Redeemer Christian School
A Christ-centered classical curriculum has several distinctives that we, at Redeemer Christian School,
actively pursue. The classical education at RCS includes these elements:
•
Systematic ordering and integration of all subjects, K – 12, where God's Word and His Sovereignty is
displayed in the study of history, literature, reading, writing/composition, grammar, science,
mathematics, the fine arts (music and art) and human movement.
•
The teaching of the Christian world view in examining related scriptural principles, evaluating an
author’s or artist’s perspective and worldview, by observing language and vocabulary clues,
presuppositions, literary devices, etc. Original sources are researched.
•
The utilization of teaching techniques which complement the students' developmental characteristics,
with the purpose of gaining and mastering the information and academic skills appropriate for that
developmental level. We acknowledge a creative God that has made man in His image, and who
grants man the ability to create and think intelligently and understand his world around him. These
teaching techniques stimulate those graces that we were given as God’s image-bearers. A love for
learning and zeal to discover God’s world is fostered.
•
Classroom methodologies feature hands-on learning and techniques that are reading-and studying-based
in the active pursuit of knowledge, and not merely visual learning-based. Students learn how to
pursue knowledge and research information, and express information in various format and media.
Research skills are taught so that the student grows confident in their ability to glean information and
discover truth.
•
Classical language is studied, Latin and Greek. Thinking skills and problem-solving exercises are
paced throughout the grammar curriculum and formal logic is studied in the pert stage. Oration and
communication skills in variety of media (show and tell, joke and story-telling, mime, choral
recitation, individual recitation, poetry, dramatic arts, puppetry, etc.) are paced throughout the
education so that in the poetic stage, students engage in formal rhetoric exercises.
Content is sequenced in a way that engages the child's developmental level. Students in K through grades
5 (the grammar stage) are taught the "grammar" of all subjects, which includes the facts, vocabulary and
basic knowledge of the discipline. The grammar stage focuses on the WHAT of the discipline. Students
in grades 6 through 8 (the logic stage) are taught the WHY of the discipline: the basic rules and ordered
relationships of the information within that discipline, how information is related. Students in grades 9
through 12 are taught to use the vocabulary, knowledge, rules and relationships of the information within
the disciplines and across disciplines to make comparison and contrast, evaluate and argue the worldview,
synthesize creatively within and across disciplines.
Overview of Classical Christian Curriculum at RCS
The following provides an overview in each grade and in each subject as to the tools
utilized in meting out the elements of the classical Christian curriculum.
RCS Kindergarten
Math
Saxon 1
Phonics/Spelling
Sing, Spell, Read, Write/Saxon Phonics/Spalding; phonemic
awareness, phonograms, decoding, rules of pronunciation, fluency
in work attack, consonants, short and long vowels, sight words,
consonant digraphs
Reading
Saxon readers, children’s literature, teacher reads, individual sustained
reading time, classroom library of wide range of children’s books, print
awareness, genres-fiction vs. nonfiction, realistic fiction, Scripture,
Social Studies Student as a unique creation of God, family, church, school,
community, state, country, continent, world, universe, community helpers,
personal address, Christopher Columbus, Johnny Appleseed, Martin
Luther, Martin Luther King, Jr., George Washington Carver, Abraham
Lincoln, George Washington, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter,
Reformation Day, Thanksgiving Day Feast sponsor
Bible
Christian Schools International
(Overview of the Bible: Creation to Pentecost)
Science
Christian Schools International, observation, field trips, (5 senses,
weather, soil and plants, birds (eggs, ostrich, quail, eagle), mammals
(raccoon, pets, cats, lion, rabbit, fox), habitats, buoyancy and submersion
Art
Monart method ‘Elements of Shape’
Music
Basic concepts of sound, singing on pitch, melodic and rhythmic patterns,
Kristalbell Handbells, tempo, solfege notes, stage presence
Handwriting Pre-handwriting (motor) skills, and Abeka Cursive and Manuscript,
capital and lowercase letters in manuscript and cursive, high frequency
words in manuscript and cursive, first and last name in cursive
Other subject areas: P.E., Recitation
RCS First Grade
The classical Christian approach teaches each subject within a Christ-centered
framework. The classical “tools of learning” are employed in the classroom, which
accelerate children’s acquisition of academic skills and comprehension. These
include:
Bible
Christian Schools International (Old Testament and the Early Church),
scripture memory, Hymns of the Month, Westminster catechism
questions, memorize the books of the Bible, and 12 Tribes of Israel
Math
Saxon 2
Phonics/Spelling
Saxon Phonics; phonemic awareness, phonograms,
decoding, rules of pronunciation, fluency in work attack,
consonants, short and long vowels, sight words,
consonant digraphs, vocabulary development, dictionary skills,
Sitton Spelling 1/2
History
Assorted texts: Arizona History, geography of landforms, Arizona
Geography, Arizona Birthday party co-sponsor
Literature
Developmentally appropriate children’s literature: sequenced literal
comprehension, interpretation, critical comprehension, Scripture, genresfiction vs. nonfiction, fables, folktales, literary devices, poetry, Biblical,
animal, realistic fiction, scientific non-fiction, plays, drama, oral and
pictorial book reports
Grammar
Shurley Grammar – 1
Composition Pudewa – Excellence in Writing, journaling, note writing, copy book
Handwriting Abeka – cursive instruction, calligraphy, copy book
Art
Monart method ‘Elements of Shape’
Science
Abeka, Bob Jones, assorted texts: Skills of Scientific investigation,
Butterflies, tooth health, climates, desert animals, desert plants, water
cycle, food pyramid, exercise, sound, annual science fair, field trips
Music
Basic concepts of sound, matching pitch, melodic and rhythmic patterns,
Kristalbell Handbells, tempo, solfege notes, music history and listening
related to topics in science and history, stage presence
Other subject areas: P.E., Recitation – puppetry , Study Skills
RCS Second Grade
Bible
Veritas Press: Genesis through Joshua, scripture memory, Hymns of the
Month, Westminster catechism questions, memorize the Days of
Creation, plagues of Egypt, Ten Commandments, geography and nations
of the Middle East and Africa
Math
Saxon 3
Spelling/Phonics
Saxon/ Sitton – phonemes, spelling rules and corresponding lists,
vocabulary from children’s literature
Sitton Spelling 1/2
History
Veritas Press -- Creation, Chronological study of Ancient Egypt to its
conquering by Alexander the Great, timeline notebook, geography of near
East, field trips, class projects, awareness of original significant historical
documents (Rosetta stone, hieroglyphics, Carter’s discoveries, etc.)
Literature
Developmentally appropriate children’s literature: sequenced literal
comprehension, interpretation, critical comprehension, Scripture, genrestall tales, mystery, book series studies, literary devices, poetry, realistic
fiction, scientific nonfiction, drama-plays, oral and beginning written book
reports
Grammar
Shurley Grammar - 2
Composition Pudewa – Excellence in Writing, journaling, note writing, copy book,
paragraphs
Handwriting Abeka – cursive instruction, calligraphy, copy book
Art
Monart method ‘Drawing with Children’
Music
Basic concepts of sound, matching pitch, melodic and rhythmic patterns,
Kristalbell Handbells, dynamics, tempo, meter, solfege notes, music
history and listening related to topics in science and history, stage
presence
Science
Abeka, Bob Jones, assorted texts: skills of scientific investigation, fossils,
archaeology, bugs, light, rocks, water, preservation, other science studies
related to ancient Egypt, annual science fair, field trips
Other subject areas: P.E., Recitation, Study Skills
RCS Third Grade
Bible
Veritas Press: Judges through Kings, scripture memory, Hymns of the
Month, Westminster catechism questions, memorize the major divisions of
the books of the Bible
Math
Saxon 5/4
Spelling
Sitton – spelling rules, rimes, corresponding lists, vocabulary from
children’s literature
History
Veritas Press -- Chronological study of Ancient Greece and Rome to the
Fall of Rome, timeline notebook, geography of Mediterranean, field trips,
songs, poems, class projects, famous leaders and their impact, seven
ancient wonders of the world, memorization of the 50 states and capitals,
atlas study, awareness of original significant historical documents
Literature
Developmentally appropriate children’s literature: sequenced literal
comprehension, interpretation, critical comprehension, Scripture, genresmyth, mystery, adventure, literary devices, poetry, Greek and Roman
mythology, epic tales, oral and written book reports
Grammar
Shurley Grammar – 3
Latin
Latin for Children, Classical Academic Press, Book A
Composition Pudewa – Excellence in Writing, journaling, note writing, copy book,
short essay answers
Handwriting Abeka – cursive instruction, calligraphy, copy book
Art
Monart method ‘Elements of Shape’
Science
Abeka, Bob Jones, assorted texts: skills of scientific investigation,
astronomy, planets, stars, constellations, birds, human body, other science
studies related to ancient Greece and Rome, annual science fair, field trips
Music
Matching pitch, intervals, melodic and rhythmic patterns, singing in a
round, Partner songs – beginning part singing, beginning recorder, music
history and listening related to topics in science and history, stage
presence
Other subject areas: P.E., Recitation, Study Skills, Research Skills
RCS Fourth Grade
Bible
Veritas Press: Chronicles through Malachi, scripture memory, Hymns of
the Month, Westminster catechism questions
Math
Saxon 6/5
Spelling
Sitton – spelling rules, thematic lists, vocabulary studies
History
Veritas Press -- Chronological study of Middle Ages, Renaissance, and
Reformation, timeline notebook, maps and detailed geography of Europe
and Eastern Europe, field trips, songs, poems, class projects, famous
leaders and their impact, literature, art, music, dance, and scientific
advancements during this time period, study of original significant
historical documents, Reformation Day Festival
Grammar
Shurley Grammar – 4 and 5
Latin
Latin for Children, Classical Academic Press, Book B
Composition Pudewa – Excellence in Writing, journaling, note-writing, short essay
answers, short stories, etc.
Handwriting Abeka – cursive mastery, calligraphy, copy book
Literature
Developmentally appropriate children’s literature: sequenced literal
comprehension, interpretation, critical comprehension, Scripture, genresfables, folktales, legends, myth, mystery, adventure, nonfiction, author
studies and series, literary devices, poetry, allegory, scientific nonfiction,
historical fiction, science fiction, biography, oral and written book reports
Science
Science4Kids—Chemistry I, Biology I, and other science studies related
to the Middle Ages, annual science fair, field trips
Art
Monart method ‘Elements of Shape’
Music
Matching pitch, melodic and rhythmic patterns, singing in a round,
intervals, partner songs – beginning part singing, Continue on recorder,
music history and listening related to topics in science and history, stage
presence
Other subject areas: P.E., Recitation, Study Skills, Research Skills
RCS Fifth Grade
Bible
Veritas Press: The Gospels, scripture memory, Hymns of
the Month, Westminster catechism questions
Math
Saxon 7/6 or 8/7
Spelling/Vocab
Sitton – spelling rules, thematic lists, Wordly Wise --vocabulary
studies, word origin studies
History
Veritas Press -- Chronological study of Explorers and History from 1400
to 1815, timeline notebook, detailed physical and social geography of
North and South America, field trips, songs, poems, class projects, famous
leaders and their impact, literature, art, music, dance, and scientific
advancements during this time period, detailed map and compass study,
study of original significant historical documents, major battles,
Thanksgiving Feast co-sponsor
Literature
Developmentally appropriate children’s literature: sequenced literal
comprehension, interpretation, critical comprehension, Scripture, genresfolktales, legends, myth, mystery, adventure, nonfiction, historical fiction,
science fiction, biography, literary devices, poetry, diaries, drama, oral and
written book reports
Grammar
Shurley Grammar – 6
Latin
Latin for Children, Classical Academic Press, Book C
Composition Pudewa – Excellence in Writing
Handwriting Abeka – cursive mastery, copy book
Science
Science4Kids—Biology I, Physics I and other science studies related
to the colonial America, inventors and famous inventions, annual science
fair, field trips
Art
Monart method ‘Elements of Shape’
Music
Matching pitch, melodic and rhythmic patterns, singing in a round,
intervals, partner songs – beginning part singing, Continue on recorder,
music history and listening related to topics in science and history, stage
presence
Other subject areas: P.E., Recitation, Study Skills, Research Skills
RCS Sixth Grade
Bible
Veritas Press: Acts through Revelation, scripture memory, Hymns of
the Month, Westminster catechism questions
Math
Saxon 8/7 or Saxon Algebra 1/2
Spelling/Vocabulary Wordly Wise 2000, word usage, vocab studies
History
Veritas Press: Chronological study of America and westward expansion,
1815 to present, timeline notebook, detailed physical and social geography
of far East, field trips, songs, poems, class projects, famous leaders and
their impact, literature, art, music, dance, and scientific advancements
during this time period, major battles, detailed map and orienteering skills,
study of original significant historical documents,
Literature
Developmentally appropriate children’s literature: sequenced literal
comprehension, interpretation, critical comprehension, literary devices,
Scripture, genres- folktales, legends, myth, mystery, adventure, scientific
nonfiction, nonfiction, historical fiction, science fiction, poetry,
biography, autobiography, diaries, drama, required reading list for junior
high students, book reports
Grammar
Warriner
Latin
Latin in the Christian Trivium, Book I (Harrington)
Composition Pudewa – Excellence in Writing, Six Strands in Writing
Logic
Canon Press, Bleudorn – Informal Logic
Science
Abeka—Life Science and Healthy Living and other science studies
related to the history class of modern America, inventors and famous
inventions, annual science fair, field trips
Music
Choral singing as elective, music history and listening related to topics in
science and history, stage presence
Electives
P.E., Drama and Speech, Practical Mechanics – equipping the student to
serve practically, Photography, Computer Technology, Sewing,
Keyboarding, Film and Culture, Art Studio
RCS Seventh Grade
Bible
Overview of the Bible, Book of John, Scripture memory,
Heidelberg catechism questions
Math
Saxon Algebra ½ or Pre-Algebra
Spelling/Vocabulary Wordly Wise 2000, word usage, vocab studies
History
Gibbs-Smith -- Arizona History – physical, cultural, social and political
geography, original historic Arizona documents, map studies,
Arizona field trips, legends and historical lore, Arizona Wild West
Chuckwagon lunch
Literature
Abeka/Bob Jones--Elements of Literature: sequenced literal
comprehension, interpretation, critical comprehension, literary devices,
Scripture, genres- folktales, legends, myth, mystery, adventure, scientific
nonfiction, nonfiction, historical fiction, science fiction, poetry,
biography, autobiography, diaries, drama, required reading list for junior
high students, book reports
Grammar
Warriner
Latin
Latin in the Christian Trivium, Book II (Harrington)
Composition Pudewa – Excellence in Writing
Logic
Canon Press – Beginning Formal Logic
Science
Abeka—Earth Science, and other science studies related to the Arizona
history class, inventors and famous inventions of Arizona, annual science
fair, field trips
Electives
P.E., Drama and Speech, Practical Mechanics – equipping the student to
serve practically, Photography, Computer Technology, Sewing,
Keyboarding, Film and Culture, Art Studio, Choral Singing
RCS Eighth Grade
Bible
Genesis, Scripture memory, Heidelberg catechism questions
Math
Algebra ½ or Algebra I
Spelling/Vocabulary Wordly Wise 2000, word usage, vocab studies
History
Abeka, Bob Jones -- World Geography--physical geography, social and
political geography, field trips, literature, class projects, guest
speakers and missionary visits--exposure to foods, dress, culture from
around the world.
Literature
Abeka/Bob Jones--Elements of Literature: sequenced literal
comprehension, interpretation, critical comprehension, literary devices,
Scripture, genres- folktales, legends, myth, mystery, adventure, scientific
nonfiction, nonfiction, historical fiction, science fiction, poetry,
biography, autobiography, diaries, drama, required reading list for junior
high students, book reports
Grammar
Warriner
Latin
Latin in the Christian Trivium, Book III (Harrington)
Composition Pudewa – Excellence in Writing, Six Strands in Writing
Logic
Canon Press – Intermediate Formal Logic
Science
Abeka—Physical Science, world inventors and famous inventions, annual
science fair, field trips
Electives
P.E., Drama and Speech, Practical Mechanics – equipping the student to
serve practically, Photography, Computer Technology, Sewing,
Keyboarding, Film and Culture, Art Studio, Choral Singing
Ninth Grade
Bible
Math
Geometry or Algebra I
History
Abeka, DeMar, Bob Jones, assorted readers---U.S. Government--election
year processes, analysis of presidential party platforms, study of original
historical documents, biographies of great American leaders,
Electives:
P.E., Recitation, Study Skills, Research Skills, Drama and Speech,
Photography, Computer Technology, Sewing, Film and Culture, Protocol,
Ballroom Dance, Understanding the Times, Art Studio,
Tenth Grade
Omnibus I
Veritas Press--Studies of the
Electives:
P.E., Recitation, Study Skills, Research Skills, Drama and Speech,
Photography, Computer Technology, Sewing, Film and Culture,
Protocol, Ballroom Dance, Understanding the Times, Art Studio,
Eleventh Grade
Omnibus II Veritas Press--Studies of the
Rhetoric I
Electives:
P.E., Recitation, Study Skills, Research Skills, Drama and Speech,
Photography, Computer Technology, Sewing, Film and Culture, Protocol,
Ballroom Dance, Understanding the Times, Art Studio,
Twelfth Grade
Omnibus III Veritas Press--Studies of the
Rhetoric II
Electives:
P.E., Recitation, Study Skills, Research Skills, Drama and Speech,
Photography, Computer Technology, Sewing, Film and Culture, Protocol,
Ballroom Dance, Understanding the Times, Art Studio,