Bethlehem Christian Academy
First Grade Conspectus
Bethlehem Christian Academy is committed to providing a quality education that is thoroughly Christian. All subjects are
taught from a Christian perspective, and Biblical truth is integrated throughout by teachers who are committed to Jesus
Christ and dedicated to preparing young people to serve our Savior (Luke 6:40).
First grade opens your child’s mind to the world of learning. It is our desire that our students become
life-long learners. We trust that they will grow to appreciate their God-given capacity to learn and that
they will take seriously their responsibility to do their best for Him.
In Bible we learn about the gifts that God gives us and everyone around us. Through our lessons from
the Bible and the Bob Jones curriculum, we will address some of life’s challenges that the children
will face: being honest, being obedient, learning not to tattle, and learning to get along with others.
The students will memorize a new Bible verse each week. They will know the meaning of the verse
and how to apply it to their young lives. Bible is an important subject in their daily schedule.
As we approach Reading, we strive for mastery of all our skills. We start by reviewing the basic
Phonics learned in kindergarten from the A Beka curriculum for Reading and Phonics. After we
review the sounds of each letter, including the short and long vowel sounds, as well as the blend
ladders, we move on at a faster pace. Students will memorize all the phonics rules from the A Beka
phonics charts, and they will learn how to use each rule to help them decode unfamiliar words. As we
practice oral reading, students work to develop smoothness and accuracy. They will begin to read more
quickly and comfortably, recognizing words instead of sounding out each word. We will also be
reading a short chapter book at the end of the year. For additional enrichment, students are encouraged
to read books from the library as well as participate in the Book-It program, sponsored by Pizza Hut.
Our desire is that our students learn to read fluently and love reading.
Our study of Language is of great importance as the children enter the world of reading. We learn
how to determine how many syllables are in words and how to divide the words into correct syllables.
We learn about compound words, rhyming words, opposites, and putting words in alphabetical order.
To expand our understanding of word structure, we master the skills of using prefixes and suffixes
with words. As we study sentence structure, we learn how to write a complete sentence, about nouns
and verbs, as well as how to use correct punctuation. To develop expressive writing, we have many
opportunities to use these language skills when we write about our field trips, write stories, or write
given a prompt. We also review our basic Handwriting skills, practicing the formation of each letter,
using the Zaner-Bloser curriculum. Each child will learn to take pride in the work he does.
In Spelling, we will use the phonetic skills we have learned to help us spell words. There will be 18
words learned each week, with a review of twenty-four words every fifth week. Students will be given
a pretest each week, with a posttest the following day. In addition, the students will learn how to use
these words properly in a sentence during homework practice, and oral sentences will be included on
the weekly tests.
In Math we will build upon the learning begun in kindergarten, using both the A Beka program and
the Sadlier-Oxford curriculum. We will count to 200 and recognize numbers up to 1,000. Students will
add and subtract for the number families 1-13 both on paper through daily speed drills and orally as
part of the weekly test. Learning the place value of numbers, we work with two-digit and three-digit
addition and subtraction number sentences. In the area of practical applications, we will review the
calendar and learn to count with money, to tell time, and to read the thermometer. We will develop the
concepts of fractions, graph reading, various forms of measurement, story problems, geometry, and the
concept of greater-than and less-than.
In Health we use the Harcourt curriculum to learn about our bodies and how we should take care of
them. Good safety habits are introduced and developed. Emphasis is placed on the application of these
safety practices at school and in the home, as well as in other places the students may go.
In Science we explore many exciting subjects. Using the Harcourt curriculum, we will learn about
plant and animal life, our Earth, weather, seasons, objects in our sky, as well as physical science topics
of matter and energy. Some of our lessons include experiments that the students will do in the
classroom and at home. Our field trips give our students more experiences to see these concepts in
God’s creation.
In Social Studies we learn about our world. We will learn about how our country has grown over
time, about people in our world and how we get along, as well as comparing ways people live in many
different places. We will also learn about how people earn money in the marketplace. We will also
acquire basic map skills, as well as learning about famous Americans in history. We use Harcourt for
our Social Studies curriculum.
Art, Physical Education, Music, Library, and Computer classes are offered weekly. Our students
also participate in the ACSI Spelling bee and Speech Meet. Through these activities, students are
encouraged to use their special gifts and talents for the Lord.
Field trips are very beneficial to a child’s learning. We take a hike in the fall and spring at the
Metroparks to see the wonderful world God has created. Other trips may include the Cleveland
Metroparks Zoo, North Chagrin Schoolhouse Nature Center, and the Akron Fossils and Science
Center.
Through these lessons and experiences, it is our desire that each student will “grow in the grace and
knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.”
2 Peter 3:18
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