Lower School (Grade 1-6)

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Lower Elementary Grades Prep-One – 3

The GGIS Lower Elementary curriculum features the A Beka Book Reading Program and the Saxon mathematics program as its core components. A Beka uses an intensive phonics approach to reading and writing: by the end of first grade, all students can read with comprehension and write with understanding. The Saxon Math curriculum features hands-on activities and rich mathematical conversations that actively engage students in the learning process. A variety of A Beka materials are also used for Bible, Science and Social Studies. The students enjoy special music and arts classes weekly, along with twice-weekly physical education classes.

Prep 1

With so many new skills to learn, our kindergarten is a full-day program designed to prepare the young student for a lifetime of learning. Students learn to sit for longer periods than they may be used to, practicing self-control and building listening skills.

Grade 1

In first grade, students learn phonetic reading strategies to help aid comprehension, and learn letter-sound associations, word parts, and context to identify new words. They are not only reading simple stories, but also beginning to write them. Reading well is the key to success in all subject areas, and we are committed to providing the very best reading instruction possible. Mathematics instruction uses a kinesthetic approach to shapes, addition, subtraction, graphing, measuring and much more. Students also begin to explore topics in health, community, science, and history.

Grade 2

In the second grade, students become skillful and confident readers and writers. In mathematics, they are developing deeper conceptual understanding, computational fluency, and problem-solving skills and strategies. In science they are exploring God’s world and principles of health, safety and manners. In social studies they study American history and geography, as well as the ancient civilizations of Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece, Rome, China, and the Aztecs.

Grade 3

It is often said that in grades K, 1 and 2, the focus is on students learning to read , and in grade three the focus shifts to students reading to learn. Vocabulary and comprehension skills continue to be developed in the third grade with more complex reading provided by the content area texts in science and social studies. Students work to master their basic arithmetic facts of addition, subtraction, and multiplication, with the spiral Saxon Math program building the foundational concepts and critical thinking skills required for more advanced mathematics.

Upper Elementary Grades 4 to 6

The Upper Elementary curriculum shifts to the Shurley English Program in grade 4. The teaching methods and materials used provide students with strong language and communication skills, with grammar, reading, writing and speaking skills incorporated in every lesson. Students continue to develop computational and problem solving skills with Saxon mathematics. The study of Latin is introduced in grade 5 and continues through to grade 6. A Beka and Purposeful Design Publications materials are used for most of the Bible, Science and Social Studies classes, with the introduction of World Studies in Grade 6 setting a strong foundation in geographical literacy for exploring world cultures and history in the upper grades. These students also enjoy two music classes, two art lessons, and two gym classes each week.

Grade 4

Students continue to build a strong literacy base using the highly innovative and interactive Shurley English program. While this program works exceptionally well for all our students, students with English as a second language really benefit from the strong connections established between grammar, writing and speaking. Saxon mathematics continues to build numeracy and problem solving abilities: view the scope and sequence for specifics. In Social Studies, students study the European discovery and exploration of North and South America, European pioneer settlements in the new World, British colonies, and the History of the USA.

Grade 5

With the grade 5 content area textbooks such as the European history and geography texts becoming a bigger part of the student’s daily reading diet, students learn how to read and use non-fiction, informational texts to acquire knowledge- in both guided and independent settings. In addition to this, there is a strong emphasis in our English curriculum in regards to writing. Students in the the fifth grade will be familiar with the steps, both in theory and practice, in writing a research paper. Important study habits and skills are taught and practiced, preparing them for the middle and high school classes. In grade 5 we begin Latin instruction, to both enrich the study of English and History, and to prepare students for the study of additional languages such as French and Spanish.

Grade 6

Much is expected from our Grade 6 students, with study skills becoming a critical component of academic success. Reading, writing, speaking and listening skills are practiced extensively, with critical thinking and problem solving activities featured across the curriculum.

Greater Grace International School