Academics

Curriculum: K5 - 3rd Grade

Kindergarten | First Grade | Second Grade | Third Grade

KindergartenKindergarten

Kindergarten at FPDS is the important beginning of education. It forms the child’s attitude toward school. Here is where foundations are laid for learning to read, getting along with others, listening and obeying, and, most importantly, for knowing what it means to know and love God. Talented and loving teachers share and model their faith through daily Bible story time and by using “teachable moments” all through the day.

The major focus academically is in learning to hear sounds (phonemic awareness) and later in learning to recognize the symbols for those sounds (phonics). Children are taught to hear sounds, to read the symbols and then to begin to blend these symbol/sounds into words using the Orton-Gillingham method of instruction that employs multi-sensory teaching techniques. Children also learn to form letters and then write words with correct formation and spacing using the D’Nealian Handwriting curriculum. Simple, but foundational mathematical concepts and reasoning skills are taught and practiced using the Saxon Math Program. Music, art, play, technology and our Discovery enrichment class are also integral parts of our Kindergarten program.

1st GradeFirst Grade

  • Mathematics: First grade uses the Saxon Math curriculum to build a firm mathematical foundation. Saxon uses hands-on activities and “mathematical conversations” to develop concepts. These concepts are developed, reviewed, and practiced to build mathematical fluency.

  • Phonics/Spelling: The Orton-Gillingham method of instruction is used to develop a strong phonics and spelling foundation. This multi-sensory method of instruction uses the Recipe for Reading curriculum to review basic sound/symbol relationships. In grades 1 and 2, instruction expands to include more complex concepts such as advanced letter/sound combinations, spelling rules, and syllabication. Lessons are designed to allow students to use their visual, auditory and kinesthetic pathways.

  • Reading: Reading instruction emphasizing comprehension and fluency includes the use of materials from the Recipe for Reading curriculum, leveled readers, and instruction using the Foundations and Frameworks Reading Program (see full program description).

  • Handwriting: First graders are taught using the D’Nealian Handwriting program.

  • Science: Science is a one semester enrichment subject taught during weekly visits to our Science Lab. Units of instruction include: Animals, Insects, Leaves, Teeth, Germs, Seasons, Weather, Air, Water, Sun, Things that sink and float.

  • Social Studies: Social Studies is an enrichment subject taught throughout the year. Topics of study include: Pilgrims, Indians, Plymouth Settlement, Explorers, Famous Americans.

  • Language/Grammar: A variety of resources is used for Language instruction including the A BEKA Language program.

  • Bible: Bible instruction is taught using the Walking With God and His People curriculum published by Christian Schools International. Teachers also share daily devotionals and prayer time with students. Scripture memory and personal application of biblical truths are part of daily instruction.

  • Special Subjects: Physical Education, Music, Art, Library, Technology

 

2nd GradeSecond Grade

  • Mathematics:  Second grade uses the Saxon Math curriculum to build a firm mathematical foundation. Saxon uses hands-on activities and “mathematical conversations” to develop concepts. These concepts are developed, reviewed, and practiced to build mathematical fluency.

  • Phonics/Spelling:  The Orton-Gillingham method of instruction is used to develop a strong phonics and spelling foundation. This multi-sensory method of instruction uses the Recipe for Reading curriculum to review basic sound/symbol relationships. In grades 1 and 2, instruction expands to include more complex concepts such as advanced letter/sound combinations, spelling rules, and syllabication. Lessons are designed to allow students to use their visual, auditory and kinesthetic pathways.

  • Reading:   Reading instruction emphasizing comprehension and fluency includes the use of materials from the Recipe for Reading curriculum and instruction using the Foundations and Frameworks Reading Program (see full program description).

  • Handwriting:  Second graders are taught using the D’Nealian Handwriting program.

  • Science:  Science is a one semester enrichment subject taught during weekly visits to our Science Lab.  Units of instruction include these topics:  Creation, Butterflies, The Senses, Health, Nutrition, Weather, and Matter.

  • Social Studies:   Social Studies is an enrichment subject taught throughout the year.  Topics of study include:  The Beginning of the 13 Colonies, Life in Colonial America, Importance of Maps, The Beginning of our Country. The Heritage Studies curriculum published by Bob Jones University is used.

  • Language/Grammar:  A variety of resources are used for Language instruction including the A BEKA Language program.

  • Bible:   Bible instruction is taught using the Walking With God and His People curriculum published by Christian Schools International. Teachers also share daily devotionals and prayer time with students. Scripture memory and personal application of biblical truths are part of daily instruction.

  • Special Subjects:  Physical Education, Music, Art, Library, Technology

 

3rd GradeThird Grade

  • Mathematics:  Third grade uses the Saxon Math curriculum to build a firm mathematical foundation. Saxon uses hands-on activities and “mathematical conversations” to develop concepts. These concepts are developed, reviewed, and practiced to build mathematical fluency. Third grade also uses the Accelerated Math program for additional math practice and enrichment.

  • Spelling:  Students study weekly spelling concepts using the Great Source spelling series.

  • Reading:   Daily reading instruction, using quality children’s literature, is given using the Foundations and Frameworks Reading Program (see full program description). Using this instructional program, students are taught necessary comprehension concepts and skills to become skilled readers and thinkers.

  • Handwriting:  Third graders are taught using the D’Nealian Handwriting program.

  • Science:  Science is a one semester subject taught during weekly visits to our Science Lab.  Units of instruction include these topics:  Plants, Muscular System, Nervous System, Skeletal System, Solar System, Stars, Electricity.

  • Social Studies:   Social Studies is taught one semester.  Topics of study include:  The Constitution, The American Revolution, Westward Expansion, Civil War, Maps and Geographical Features.

  • Language/Grammar:   The A BEKA Language program is used in third grade to teach important grammatical skills.

  • Bible:   Bible instruction is taught using the Walking With God and His People curriculum published by Christian Schools International. Teachers also share daily devotionals and prayer time with students. Scripture memory and personal application of biblical truths are part of daily instruction.

  • Special Subjects:  Physical Education, Music, Art, Library, Technology