Calumet Christian School

Elementary

Calumet Christian School has an outstanding course of study because there is coherent content from grade to grade. Steady academic progress is possible because the students build their knowledge and skills from one year to the next. The school uses a variety of proven instructional methods, including multimedia computers. We maintain an excellent student-to-teacher ratio, ensuring an attentive and personal environment necessary to meet student’s unique educational needs. The curriculum is rich in content and successfully prepares students to enter both private and public high schools. The students have dedicated weekly library time. In addition, high quality, specialty instruction for music, art and physical education completes a well-rounded education. Instrumental music also is available for students in fifth through eighth grades. Superior curriculum, which emphasizes math, language arts and the sciences coupled with a dedicated staff, result in Calumet students consistently performing well above grade level on standardized tests.

Curriculum Goals

Language Arts Overview

CCS seeks to develop in students a foundational understanding and appreciation for the English language. Our Language Arts program includes reading, writing, grammar, spelling, vocabulary, oral and written English, and literature. We use a multi sensory approach to writing, spelling and reading. As students move from elementary to middle school a shift will occur; from “learning to read” to “reading to learn”. Students will be exposed to a diversity of literary works and genre – some quite challenging – exploring various themes, moral lessons, and spiritual applications. Students will practice a variety of writing styles, concentrating on developing, organizing, and expressing their ideas in a creative and effective manner. By the conclusion of eighth grade students, possess an age appropriate grasp of the structure, diversity, and beauty of the English language.

Resources:

Spelling & Phonics ~ Riggs Institute, White, South Dakota

Grammar & Writing ~ Voyages in English, Loyola Press, Chicago, Illinois

Literature Selections ~ Core Knowledge Foundation Charlottesville, Virginia

Reading ~ The Wonders Program, McGraw-Hill Education, Blacklick, Ohio

Mathematics

Math in Focus provides an authentic Singapore math curriculum—highlighting problem solving as the focus of mathematical learning. This complete program teaches concepts using a concrete–pictorial–abstract learning progression to anchor learning in real-world, hands-on experiences, supported by seamless integration of technology with the use of eBooks, Interactive Whiteboard activities, online student activities, online manipulatives, and a bar modeling app .

Math in Focus adapts instruction to the needs of individual learners through scaffolding, the systematic sequencing of prompted content and support to optimize learning. The ultimate goal of scaffolding is to gradually remove the supports as the learner masters the task.

Resources:

Math in Focus: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Orlando, Florida

http://www.hmhco.com/shop/education-curriculum/math/math-in-focus-singapore-math

Social Studies

The instructional goal for social studies is for students to grasp how geography and events in history influences their lives, culture, and the world. Students will understand how they can learn from history, in order to avoid past mistakes, in the present and future.

Resources:

The Americas: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Orlando, Florida

Ohio Social Studies 4th Grade: McGraw-Hill Education Columbus, Ohio

Core Knowledge Foundation objectives and recommended textbook selections.

http://www.coreknowledge.org/

Science

Our Science curriculum helps students develop an understanding of the unity and diversity of the natural (empirical) world. Our goal is to foster an understanding of the nature of science, the development of science processes, the principles of science, and the connections between the Physical, Life, Earth, and Space sciences. Our aim is to prepare students to use the appropriate scientific processes and principles in making personal decisions. Students should be equipped to engage intelligently in public discourse about matters of scientific and technological concern. Students will be able to apply scientific knowledge and processes to individual and societal issues.

Resources:

Core Knowledge Foundation objectives and recommended textbook selections.

Ohio Science A Closer Look : Macmillan McGraw-Hill Columbus, Ohio

http://www.coreknowledge.org/

Bible

We aim to help students learn about God, themselves, and the world God made. In combination with applying Biblical principles to everyday classroom situations, we offer an outstanding Bible Curriculum that includes memory verses, character development, and training in Christian apologetics. We hope to support parents in helping students cultivate critical thinking, Christ-like character, and a deep love for Jesus. 

For more information on our Bible Curriculum, please visit https://deeprootsbible.com/ where you'll find the scope and sequence for each grade, sample unit materials, and parent resources.  where you'll find the scope and sequence for each grade, sample unit materials, and parent resources. 

Physical Education

The goal of our Physical Education program is to provide students with a vision of the importance of physical activity in their lives, the skills needed to lead a healthy lifestyle, and bi-weekly opportunities to cultivate this vision and develop skills in a fun, supportive atmosphere. A multi-activity approach will be used to give students a chance to participate, learn skills and strategies, and knowledge of individual and team activities.

Visual Art

The goal of our art program is to give students the ability to use and apply basic art principles in visual communication. Understanding and use of the four elements of art: line, color, shape, and texture will give students foundational skills to apply the principals of design: repetition, pattern, balance, proportion and emphasis to what they create. The design of the curriculum builds on skills year to year within this framework. Our lessons are developed to guide and challenge students to translate their visual ideas into two or three-dimensional forms. We expose students to a variety of media and give them opportunities to explore and develop their visual expression.

Music

The mission of the Music Department is to provide all students with an appreciation of music, including the skills to read, perform, and enjoy many types of music. The Kodaly (kō dī) philosophy of teaching is implemented in the elementary grades. Beginning in 5th grade, the students have the opportunity to participate in concert band.