lists. Language: Skills and Use, by Houghton-Mifflin, is the language text from which grammar / usage / mechanics skills are taught. Each grammar lesson follows a consistent focus / practice / apply format that is easy to understand. Writing / composition is integrated into subject areas and is an integral component of the Language Arts curriculum.

Goals of sixth grade Literature include:

  • comprehension,
  • writing complete answers,
  • building an enjoyment for various types of literature, and
  • strengthening reading ability.

Students will read at least one full-length book, such as Star of Light or Little Pilgrims Progress, as well as shorter selections from Christian anthologies. Class discussions will enhance comprehension and oral reading will encourage expression and confidence. Christian principles will be integrated throughout all discussions and interpretations. Sixth grade Literature is a full-year course of 2-3 periods each week.

Health
Total Health is a Christian curriculum guide for our Junior High students. Students complete the first section of physical, mental, social and spiritual health in sixth grade, and the second section in seventh grade.

Physical Education
Students have two fifty 50 PE periods each week. Our campus allows for students to exercise under a basketball-court-sized covered area during inclement weather. Students work at building their physical strength and cardiovascular health in preparation for their participation in the President's Physical Fitness program.

Study Skills

The Study Skills class will provide students an opportunity to learn proper methods of study and focusing on the tasks required of them.  They will be given guidance on developing their organizational and time management skills.

 

Art                                                                                                              

Students will have opportunities to participate in Arts & Crafts and Drawing and Painting.  In Arts and Crafts students will be doing fun projects like sculpture, design and collage, mask making, painting furniture and making unusual clothing or jewelry.  In the Drawing and Painting class students will be involved in a variety of drawing projects and use of various mediums.

 

Photography

Learning the skill and art of taking pictures.  Students are required to have use of a digital camera for the class.

 

Introduction to Foreign Language

Students will be required to take an introductory foreign language class.  Students will be given a semester each of Japanese and Spanish.  Courses are designed to give students a chance to "try out" the language.  Concentration in the class will be to develop an understanding of basic vocabulary and knowledge of the alphabet (Japanese particularly) and to give them practice in how to speak the language. 

 

Computers

Computer skills are developed in the following areas:  Keyboarding, use of Microsoft XP and Microsoft Office Products.  Students are encouraged to use their computer skills for actual classroom projects.  Responsible use of the internet is encouraged for the purpose of doing research and to provide students with tools to better understand their other subjects. Computer classes are taught in a well-developed lab setting.

 

Drama

Fun skits and more extended plays and learning the basics of acting, set design and script development are part of the curriculum of this class.  Students will use their skills in front of chapels and other groups throughout the year.

 

Choir

The choir will allow young voices to develop and learn the basics of choir and voice.  Choir members will participate in a variety of opportunities to perform during the school year.

 

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Seventh & Eighth Grade Curriculum Overview

MS Schedule Spring 2010

Seventh and eighth grade students assume the leadership role in the school. They lead worship during Chapel and provide service to the school, partnering with younger classes, separating pop cans, etc. They continue to rotate classes along with the sixth graders.

Bible
Wise Up (Author - Cherie Noel, Positive Action For Christ) is a two-semester series of lessons designed for junior high students. The course is based on the book of Proverbs and will
help middle school students gain biblical wisdom for relationships, character, family, friends, leadership, and decision-making.

History
ABeka texts: History of the World and America, Land I Love, are read by seventh and eighth grade students on an alternating yearly cycle. Geography studies feature World Atlas and Western Hemisphere, also by ABeka. Various student projects supplement these core curriculum materials.

Mathematics
Seventh and Eighth grade students are tested at the beginning of each year and placed in Math books based on math skills and ability. Saxon Math 87 is a pre-pre-algebra book which presents upper-level concepts in a lower-level manner. Students ready for Pre-Algebra and above utilize Mathematical Connections: A Bridge to Algebra and Geometry (McDougal Littell/Houghton Mifflin).

Science
Seventh and eighth graders study Life Science (Botany, Zoology and Oceanography) and Physical Science (Chemistry, Physics and Geology, Meteorology and a unit on Creation vs. Evolution) on an alternating yearly cycle. A growing, well-equipped science laboratory and study field trips are exceptional enhancements to this program. Hands on experimentation, observation, and environmental interaction make for meaningful educational experiences for these students.

Language Arts/ Literature
Seventh and eighth grade students use the ABeka Spelling/Vocabulary word lists.

Houghton-Mifflin is the publisher for the text from which grammar/usage/mechanics skills are taught. Each grammar lesson follows a consistent focus, practice, and apply format that is easy to understand. Writing and composition are integrated into subject areas and are an integral component of the Language Arts curriculum.

Seventh and eighth grade Literature is a one-semester course meeting three times a week. Goals include:

  • growing an appreciation for various types of literature,
  • building comprehension and vocabulary, and
  • discerning Christian principles in literature.

Students will practice writing complete answers to comprehension questions as they read through one full-length book and shorter selections as time allows. Oral reading and class discussion are included in this course.

Health
Total Health is a Christian curriculum guide for our Junior High students. Students complete the first section of physical, mental, social and spiritual health in sixth grade, and the second section in seventh grade.

Physical Education
Students have two 50-minute PE periods each week. Our campus allows for students to exercise under a basketball court-sized covered area during inclement weather. Students work at building their physical strength and cardiovascular health in preparation for their participation in the President's Physical Fitness program.

Art                                                                                                              

Students will have opportunities to participate in Arts & Crafts and Drawing and Painting.  In Arts and Crafts students will be doing fun projects like sculpture, design and collage, mask making, painting furniture and making unusual clothing or jewelry.  In the Drawing and Painting class students will be involved in a variety of drawing projects and use of various mediums.

 

Photography

Learning the skill and art of taking pictures.  Students are required to have use of a digital camera for the class.

 

Foreign Language

Students will be required to take a second and third year of Japanese or Spanish.  Courses are designed to give students a chance to begin development of the students basic understanding of the language.  Concentration in the class will be to develop an understanding of basic vocabulary and knowledge of the alphabet (Japanese particularly) and to give them practice in how to speak the language.

 

Computers

Computer skills are developed in the following areas:  Keyboarding, use of Microsoft XP and Microsoft Office Products.  Students are encouraged to use their computer skills for actual classroom projects.  Responsible use of the internet is encouraged for the purpose of doing research and to provide them with tools to better understand their other subjects. Computer classes are taught in a well-developed lab setting.

 

Advanced Computers/Yearbook

The yearbook class will help students use their growing computer skills to develop the yearbook and learn to do basic graphic design.

 

Study Skills

The Study Skills class will provide students an opportunity to learn proper methods of study and focusing on the tasks required of them.  They will be given guidance on developing their organizational and time management skills.

 

Worship Team

Students are selected by try-out to serve on the worship team.  Worship team members lead in worship for the grades 4-8 chapel.  Students on the team will participate in a regular class to develop their skills.

 

Drama

Fun skits and more extended plays and learning the basics of acting, set design and script development are part of the curriculum of this class.  Students will use their skills in front of chapels and other groups throughout the year.

 

Choir

The choir will allow young voices to develop and learn the basics of choir and voice.  Choir members will participate in a variety of opportunities to perform during the school year.

 

 

 

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460 South Heather Street  |  Cornelius, Oregon 97113
Tel. 503-357-4054  |   Fax. 503-992-0274