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Elementary Curriculum and Textbooks

 


Temple has adopted a variety of research-based curricula and textbooks, including BJU Press, A Beka and Saxon Math. Each subject is taught through a Biblical worldview, engaging students with age-appropriate content and encouraging critical thinking.

 

 

Phonics, Reading, Science, and History
These subjects are incorporated together to provide a strong beginning to phonemic awareness, phonics, word families, sight words, early reading, and writing. Students will develop such skills as listening, oral composition, and reading comprehension. Historical empathy for how people lived and worked long ago reinforces the concept of civic behavior: how we interact respectfully with each other, following rules, and respecting the rights of others.

Numbers
Aid your child’s curiosity in numbers while building a strong arithmetic foundation at this early age. Your child will learn numbers concepts from 1-100 and practical skills including telling time, bill and coins value, using the calendar, and addition. Students will be exposed to subtraction and measurement.  Written and oral evaluations measure how well your child grasps these important concepts. The Saxon Math curriculum has an incremental structure that distributes content throughout the year. This integrated and connected approach provides deep, long-term mastery of the content and skills called for in new, rigorous standards.

Bible
Using the A Beka curriculum, students engage in Bible timeline accounts on a systematic yearly basis. Students are introduced to accounts from the Old and New Testaments. Students memorize Scripture on a weekly basis. They also enjoy singing and praying together each day.

Writing
Students will be given a foundation for learning the basic pre-cursive writing strokes. The writing program is correlated with their phonics. As they learn to recognize the letters of the alphabet and their sounds, they also learn to write.

English
Students combine phonics, reading, listening, comprehension, creative writing, and grammar. The six units cover short and long vowels, single consonant blends, and diagraphs, r-influenced vowels, special vowel sounds, silent consonants, suffixes, and syllable division. Phonics patterns are also taught using word families. Phonics characters make phonics generalizations fun and memorable.

Reading
These young readers are introduced to a variety of colorfully illustrated fiction, poems, plays, articles, and Bible stories. Reading selections are developed to incorporate phonics, English skills, service words, and word families. New vocabulary words for each story are introduced in sample sentences to provide context clues. Discussion questions and teaching strategies give opportunities to develop critical thinking skills and comprehension. Both oral and silent reading habits are developed.

Spelling
Knowing how to spell words correctly and use them in context is key to success in school, in the workplace, and in life. Students learn about word relationships and structural patterns, introducing a manageable spelling list of relevant words each week. Practice tests and reinforcement activities build student confidence for each test.

Mathematics
The Saxon Math curriculum has an incremental structure that distributes content throughout the year. This integrated and connected approach provides deep, long-term mastery of the content and skills called for in new, rigorous standards. Concepts include counting, writing and reading numbers, place value, addition and subtraction, money, graphs, measurement, time, temperature, and fractions. Applications to real-world situations stretch students’ thinking ability.

Science
Students will begin on the path of scientific inquiry with an introduction to the senses, heat, sound, animals, and heavenly bodies--presenting God as the Creator of all things.

History
Following the events in the New World from pre-1000 to 1682, students will learn about the Vikings, Columbus, Plymouth Plantation, trading, Native Americans, and early homes and schools.

Bible
Using the A Beka curriculum, students engage in Bible timeline accounts on a systematic yearly basis. Students are introduced to accounts from the Old and New Testaments. Students memorize Scripture on a weekly basis. They also enjoy singing and praying together each day.


Handwriting
Students are introduced to PreCursive models for the entire alphabet. Proper letter formation is reinforced by copying Scripture, poetry, words, phrases, and sentences with simple writing instructions.

English
Instruction and learning emphasizes traditional grammar, such as parts of speech, sentence structure, and mechanics, and provides practice with essential reference skills. Students learn the step-by-step use of the Writing Process to produce several types of writing assignments, such as a friendly letter, a make-believe story, instructions, a book report, and more.

Reading
Reading instruction in the 2nd grade encourages higher-level thinking, emphasizes character traits and Biblical principles and truths, and helps students grow in reading comprehension with compelling stories.

Spelling
Knowing how to spell words correctly and use them in context is key to success in school, in the workplace, and in life. Students learn about word relationships and structural patterns, introducing a manageable spelling list of relevant words each week. Practice tests and reinforcement activities build student confidence for each test.

Mathematics
The Saxon Math curriculum has an incremental structure that distributes content throughout the year. This integrated and connected approach provides deep, long-term mastery of the content and skills called for in new, rigorous standards. Foundational concepts such as addition with carrying and subtraction with borrowing are greatly emphasized and reviewed. Counting money, telling time, and reading graphs are more concepts that your child will learn and build upon.

Science
Students will be introduced to science process skills in order to learn and tell about God’s creation. Learning will focus on what scientists do, living things, plants, environments, fossils and dinosaurs, the layers and features of the earth, how the earth moves, natural resources, light, forces and motion, and how the body works. The student develops his science process skills as he participates in hands-on activities and projects.

History
Students explore American culture in colonial times from Jamestown to the War for Independence. The text features colorful illustrations and discussions of colonial farming, shop keeping, clothing, and also interesting information about kings and queens in Europe ruling at the time.

Bible
Using the A Beka curriculum, students engage in Bible timeline accounts on a systematic yearly basis. Students are introduced to accounts from the Old and New Testaments. Students memorize Scripture on a weekly basis. They also enjoy singing and praying together each day.

Penmanship
D'Nealian Handwriting is the original continuous stroke handwriting program! It's based on a few simple connecting strokes that children then use to write in cursive.

English
This course fosters an appreciation of language as a gift from God, develop the correct use of English grammar in written and oral communication, use the Writing Process to teach different types of compositions, encourage clear and effective writing, develop study and reference skills, improve listening and speaking skills, and encourage enjoyment through chapter themes and connections to other subject areas.

Reading
This course provides the framework for students to become self-confident, independent readers. This is achieved through a phonetic approach to reading, utilizing quality literature that encourages Christian growth. Reading instruction is accomplished using carefully chosen novels. Students are given time in class each day for independent reading.

Spelling
Knowing how to spell words correctly and use them in context is key to success in school, in the workplace, and in life. Students learn about word relationships and structural patterns, introducing a manageable spelling list of relevant words each week. Practice tests and reinforcement activities build student confidence for each test.

Mathematics
The Saxon Math curriculum has an incremental structure that distributes content throughout the year. This integrated and connected approach provides deep, long-term mastery of the content and skills called for in new, rigorous standards. Mastering multiplication and division is emphasized in the third grade. Students will apply arithmetic concepts to everyday situations through word problems and measurement conversions. They will work with fractions as they learn to reduce, add, and subtract these parts of a whole. Mathematics is taught with the purpose of teaching students that reality does have structure and order that was created by an orderly God.

Science
The goals of this course are to develop a knowledge of God, encourage Christian growth, and promote scientific literacy. Students will establish foundational science facts, skills for further science instruction, balance presentation of facts with active participation, use the scientific method, integrate science into everyday life, and affect a positive attitude toward science through active participation and relevant discussions.   This course discusses a spectrum of scientific fields including cold and warm-blooded animals, plants, ecosystems, matter, sound, energy in motion, soil, rocks and minerals, weather, the Solar System, cells, tissues, organs, and skin.

History
Heritage Studies focuses on the story of America from the framing of the Constitution up until the days of the Wild West. Students will relive key moments in our nation’s history and discover interesting traditions from the past. Exciting activities provide students with an outlet for the facts they learn.

Bible
Using the ACSI Purposeful Design curriculum, students focus on the foundational teachings from the Bible about the nature and character of God, the qualities of His people, and His church. Students are given an overview of the Bible, with an emphasis on God’s attributes, biblical characters, the early Church, and what it means to know Jesus Christ and live for Him. Third grade focuses Daniel, Esther, Ezra/Nehemiah, the life of Christ, Christ’s resurrection and crucifixion, salvation, and the life of Paul. Students also enjoy special lessons during Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter.

Penmanship
D'Nealian Handwriting is a continuous stroke handwriting program. It's based on a few simple connecting strokes that children then use to write in cursive. Students will focus on letter forms, size, slant, rhythm, and spacing as they write each day.

English
An emphasis is placed on English grammar and usage as well as practice with essential reference skills for using dictionaries and encyclopedias. Parts of speech and sentence structures are examined in detail to help students gain a mastery of grammar. The Writing Process is explained step-by-step to be implemented in a variety of writing assignments, such as a personal narrative, a research report, and a business letter.

Reading
This course provides the framework for students to become self-confident, independent readers. This is achieved through a phonetic approach to reading, utilizing quality literature that encourages Christian growth. Reading instruction is accomplished using carefully chosen novels. Students are given time in class each day for independent reading.

Spelling
Knowing how to spell words correctly and use them in context is key to success in school, in the workplace, and in life. Students learn about word relationships and structural patterns, introducing a manageable spelling list of relevant words each week. Practice tests and reinforcement activities build student confidence for each test.

Mathematics
The Saxon Math curriculum has an incremental structure that distributes content throughout the year. This integrated and connected approach provides deep, long-term mastery of the content and skills called for in new, rigorous standards. Students will learn basic math concepts, such as multiplication, division, and simple algebra necessary to build on more difficult concepts. These skills prepare the students to think in concrete, practical and abstract manners. Students will also practice multiplying and dividing 2-digit numbers, estimating, and writing decimals as fractions.  Your child will solidify his understanding of square measures, simple geometry, proper and improper fractions. Daily word problems and supplemental problems provide ample opportunity for application and review.

Science
Students explore creation through an understandable and engaging presentation of text, diagrams, photographs, and illustrations. This course discusses a spectrum of scientific fields including ecosystems, plants, insects, the eye, the digestive system, and principles of motion and energy.

History
Students study Texas History in-depth in fourth grade. Students will look at the early explorers, Spanish missions, Americans in Texas, The Texas Revolution, The Republic of Texas, statehood, government and economy, and Texas animals. History gives students the record of God’s plan for mankind as related to man’s creation and fall. It gives them the redemptive plan of God and the fulfillment of God’s perfect will and purpose for His creation. History texts again and again show students the consequences of sin for men and empires. They also extol those who are good examples of godly living.

Bible
Using the ACSI Purposeful Design curriculum, students focus on the foundational teachings from the Bible about the nature and character of God, the qualities of His people, and His church. Students are given an overview of the Bible, with an emphasis on God’s attributes, biblical characters, the early Church, and what it means to know Jesus Christ and live for Him. Fourth grade focuses on the truth of the Bible, attributes of God, the Trinity, mankind, the sin nature and consequences, Christ’s birth and Jesus Christ as substitute, salvation, the Holy Spirit, the Church, the Christian life and responsibilities, angels, eternity, and Christ’s return. Students also enjoy special lessons during Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter.

Penmanship
D'Nealian Handwriting is a continuous stroke handwriting program. It's based on a few simple connecting strokes that children then use to write in cursive. Students will focus on letter forms, size, slant, rhythm, and spacing as they write each day.

English
Students study traditional grammar and are guided through the step-by-step use of the Writing Process for a variety of writing assignments, such as compare-contrast essays, persuasive business letters, research reports, and more.

Reading
This course provides the framework for students to become self-confident, independent readers. This is achieved through a phonetic approach to reading, utilizing quality literature that encourages Christian growth. Reading instruction is accomplished using carefully chosen novels. Students are given time in class each day for independent reading.

Spelling
Knowing how to spell words correctly and use them in context is key to success in school, in the workplace, and in life. Students learn about word relationships and structural patterns, introducing a manageable spelling list of relevant words each week. Practice tests and reinforcement activities build student confidence for each test.

Mathematics
The Saxon Math curriculum has an incremental structure that distributes content throughout the year. This integrated and connected approach provides deep, long-term mastery of the content and skills called for in new, rigorous standards.

Science
Students explore God’s creation in a study of minerals and rocks, fossils, matter and heat, sound and light, weather, ecosystems, and the respiratory and circulatory systems. Students develop science process skills by participating in hands-on activities and projects.

History
In fifth grade, Heritage Studies continues the narrative of American history from the development of the automobile in the late 1800s through the inauguration of President Obama in 2009. Topics are presented from a biblical perspective and include the invention and influence of the automobile and airplane, World War I, the Roaring Twenties, the Great Depression, World War II, the Vietnam War, struggles over civil rights, the war on terror, Afghanistan and Iraq wars, and immigration decisions.

Bible
Using the ACSI Purposeful Design curriculum, students focus on the foundational teachings from the Bible about the nature and character of God, the qualities of His people, and His church. Students are given an overview of the Bible, with an emphasis on God’s attributes, biblical characters, the early Church, and what it means to know Jesus Christ and live for Him. Fifth grade focuses on Old Testament accounts such as Abraham and Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Joshua and Caleb, Achan, the period of the Judges, Deborah, Gideon, Samson, Ruth, Samuel, Saul, David, Absalom, Solomon, the divided kingdom, Elijah and Elisha, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Daniel, Ezra, Nehemiah, and the promise of the coming Messiah. Students also enjoy special lessons during Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter.

Penmanship
D'Nealian Handwriting is a continuous stroke handwriting program. It's based on a few simple connecting strokes that children then use to write in cursive. Students will focus on letter forms, size, slant, rhythm, and spacing as they write each day.

Physical Education
The Temple elementary PE program is dedicated to provide daily opportunities for the students to learn and practice a wide range of skills that are age appropriate. Our goal is to develop physical fitness while promoting a positive attitude towards life long physical activity and a healthy lifestyle.

Art
In elementary Art, children are encouraged to express themselves using line, shape, color, and texture. They are encouraged to respond to their own art, as well as that of artists throughout history. Visual discrimination and small motor skills are developed. Students have the opportunity to participate in theTCS Gallery Night each spring.

Music
KINDERGARTEN classes are held one day a week for 30 minutes. Students engage in a story based curriculum, leading them through age appropriate explanations of basic music theory. Traditional folk songs and songs designed to support theory concepts provide vocal experience and added movement increases rhythmic coordination. Rhythm and pitched instruments are incorporated in daily lessons to complete a well-rounded music education.

FIRST AND SECOND GRADES are introduced to choral singing. They learn proper choral techniques in diction, breathing and singing on pitch. Once-weekly lessons begin with theory. Students learn to recognize the different aspects of written music, utilizing proper names of symbols and abbreviations as they appear on a score, and note names of lines and spaces on the treble staff. These students sing under the name of the TCS Eaglet Choir, our youngest group. They perform in the Elementary Christmas Chapel, and in the Spring Elementary Choral Concert.

THIRD GRADE continues to improve in choral singing. Proper techniques in diction, breathing and singing on pitch are continued. Part singing is introduced in this group. The study of theory is continued as well. This class meets in twice a week, 30-minute classes. These students sing under the name of the TCS Eagle Choir, a training choir. They perform in the TCS Choral Department Christmas Concert, the ACSI Choral Festival and the Spring Elementary Choral Concert.

FOURTH AND FIFTH GRADES have the option of auditioning for the Eagle Honor Choir or beginning instrument studies in the Elementary Band.

EAGLE HONOR CHOIR students have class twice a week for 45 minutes each day. Proper techniques in diction, breathing and singing on pitch are continued. Part singing is practiced in this group. The study of theory is continued as well. They perform for Grandparent’s Day, in the Fall Carnival, TCS Choral Department Christmas Concert, the ACSI Choral Festival and the Spring Elementary Choral Concert.


Russian
The Elementary Russian program introduces the fundamental elements of the Russian language focusing on basic listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. Students learn conversational basics and practice functional structures in the context of songs, interactive activities, drama, and competitive games. Topics include: greetings, numbers, colors, bible verses, calendar, weather, food preferences, description of self and others, family relationships, and giving instructions to peers and elders. An appreciation of different cultures of the Russian speaking world is also an integral part of the program.

Computer

Pre K through 5th grade students visit the computer lab once a week for grade level instruction. Students work on a variety of elements designed to give them a broad spectrum of skills. Classroom teachers partner with the lab instructor to design lessons that support what is being learned in the classroom. By upper elementary, students are able to use online tools as well as Microsoft Word to create documents and research projects.

Library
Elementary students come to the library once a week for structured classes. A wide variety of books, both fiction and non-fiction, are available for check-out. Group reading and individual reading are emphasized in the classes. Students in the third grade and up complete at least one book every two weeks, followed by a short review. Our goal is to teach a love of reading through books and activities.