First Grade Overview
Reading
The highly acclaimed phonics-first A Beka Program leads to early independence in reading by developing early word-analysis and comprehension skills. Comprehension questions introduced help children’s literal, interpretive, and critical understanding. The wide variety of quality reading selections stimulates enjoyment of reading and appreciation of literature. The first grades will enjoy reading eight books designed to help the reader apply phonics rules learned. In addition to these readers they will be exposed to novel reading as they read The Courage of Sarah Nobel, No Longer a Nobody, and On Yonder Mountain.
Phonics
Intensive phonics is continued from kindergarten with the review of vowels, consonants, blends, one-and-two vowel words, consonant blends, and the adding of the last phonics special sounds. Once the foundational tools are taught, other language concepts are introduced, such as: sentences, rhyming words, and punctuation.
ABEKA Curriculum
Spelling
An extension of the phonics lessons is applying the rules and the concepts through spelling lessons. Each week the students are tested over a new group of spelling words. Spelling is an important task that helps to reiterate the special sounds that are taught in a phonics lesson.
History
Children learn how our country was founded and what our basic freedoms are. They meet several famous American patriots and take a trip across America. Good citizenship is emphasized, and reading skills are developed. Major countries and U.S. territories are introduced.
Book - My America and My World - ABEKA Curriculum
Health
This interesting and attractive health reader introduces first graders to the importance of good health habits and gives God the glory for the way He has designed us. Nutrition; exercise; proper rest; good posture; safety habits; and good manners at home, church, and school are emphasized. Activities help students apply good principles of health, safety, and manners.
Book - Health, Safety and Manners 2 - ABEKA Curriculum
Penmanship
This course teaches proper formation, slant, and spacing of manuscript letters. Daily practice in writing, reviews what the student is learning in phonics, beginning with single letters and progressing to blends, special sounds, and words.
Book - Writing with Phonics - ABEKA Curriculum
Math
The curriculum builds upon the students’ schema of facts and understanding the orderliness of God’s universe. Children enjoy the colorful art and the division of the book into four themes: zoo, farm, ocean, and springtime. Arithmetic 1 emphasizes number concepts, computational skills, accuracy, and speed. The concepts taught include addition with carrying, subtraction, telling time, money values, temperature, place values, simple story problems, measurements, and a simple introduction to multiplication and fractions.
Book - Arithmetic 1 - ABEKA Curriculum
Bible
Bible time includes the pledge to the Christian flag, the American flag, and the Bible. This special time includes hymns and “fun” songs, memory verses, prayer time, and the Bible time. The focus of the year is Enjoying God’s Gifts. The curriculum uses stories throughout the Old and New Testament to teach about the multitude of God’s gifts to His children. Verses are learned along with each story, emphasizing various truths taught in the lesson. Our goal is to teach each boy and girl how to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ (John 3:16) and to set Christian standards in their life. (Phil. 4:8)
Positive Action for Christ Curriculum
Science
In science, the students recognize that God is the great Designer who sets the laws of nature. The studies of plants, animals, insects, energy, health, the seasons, and the five senses provide an excellent introduction to science, with the emphasis on building reading skills. Hands-on and other activities help increase comprehension of basic concepts.
Book - Discovering God's World - ABEKA Curriculum
| 