BCS Elementary School Information
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Kindergarten | 1st Grade | 2nd Grade | 3rd Grade | 4th Grade | 5th Grade
Welcome to Kindergarten
Berks Christian School offers full-day kindergarten and half-day kindergarten
Reading & Writing
We use a phonetic approach for reading. As each letter is introduced, we learn the letter sound and how to write it. We blend the sounds to read and write words. We begin building the words into sentences and then stories, reading fluently and increase speed.
Math ~ Numbers
Kindergarteners learn to recognize numbers and write them. We can count by ones, twos, fives, and tens. We learn addition to the sums of 10, telling time, counting money, patterns, and the concept of subtraction with the use of manipulatives to aid our understanding and critical thinking skills.
Science ~ God’s World
We learn that God is the Creator of all things, and He has a plan for all of His creation. We learn his plan for weather, seasons, plants, animals, the seashore, and me!
Bible
It is fun to learn Bible stories with the use of visuals that hold our attention and complete work in our curriculum’s workbook. We learn a Bible verse with each lesson.
Social Studies
We learn about communities and community helpers, our country, America, and children of the world.
Field trips and special activities
We have fun on our field trip to the Lehigh Valley Zoo. Our class performs a program for nursing home residents for our Serve-a-thon project. The culmination of our year is when we walk down the aisle in our “grown-up” caps and gowns for kindergarten graduation. Family and friends join with us to celebrate this meaningful occasion.
Welcome to 1st Grade
Berks Christian 1st grade students work hard and enjoy many celebrations that add the sparkle and fun every child needs as they learn and grow.
Language Arts
We use a phonics-based approach to reading. We begin by reviewing and/or learning the sounds of each letter of the alphabet and then learn the five vowels with their short and long sounds. We add fun phonics charts with letter combinations, “special sounds”, that are the “exceptions to the rules” in our English language. We memorize a word that contains that sound to use for easy reference when we are reading.
All of us are involved in daily reading groups with three to seven peers where we practice decoding and comprehension skills with our friends who have a similar reading ability.
We love our phonics curriculum and our parents and teachers do too! It is very thorough and most of us are reading simple chapter books at the end of the year.
Our teacher encourages good spelling with a weekly spelling list and test. Every time we receive a perfect score, we get to add a paper chocolate chip to our pretend cookie. When we fill our paper cookie with five chips, we are rewarded with a REAL CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIE! We love celebrating excellent spelling!
We practice handwriting with a pre-cursive alphabet, a form of manuscript handwriting. Our teacher encourages us as we learn to form letters and write neatly using lines as our guide. This helps us develop nice penmanship.
Math
1st graders learn math through curriculum that is based on a traditional approach. Our teacher makes it fun and tells our parents that learning math this way promotes structure and order so we have an excellent base to promote critical thinking skills. We are encouraged to learn and memorize addition and subtraction facts. We complete independent work each day in addition to directed math activities. Daily speed drills help us memorize math facts and weekly tests help the grown-ups know our strong areas and also the areas we need additional practice.
Science
We participate in many observations and activities that point us to our Creator God. Our curriculum has many interesting topics that increase our knowledge of the five senses and sense organs, the sun and moon, and the study of growing things. We complete our science notebook that expands our understanding.
Bible
First graders at Berks Christian love Bible class! Our teacher has a very hands-on and interactive approach with teaching us. The Bible stories revolve around the theme that God has given His children gifts—the gift of a place to live, the gift of family, the gift of leaders, the gift of His Word, and the ultimate Gift of His Son, Jesus! We learn even more about God’s Word in elementary chapel.
Each week we memorize a verse or passage that relates to our Bible story. Throughout the month of December, we memorize Luke 2:8-16. Hand motions are taught with the passage and it amazes our parents, grandparents, and friends that we are able to memorize the entire passage. As we learn to “hide God’s Word in our hearts” (Psalm 119:11), we learn it as a tool for God to use to keep us walking close to Him as we grow and mature.
History
American history comes alive during 1st grade. Some of our topics include: our flag, the freedoms we enjoy, the Pilgrim’s trip from England, and famous Americans. Social studies are incorporated as we discuss community helpers and their role in our towns and cities. In May, our class takes an imaginary trip around the world to visit countries on each continent to promote an understanding of other cultures and nations. We learn history from a Biblical perspective knowing that God continues to have a plan for all the people He has created.
Field Trips and Special Activities
Although activities may vary from year to year, some of our annual celebrations include: October Harvest Party, Thanksgiving feast with Native Americans and Pilgrims attending, Christmas Party, January’s Teddy Bear Month with our indoor Teddy Bear Picnic. Valentine’s Day party, ONE-HUNDRED DAY celebration, Dr. Suess’ green eggs and ham day, Easter celebration of Jesus’ resurrection, and the Berks Christian Serve-a-thon where we go into our community and let the light of Jesus shine through our lives! In addition, we enjoy one or two field trips each year to places like—Weaver’s Orchard, TheaterWorks USA, Sight and Sound, or Science “Walk through the Woods.”
Welcome to 2nd Grade
Berks Christian School 2nd graders learn and grow in a friendly, fun, and safe environment, developing as individuals while learning teamwork and the value of friendships.
Language Arts
We use our phonics rules and skills to read fun and relevant stories. This is a year of building confidence and enthusiasm in reading as we develop our reading skills of fluency, expression, and comprehension.
Our teacher introduces nouns and verbs in 2nd grade. We use them to make good sentences. We learn the writing process as we write stories, poems, book reports, and letters.
2nd graders have a weekly spelling list that helps us develop our spelling and vocabulary skills.
Math
A favorite subject of 2nd grade is math. We use visuals, hands-on manipulatives, and games to learn and reinforce foundational math concepts of addition, subtraction with regrouping, place value, counting patterns, counting money, telling time, and simple fractions. Our teacher introduces basic multiplication and division.
Science
We learn to love God’s world as we gain understanding of plants and other living things, forces, light and shadows, human bones and muscles, and Earth’s history, shape, and layers. Each student uses a science notebook to record observations. We do fun activities and experiments to reinforce our learning.
Bible
Stories about the lives of exciting Bible heroes teach us 36 godly character traits. To learn about these traits, we use storytelling, visuals, music, role-play, Bible memory, and hands-on application tools. We attend elementary chapel to increase our knowledge of God’s Word.
History
Our history focus is America, our great country. We learn more about our flag and the freedoms for which it stands and America’s patriotic holidays and songs. The remainder of our year is spent learning about the people who built America: the Separatists, Native Americans, Colonists, Pioneers, Cowboys, and Immigrants.
Field Trips and Special Activities
Along with all the holiday parties 2nd graders enjoy, the highlight of our year in Bible is when we do a play about one of our favorite Bible heroes during elementary chapel. Each year we enjoy a day at the Landis Valley Museum to experience colonial life in America. We also enjoy a theater production of a classic children’s book each year. Bi-annual field trips may include places such as—The Crayola Factory, Planetarium, and the Philadelphia Zoo. School spirit and our Bible lessons prepare us for our 2nd grade Serve-a-thon project each year.
Welcome to 3rd Grade
Third grade is an exciting year of transformation. Students make a shift from learning fundamental skills to becoming independent learners and thinkers.
Language Arts
The concept of reading to learn independently is mastered in 3rd grade. Comprehension checks show that we have a good understanding of the material. We learn to dissect stories into sections for more complete understanding. Our teacher reads aloud so we can improve our fluency. We read mysteries and the author, E.B. White, is highlighted. We have personal reading goals to get a Book-It prize each month.
We write a book report and learn to present the information to the class orally. Third graders learn to write a narrative and learn how to use quotations.
Math
All the basic operations in addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division continue in 3rd grade. This is the year we become proficient with multiplication tables, 0-12. We see the beginnings of 2-3 digit multiplication and division. We develop a conceptual understanding of practical applications. Daily review sections are incorporated in the curriculum with cumulative reviews after the completion of each unit.
Science
We enjoy experiments and hands-on activities as we learn science. We learn about God’s creation including: mammals, reptiles, and amphibians. The highlight of the unit is when we choose a habitat and create a diorama including plant and animal life. We learn about matter, mass, and focus on the solar system. Another fun project we complete is a model of the solar system and give a presentation.
Bible
Our curriculum takes us on a journey through the life of Jesus, beginning with His birth to His ascension. Third graders learn character traits with Jesus’ life as our model. We also attend weekly chapels.
We learn weekly and bi-weekly Bible verses with daily review during class.
History
Famous Americans’ lives teach us about leadership. With map studies, we learn about geography as well. A supplemental history unit focuses on African-American history that highlights the Underground Railroad. We do a report and presentation to make the unit come alive.
Field Trips and Special Activities
We like to celebrate with classroom holiday parties. Our teacher loves to show us some seasonal flair by taking us to the kitchen to bake cornbread and other yummy treats. We go on a field trip to the Planetarium to enrich our understanding of Earth science. Some other fun field trips may include a combined elementary trip to the Crayola Factory and Historical Societies.
Welcome to 4th Grade
Berks Christian 4th graders are beginning to mature into independent and self-motivated students. They enjoy recess, field trips, and friendships.
Language Arts
We learn the eight parts of speech and build on the knowledge as we continue with writing units. We understand the use of the writing process from pre-writing to the final draft and use it to complete a personal narrative, a tall tale, a mystery, and a “how to” letter. We know how to complete research for reports by using the library and information technology efficiently. We develop the ability to use contextual clues to discover the meaning of words. We continue to read to reach our Book-it goals and enjoy our teacher’s reading of classroom favorites, The Cabin Faced West by Jean Fritz and Ben and Me by Robert Lawson.
Math
At the end of fourth grade we will understand place value, be able to do addition and subtraction including decimals, master multiplication and long division (multi-digit). We will have learned about graphs, averages, the use of calculators, and a higher level of problem solving. Additional geometry information, fractions, mixed numbers, and measurements become part of our repertoire of knowledge. Our math curriculum provides for cumulative reviews so we become proficient with the concepts.
Science
Research skills are sharpened as we focus on hypothesizing, predicting, measuring, experimenting, making models, classifying, identifying and controlling variables, and defining operationally. We typically have an ant farm that is used for observation during our insect unit. A unit about electricity introduces us to circuits—series and parallel. A fun project with balloons enables us to see static electricity first hand. Other units allow us to experience the many facets of scientific knowledge to broaden our base—physics (forces and machines), Earth science, geology, and biology.
Bible
4th grade curriculum has fun fictional characters, Sherlock & Woolfson--the talking dog, who lead us through the attributes of God and the fundamentals of the faith at our level. We memorize Scripture on a regular basis and attend weekly chapel services.
History
We delve into Pennsylvania History with the culmination of our very own Pennsylvania State Notebook. We learn about the geography of our state in addition to that of all the states and their capitals. Other American History is included in our program of studies.
Field Trips and Special Activities
Favorite fourth grade field trips include our annual trips to Harrisburg and the Berks County Historical Society. A trip to Valley Forge may be included as well.
Welcome to 5th Grade
We focus on two main goals throughout the year. Much attention is given to encouraging each other and building each other up as shown in Ephesians 4:29-32. We also work hard on doing things right the first time by giving attention to detail.
Language Arts
The curriculum offers fun and consistent ways to delve deeper into grammar content with alternating chapters in writing to further prepare us for middle school. We learn to write a persuasive essay and book reviews. We also write a report on a lesser-known missionary of our choice who, then, becomes famous to our class when we present our report. Poetry written in the Diamante form may grace the halls for visitors to read. We continue with spelling lists and tests to improve our vocabulary.
We are encouraged to read for Book-It and our teacher shows us how an experienced reader reads books that are meant to pique our interest to enrich our personal reading—books with topics such as science fiction, adventure, and biographical topics.
Math
Critical thinking is taken to the next step with a hands-on, manipulative approach to prepare us for higher math. Place value of whole numbers and decimals, multiplication and division of decimals, number theories, fractions—addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, ratios, proportions, percents, metric and customary (English) measurements, area, perimeter, volume, statistics, graphing, and probabilities are all mastered in 5th grade. The curriculum provides for cumulative reviews to keep the knowledge of beginning concepts fresh in our minds.
Science
We study geology, biomes, ecosystems, sound and light. The highlight of 5th grade in association with the Penn State extension program is the hands-on approach to learning about embryology. Our classroom houses an incubator where we watch baby chicks hatch while learning all about the chicks’ formation inside the egg. We then have the opportunity to adopt some of them for our very own personal farming experience.
Bible
Our love for Bible class is contagious. Our lessons focus on God’s revelation of Himself. We learn about the Old Testament promises—Abrahamic and Davidic. Part of our curriculum is an overview of leaders in the Old Testament and a study of the way God used judges who depended on the Sovereignty of God. Unit tests on content are preparation for middle school.
A daily devotional time is provided where students read God’s Word for themselves and journal Biblical principles along with prayer requests.
Weekly Scripture memorization may include a verse or passage (i.e. John 1:1-30). Many are amazed at our ability to memorize this entire passage; however, with our teacher’s daily reviews, we can actually say that it is quite easy.
We learn classic hymns of the faith and sing together in the classroom. We enjoy elementary chapels on a weekly basis.
History
Old World History of Major Civilizations has us learning interesting facts about Egypt, Greece, Rome, and the Middle East. We have a continent study with map studies included. History comes alive in our classroom with a 5th grade tradition—HISTORY SKITS! We perform skits for our classmates every week for emphasis of the historical facts we learned.
Field Trips and Special Activities
We participate in fun projects for added learning. We make homemade rock candy (yummy!) and graduated cylinders for science class. A trip to Indian Echo Cavern helps us see examples of rocks and minerals, first-hand. We visit the University Museum in Philadelphia for a field trip of the museum and a guided tour of the Egyptian exhibit. And, of course, we have additional classroom fun with our holiday parties.
Computer Lab/Technology
We learn correct posture while seated at the computer. We learn to identify parts of the computer with fun activities. We demonstrate keyboard familiarity (enter, space bar, arrow keys, tab, etc.), use of the mouse (click, double click, dragging, pointing), opening and exiting software programs with the use of the tool bar. Elementary students gain an understanding of teamwork as we collaborate with other classmates. Our imaginations soar with exciting software programs that introduce us to the graphic arts.